Embroidery Needles: Types, Sizes and Which One to Use
The right needle makes stitching easier and neater. It opens a hole just big enough for the thread to pass without wear, has an eye you can thread without a fight, and has the right point: sharp to pierce fabric, or blunt to slide between threads. For hand embroidery, four needle types cover almost everything.
Which embroidery needle to use, in short: a crewel (embroidery) needle in size 7–9 for one to three strands of stranded cotton on cotton or linen, size 5 for four to six strands, a chenille needle for wool and perle cotton, a tapestry needle for whipping and lacing, and a milliner’s needle for French knots and bullions.
Types of Embroidery Needles
| Needle | Point | Eye | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crewel / embroidery | Sharp | Long | General surface embroidery with stranded cotton |
| Chenille | Sharp | Large, long | Wool, perle cotton, ribbon, thicker fabric |
| Tapestry | Blunt | Large | Whipped and threaded stitches, evenweave, lacing |
| Milliner’s (straw) | Sharp | Small, round | French knots, bullion and cast-on stitches |
| Beading | Sharp | Very narrow | Sewing beads onto embroidery |
Embroidery Needle Size Chart
Needle sizes run backwards: the higher the number, the finer the needle. Match the needle to the thickness of the thread.
| Thread | Crewel needle size |
|---|---|
| 1 strand of stranded cotton | 9–10 |
| 2–3 strands | 7–8 |
| 4–6 strands | 5–6 |
| Perle cotton size 8 | 5 or chenille 24 |
| Perle cotton size 5, crewel wool | 3–4 or chenille 22 |
If the thread frays quickly or is hard to pull through, the needle is too small. If it leaves visible holes around the stitches, it is too large.
How to Thread an Embroidery Needle
- Cut the thread cleanly at an angle with sharp scissors.
- Fold the end over the needle, pinch the fold tight, slide the needle out and push the folded loop through the eye. A fold passes more easily than cut ends.
- Or use a needle threader: push its wire loop through the eye, put the thread through the loop and pull back.
- Use a length of about 40–50 cm. Longer threads tangle and wear thin.
Caring for Needles
- Keep needles in a needle book or case; a pincushion with emery helps keep points smooth.
- Replace a needle when it starts to drag or snag: points and plating wear.
- Do not leave a needle in the fabric between sessions; it can leave a rust mark.
For thread choices, see our embroidery floss guide and the strand count guide.
Patterns to Stitch Next
Every Lumellu pattern is an instant PDF with vector line art in several hoop sizes, DMC colour codes, a materials list and a separate Stitch Guide PDF. These are good first projects:
See all hand embroidery patterns →
Embroidery Needles FAQ
What is the best needle for embroidery beginners?
A mixed pack of crewel needles in sizes 3–9; size 7 or 8 suits two or three strands of floss.
Are crewel needles the same as embroidery needles?
Yes. “Crewel needle” is the standard name for a sharp embroidery needle with a long eye.
Which needle is best for French knots?
A milliner’s needle: its eye is no wider than the shaft, so it slides through the wraps easily.
