How to Make Bone Sewing Needles
Bone needles have been made by man for thousands of years, according to Robin Dennell's 1986 work, "Needles and Spear Throwers." These types of needles and hooks were inexpensive and could easily be filed into many different sizes and shapes to be used for a variety of purposes. Making bone hooks and needles for sewing and other textile craft work can be an interesting project.
Things You'll Need
- Beef bone
- Pot of water
- Knife
- Lemon juice
- Hacksaw
- Wood chisel
- Hammer
- Files (assorted set)
- Sand paper (medium to fine grit)
- Emery board
- Scissors
- Small drill
- Soap
- Water
Instructions
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1
Select a beef bone such as a rib. Place the rib in boiling water to loosen any remaining tissue. Scrape the bone with a knife by dragging the side of the blade along the bone like a scraper.
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2
Soak the clean bone in lemon juice for 30 minutes to bleach and kill bacteria.
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3
Cut the bone into a tapered shape using a hacksaw. Split the bone in half using a thin wood chisel and a hammer.
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4
Remove the marrow by scraping the spongy bone away with the knife.
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5
File the sliver into the length and shape of the needle you want. The needle head where you will make a hole should be somewhat flattened while the pointed end of the needle should be filed more rounded and smooth. Use medium to fine grit sand paper as you near the point to make it smooth and sharp.
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6
Use a small drill to create the size of thread hole you want to use. You can elongate the thread hole by drilling more than one hole close together and filing them into a single hole. Use strips of emery board (nail files) cut with scissors to create thin sanding strips to shape and finish the hole.
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7
Wash the bone needle with soap and water. Immerse it in lemon juice for 30 minutes and rinse. This should make the needle a little brighter and cleaner.
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Tips & Warnings
Bone tools can be carved to add to their rustic appeal. It is also easy to shape knitting needles, crochet hooks and other weaving tools the same basic way.
