Delivery across Israel✦Warehouse in Tel Aviv✦Personal advice for businesses and designers

Personal advice for businesses and designers✦Warehouse in Tel Aviv✦Delivery across Israel✦

Hand sewing needles

Hand sewing needles

Hand needles for repairs, sewing and crafting: self-threading and easy-threading needles, wool needles for repairing knitwear, long doll needles and mixed packs from Prym. For home seamstresses, crafters and groups.

How to choose a hand-sewing needle

With hand needles the numbering works the opposite way to machine needles: the higher the number, the finer and shorter the needle. A size 5 needle is relatively thick and long, while a size 9 is fine and delicate. Choose according to the thickness of the fabric and thread: the thread should go through the eye without being squeezed, and the needle should pass through the fabric without leaving a hole.

Types of hand needles

  • Regular sewing needles: for mending, hems and buttons.

  • Self-threading needles: an eye that is open at the top, so the thread clicks in with a light press. For anyone who finds threading difficult.

  • Wool (darning) needles: a wide eye for thick yarn, for mending knitwear and joining pieces.

  • Doll needles: very long, up to 127 mm, for sewing through a stuffed body.

  • Embroidery and upholstery needles: see the separate subcategories.

Tips for hand sewing

  • Cut a length of thread of about 50 cm. Thread that is too long gets tangled.

  • Run the thread over beeswax or a dry bar of soap so it doesn't twist.

  • Use a thimble when sewing thick fabric.

More needles

For embroidery needles see embroidery needles, for upholstery work upholstery needles, and for quick threading needle threaders. A complete guide to choosing a needle is in needles, and machine needles are in needles for home sewing machines. Before sewing, hold the fabric together with pins; all the other tools are in sewing accessories.

Related guide: Hand-sewing needles: how to identify a needle by its point, eye and size

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose a needle for hand sewing?

According to the thickness of the fabric and the thread. The thread should enter the eye without being squeezed, and the needle should pass through the fabric without leaving a hole.

What does the number on a hand needle mean?

In hand needles a higher number is a thinner and shorter needle. A size 5 needle is thicker than a size 9.

What is a self-threading needle?

A needle with an eye open at the top. Place the thread over the opening and press, and the thread goes in.

Which needle suits wool yarn?

A wool needle with a wide eye.

Which needle suits sewing dolls?

A long doll needle, which passes through the stuffed body from side to side.

What length of thread should I sew with?

About 50 cm. A longer thread tangles and wears.

Why does the thread twist while hand sewing?

The thread is twisting. Run it over beeswax and let it relax from time to time.

Which needle suits sewing on buttons?

A regular medium-size sewing needle, or a self-threading needle for a quick repair.

Do I need a thimble?

With thick fabrics and long sewing sessions, yes. It protects the finger and pushes the needle.

Can I buy needles in quantity?

Yes. Phone 03-9444226 or WhatsApp 055-2473993.