Choosing the correct needle for a project can be tricky.

This should help make the process clearer.

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Tapestry needles:

These have a blunt point and a large eye. Use on canvas, evenweave linen, Aida and other fabrics where the holes are pre-made. Tapestry needles come in sizes 13-28, with 13 being the largest and 28 being the finest.

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Chenille needles:

These have a sharp point and a large eye. Used mainly on fabrics which don't have pre-made holes, although also used for sewing outlines on evenweave/Aida etc as the needle can pierce the fabric to create a smooth outline. Good to use with wool due to the large eye, as well as finer threads. Chenille needles come in sizes 13 – 28, with 13 being the largest and 28 being the finest.

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Embroidery needles:

Also called crewel needles (but not suitable for crewel wool.) These have a sharp point and a small eye. Use on fabrics which don't have pre-made holes.  Suitable for use with finer threads such as stranded cotton or silk floss. Crewel needles come in sizes 1-12, with 1 being the largest and 12 being the finest.

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Canvas HPI          Tapestry Needle

   8#-10#                              16

   10#-12#                            18

   12#-14#                            20

   14#-18#                            22

   22#-24#                        24-26

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To check if you have the correct size tapestry needle, push an empty needle through the canvas. If it spreads the canvas threads apart then the needle is too big.  If it drops through the canvas, then it's too small.  The needle should fit through the canvas without pushing the threads apart.

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