Comparison
Embroidery needle sizes and types: which needle do you need?
For hand embroidery with 2 strands of floss, use a crewel needle, also called an embroidery needle, in size 7 to 9. Crewel needles have a sharp point and a long eye that takes several strands. The bigger the number, the finer the needle. Chenille, tapestry and milliner needles are for thicker threads, weaving and knots.
The needle types, side by side
Hand embroidery needles and what each is for
| Needle | Point | Eye | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crewel (embroidery) | Sharp | Long, a little wider than the shaft | Most surface embroidery, from one strand of floss to six |
| Chenille | Sharp | Large | Thicker threads like wool or pearl cotton, and turkey work |
| Tapestry | Blunt | Large | Sliding under stitches without piercing them, for whipping and weaving, and counted work on Aida |
| Milliner (straw) | Sharp | Small and round, no wider than the shaft | French knots and bullion knots: the wraps slide off easily |
| Sewing needle | Sharp | Small and round | Sewing; fiddly with more than one strand of floss |
How needle sizes work
Needles are sized by number, and the numbers run backward: the bigger the number, the finer the needle. A size 10 crewel needle is finer than a size 7. Pick a needle whose eye takes your thread easily and that makes a hole just big enough for it to pass through without dragging.
Crewel needle sizes for stranded floss (from Needle 'n Thread and Wandering Threads)
| Crewel size | Floss |
|---|---|
| 3 or 4 | All six strands |
| 7 | Two to four strands |
| 8 or 9 | Two strands, the everyday choice |
| 10 | A single strand, for fine details |
A mixed pack of crewel needles, such as sizes 3 to 9 or 5 to 10, covers almost everything.
The needle for a dog portrait
Every line in a Stitch Your Dog portrait is 2 strands of black floss, so the course asks for a crewel needle in size 7 to 9. Size 9 is a little finer; size 7 has a slightly bigger eye that's easier to thread.
- Wipe it now and then. Stitching through a sticky stick and stitch sheet can make the needle gummy. A little rubbing alcohol on a cloth cleans it.
- Swap a dull or bent needle. If it starts to drag through the linen, a fresh one is worth it.
- Add a tapestry needle if you'll whip a line, and a milliner needle if you'll stitch lots of knots.
How to thread an embroidery needle
- Cut at a slant. Cut the floss with sharp scissors at an angle. A clean, pointed end goes through the eye more easily.
- Pinch it flat. Hold the end between finger and thumb so only a tiny tip shows.
- Bring the eye to the thread. Push the needle's eye down onto the pinched end, rather than poking the thread at the eye.
- For a loop start. Fold one long strand in half and thread the two cut ends together, leaving the loop at the other end. See how to start without a knot.
Questions people ask
What size needle for 2 strands of floss?
A crewel (embroidery) needle in size 7 to 9. Size 9 is a little finer; size 7 has a slightly bigger eye that's easier to thread.
What is the best needle for hand embroidery?
For most surface embroidery, a crewel needle. A mixed pack, such as sizes 3 to 9, covers everything from one strand of floss to six.
Can I use a sewing needle?
For a single strand, in a pinch. Most sewing needles have a small round eye, so two or more strands are hard to thread and wear as they pull through. A crewel needle's longer eye takes them easily.
How do you thread an embroidery needle for beginners?
Cut the floss at a slant with sharp scissors, pinch the end flat so only a tiny tip shows, and push the eye down onto it. For a loop start, fold one strand in half and thread both cut ends together.
How do you thread a needle for cross stitch?
The same way. Cross stitch on Aida usually uses a blunt tapestry needle, and its large eye takes 2 strands easily.
Sources: Needle 'n Thread: Keeping it simple on hand embroidery needles · Needle 'n Thread: Milliner needles and bullion needles · Wandering Threads: 6 essential hand embroidery supplies · DMC: How to use stranded thread