Hand Embroidery Needles

An embroidery (crewel) needle is sharp, long-eyed and slightly thicker than a sewing needle: it carries floss without crushing it and passes dense fabric easily. This category carries Milward embroidery needles in 3–9, 5–10 and single-size 6 packs, plus wide-eye size 18–24 chenille needles for ribbon and wool. All needles are in Embroidery Needles.

Which Size for Which Thread?

The higher the number, the finer the needle: size 9–10 for 1–2 strands of floss, 7–8 for 3–4 strands, 5–6 for 6 strands and pearl cotton. In ribbon embroidery use a size 22 chenille for 4 mm ribbon and size 18 for 7 mm. The eye should not crush the thread nor punch an oversized hole; assorted packs are practical for mixed stitches.