Choosing Embroidery Needles

There are many different types of handwork needles available. The type and size of needle you use will vary depending on the fabric, the type of embroidery, and the thread (floss) you are using. Embroidery (crewel) needles and chenille needles are the two most commonly used types for surface embroidery. Both are compatible with 6-strand floss, but they differ slightly in shape and size. Chenille needles are shorter and have larger eyes, making them easier to thread.

Both types of needles offer advantages, but for beginners, it's best to use whichever type feels more comfortable. Embroidery (crewel) needles range in size from 1 to 12, with size 1 being the largest and size 12 the smallest. In contrast, chenille needles are sized from 13 to 28, with size 13 being the largest and size 28 the smallest. To help you find your preference, I suggest starting with a multi-pack of each type. For embroidery (crewel) needles, a starter pack in sizes 3-9 or 5-10 is ideal. For chenille needles, consider using sizes 18-24 or 22-26.

The size of the needle you choose should correspond to the thickness of the thread you are using. Some patterns may provide recommendations for needle size; however, this can be tricky since most needles aren't marked, making it challenging to determine their size just by looking. Moreover, needle sizes are not standardized among manufacturers, meaning that needles labeled as the same size can slightly differ between brands. Therefore, it's best to select a needle based on the thickness of your thread (or floss). The fewer strands you use, the smaller the needle you will need.

Choose a needle that is large enough to accommodate the number of strands you are using; the shaft of the needle should be slightly wider than the thread. The needle creates the hole for the thread, so if it's too small, it may cause drag on the thread against the fabric, leading to fuzziness or breakage. Conversely, if the needle is too large, it will leave noticeable holes in the fabric around the thread.

As you gain more experience with embroidery, you'll develop a sense of which size and type of needle work best for your projects. When in doubt, start with a larger needle, as most fabrics will heal slightly around the thread as you add stitches. After a few stitches, if you notice a significant gap in the fabric around your thread, consider switching to a smaller needle.