Needles come in a variety of types and sizes. The size of a needle is given as a number. The higher the number, the finer the needle. Ideally, the shaft of the needle should be of a similar thickness to the thread being used. The thread should fill the hole left by the needle when it passes through the fabric.
NEEDLE
SIZE
SUITABLE FOR
Chenille A thick needle with a large eye. Similar to a tapestry needle but with a sharp tip. This needle was originally used for tufted chenille yarns.
18 - 24
Suitable for thick threads such as tapestry wool, crewel wool, six strands of stranded cotton, no.3 and no. 5 perle cotton, thick silk and heavy metallic thread. Ideal for ribbon embroidery and wool embroidery.
Crewel (Embroidery)
A finer needle with a large, long eye. The large eye
makes the needle easier to thread. Sizes 7-9 arei deal for smocking.
9 - 10
3 - 8
Suitable for fine embroidery using one or two strands of cotton, silk or rayon. Unsuitable for bullion knots as the eye is too wide.
Excellent general purpose needles. Use with three to six strands of stranded cotton, silk or rayon and coton a broder (twisted, non-divisible cotton thread), broder medicis (fine wool thread), no.8 and no.12 perle cotton and fine metallic thread.
Sharps A good general purpose needle. The small, round eye provides strength for the needle and prevents excess wear on the thread
10 - 12
7 - 9
Suitable for fine embroidery including bullion knots. Use with one or two strands of stranded cotton, silk or rayon. The no.12 is sometimes known as a hand applique needle.
Use with two or three strands of stranded cotton, silk or rayon. Also suitable for bullion knots.
Straw (Milliners) These are fabulous for bullions. A straw needle has tiny eye and a long, fine shaft. Because the eye is no wider than the shaft, they are invaluable for beading and for pulling through the wraps when stitching bullion knots. Traditionally used for work on bonnets and hats.
9 - 11
5 - 8
1 - 4
Use with one or two strands of stranded cotton, silk or rayon.
Use with three or four strands of stranded cotton, silk or rayon.
Use with four to six strands of stranded cotton, silk or rayon, no.8 and no.12 perle cotton, coton a broder and metallic threads. Also suitable for Brazilian embroidery using thick, twisted threads.
Tapesty A medium length needle with a thick shaft, a blunt tip and a long eye. The blunt tip parts the fabric threads rather than splitting them.
26 - 28
18 - 24
Suitable for decorative hem stitching on fine linens, fine counted cross stitch and petit point.
Suitable for counted thread embroidery such as cross stitch, blackwork, pulled and drawn thread work and Hardanger. Also suitable for wool embroidery, needleweaving and shadow work.
This article was published on Thursday 06 September, 2007.
