Are embroidery needles the same as sewing needles?

Details

A hand sewing needle usually has a sharp tip and a round eye. It is designed for piercing fabric and stitching with a fine piece of thread.

If it is all you have, you certainly can do embroidery with a hand sewing needle. But if you are going to do a lot of embroidery and develop your skills, it is worth it to invest in purpose-designed needles.

There are many different types of needles used for embroidery, and the one you want will depend on the type of stitching you are doing.

Here are the two most general types of needles to use.

For counted thread embroidery, you will want a needle with a long eye and a dull tip. The long eye accommodates the thicker embroidery thread that you will be using. 

The dull tip is because in counted thread stitching (like cross stitch, hardanger and needlepoint) you are not piercing the fabric. You are putting the needle into holes that are already in the fabric.

For surface embroidery, you will want a needle with a long eye and a sharp tip. That is because you are piercing the fabric to make the stitches.

For more information about embroidery needles, you can check my detailed tutorials on specific needles and embroidery tools.

I always encourage people to start small when getting into a new hobby. There is no need to invest hundreds of dollars into something that you may or may not enjoy. But in the case of embroidery, the right needles are a small investment that can make a big difference.

Learn more about embroidery tools and supplies here.

More Embroidery Tips

See more embroidery hacks and quick answers to your questions HERE.