Needles

Choosing the right embroidery needle mainly depends on your fabric and thread. If you're working on cross-stitch or tapestry with a looser weave, a tapestry needle with a blunt tip and large eye is ideal, so it doesn’t split the fabric. For general embroidery on tightly woven fabrics, go for an embroidery/crewel needle with a sharp tip and long eye—this makes piercing the fabric and threading multiple strands easy. For thick threads like yarn or ribbon, chenille needles with their extra-large eye are great. If you’re doing bullion knots or similar, try milliner/straw needles with their uniform shaft. Picking the right type ensures better stitch quality and less frustration!

The size of your embroidery needle should match both your fabric's weave and your thread thickness. For finer fabrics and single strands of embroidery floss, smaller needles (sizes 7–10) work best. For thicker threads or multiple strands, choose a lower-numbered, larger needle (sizes 3–6). Tapestry needles in larger sizes (like 22 or 24) are best for cross-stitch on aida or linen. As a tip, if the needle makes a hole just big enough for your thread to easily pass through the fabric without leaving a gap, you’ve picked the right size!

Needle point shapes are designed for specific uses and fabrics. A blunt tip—like on tapestry needles—slides between fabric threads and avoids snagging, which is perfect for counted cross-stitch or needlepoint. Sharp tips on embroidery/crewel or chenille needles are made to pierce tightly woven fabrics, letting you make clean and precise stitches. Using a sharp needle on a loose weave can split the fabric, and a blunt tip on tight fabric will be frustrating to use, so always match your needle tip to your fabric for the best results.

Having a variety pack of needles means you’ll always have the perfect needle on hand, no matter the project. Different sizes and types allow you to easily switch between fabrics and threads, try new techniques, and even let you experiment to see which feels most comfortable for you. If you’re unsure what your next project will be, or want to be prepared for any repair or travel stitching, a variety pack is a smart solution. It’s also handy for testing which needle size glides through your current fabric and thread combo.

To keep your embroidery and cross-stitch needles sharp and rust-free, store them in a needle case, pin cushion, or labeled organizer where they're not exposed to moisture. Label by size and type for easy access. Rotate your needles if you stitch a lot, so points stay sharp and the finish remains smooth. Try to test your needles on scrap fabric before each project and replace any that feel rough or bent. For extra protection, wipe your needles gently with a soft cloth after use, especially if you have naturally acidic skin.