How to Buy Embroidery Needles

Not just any needle will do for embroidery. The type of thread, fabric and embroidery techniques involved will determine what kind of needle is going to work best.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Embroidery Yarns
• Threads
• Embroidery Scissors
• Embroidery Floss
• Fabrics
• Embroidery Threads
• Embroidery Needles
• Embroidery Hoops

1. Learn what types of needles are available. Most commonly used are crewel, short with long, slim eye and sharp point; chenille, slightly larger with long eye and sharp point; and tapestry, with its blunt tip.
2. Look for the needle's size number. All three types come in various numbered sizes. The higher the number, the finer the needle.
3. Match the needle to your thread size. The correct-size needle should be only slightly thicker at the eye than the thickness of your thread, making a hole in the fabric that the thread can pass through easily.
4. Match the needle to your fabric and embroidery technique. Sharp-tipped crewel or chenille needles work best for projects requiring you to stitch through the fabric. Blunt-tipped tapestry needles are suitable for stitches worked in the top threads of the fabric, such as in huck embroidery.
5. Visit the crafts or sewing department of local stores to purchase needles.

Tips & Warnings

• A shorter needle is usually easiest to work with.
• Using too small a needle may cause your thread to break.
• Using too large a needle may make it difficult to keep your stitches even.