Whatever needles you buy
Or sewing notions, accessories, or tools, always buy the best quality you can afford or find. The lay-out cost for better quality is a bit more, but you’ll save money in the long run. Moreover, these products will always be a pleasure to use. As for needles, there are many types and sizes to choose from.
The most common
Sharps
These are the most popular ones for general hand sewing. Sharp needles are medium-length and the most commonly used needles for hand sewing.
| Size 2, 3 and 4 | Suitable for medium to heavy fabrics |
| Size 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 | Suitable for light to medium fabrics |
| Size 11 and 12 | Used for fine fabrics or creating tiny delicate stitches |
Darners
Yarn Darner
These are pretty long needles with a longer, larger eye, ideal for threading thicker cotton or wool yarns. Sizes 14 to 18 are popular for sewing knitted or crocheted pieces together or repairing knitwear holes.
Short Darner
Long Darner
A little more specialised
Embroidery Crewel
These have long eyes, making them easier to thread. The most popular sizes used to embroider are sizes 7 and 9, with a sharp end and a medium-sized eye. They are ideal for use with various threads and run smoothly through fairly tight woven fabrics.
Chenille
Chenille needles have a sharp point and a large, long eye, making them easy to thread. Used in crewel embroidery and ribbon embroidery and come in various sizes.
Tapestry
Tapestry needles are larger and have a blunt, rounded tip. Used mainly for needlepoint or cross-stitch. The blunt tip helps keep the needle within the allocated spaces in the fabric. The eye is long, making it easy to thread. They come in a variety of sizes.
Quilting
These are very short and fine with a round eye. The shorter length allows the quilter to create quick and even stitching. They came in a range of sizes.
Beading 
Standard Beading needles are thin and long, with long eyes available in sizes 10 to 15. Used with beads, pearls, and sequins.
Milliners
Milliners are long with round eyes and are traditionally used in the art of hat making, smocking, and creating French knots.
All the above needles are readily available.
A good selection of needles can be found on Amazon (I am not affiliated with any company). Charity shops are worth a look; ensure the needles are in good condition. Ask friends and family if they have needles they no longer use.
