Embroidery Tools & Notions – Needles, Scissors & More
The small tools that make hand embroidery easier: crewel embroidery needles, sharp little embroidery scissors, needle threaders, thimbles, needle minders and punch needle tools. Looking for floss, hoops or patterns too? Find it all in our embroidery supplies shop. read more
The small tools that make hand embroidery easier: crewel embroidery needles, sharp little embroidery scissors, needle threaders, thimbles, needle minders and punch needle tools. Looking for floss, hoops or patterns too? Find it all in our embroidery supplies shop.
-
Pocket Guide To Pretty Stitches
$8.25
-
On-The-Go Embroidery Cards Set 1
$24.75
-
John James Signature Needle Collection - Size 9 Embroidery
$17.75
-
DMC Embroidery Needle Case
$11.35
-
DMC Two 1-1/2" Metal Rings
$2.75
-
DIY Embroidered Shoes Book
$17.95
-
Omnigrid Quilter's Travel Case
$56.95
-
Clover Double Tracing Tool
$12.25
-
Prop-It® Portable Magnetic Needlework Pattern Holder with Magnifier
$70.95
Embroidery Tools & Notions – Needles, Scissors & More
Having the right embroidery tools on hand can make creating beautiful and intricate designs much easier! From hand embroidery needles and scissors to threaders, thimbles and needle minders, we’ve sourced the finest embroidery products for you right here in our online store.
Keep your floss organized and tangle-free with bobbins, metal rings and storage cases, and find floss itself in our hand embroidery thread collection.
Embroidery Needle Sizes
Shopping for hand embroidery needles online can be difficult if you are not familiar with the various types available, and what they are used for. Hand embroidery needle types include crewel needles, tapestry needles, and embroidery needles with different eye sizes (usually identified by numbers) for various thread thicknesses.
The higher the number, the smaller the needle. Common sizes for embroidery needles range from 1 to 12, with 7 and 9 being the most popular for general embroidery work. Larger embroidery needles (lower numbers) are suitable for heavier fabrics, while smaller needles (higher numbers) work well with lighter fabrics. Your pattern will likely specify the best embroidery needle to achieve the results pictured, but personal preference will also come into play.
An embroidery needle threader can be particularly helpful when dealing with small or fine needles and threads, or if you have difficulty threading needles due to poor eyesight or dexterity issues. It can save time and frustration, especially when working on intricate embroidery projects that involve frequent needle re-threading.
Embroidery needle threaders are available in various designs, and some may have additional features, such as built-in cutters or multiple sizes of threading loops. They are relatively inexpensive and are a handy tool to have in your embroidery kit. You’ll find some of the best embroidery needle threaders right here in our selection of embroidery notions.
Another handy embroidery tool is a magnetic needle minder. This useful embroidery accessory helps prevent your needle from getting lost or accidentally sticking into your fabric when not in use. Many embroidery needle minders come with decorative designs, making them not only functional but also visually appealing. Magnetic needle minders are particularly useful for individuals who work on intricate projects that involve frequent needle changes or for those who tend to misplace their needles.
Fabric markers & pens can be used for transferring designs onto your fabric before stitching. Quality is important when choosing fabric pens for embroidery, and we are big fans of embroidery transfer pens which use water-soluble ink that can be easily removed with water or by washing the fabric. You can explore different transfer methods, such as iron-on transfers, pencils, or embroidery pens, to transfer your embroidery designs onto fabric accurately.
An embroidery stiletto is a tool used in embroidery and sewing. It typically consists of a slender, pointed metal or plastic tip attached to a handle. The pointed tip is designed to help with various tasks in embroidery, such as guiding and manipulating fabric, threads, or stitches.
The embroidery stiletto is particularly useful for intricate embroidery work where precision is crucial. It can be used to hold down small fabric pieces, guide threads through tight spaces, or assist in creating precise stitches. The pointed end allows for detailed control and accuracy, making it easier for the embroiderer to navigate through the fabric and achieve fine details in their work.
Stiletto embroidery tools are similar to tweezers in that they both have pointed tips and can be used for detailed work in embroidery. Embroidery tweezers are more focused on picking up and placing small objects, while an embroidery stiletto is geared toward guiding fabric and threads during the stitching process. Depending on the specific needs of your embroidery project, you might find one tool more suitable than the other, or you may choose to use both for different tasks.
Embroidery Scissors
Small, sharp embroidery scissors are essential for cutting embroidery floss and trimming threads. Embroidery trimming scissors are characterized by their fine, pointed tips and small size, which allows for detailed cutting in tight spaces. These scissors are sometimes called embroidery thread snips, and they are often used to trim threads and perform other intricate maneuvers during the embroidery process.
Precision is crucial in embroidery, so investing in the best embroidery scissors within your budget is recommended. A sharp pair of embroidery scissors with a fine point will enable you to make precise cuts without damaging the surrounding fabric or embroidery stitches. Additionally, some embroidery scissors come with decorative handles or unique designs, adding a touch of aesthetic appeal to the tool. Choosing the best embroidery snips and scissors depends on personal preference and the specific type of needlework being done.
Especially useful for detailed embroidery work, an embroidery light and magnifier can help you see your stitches more clearly, select thread colors accurately, and reduce eye strain. Many embroidery lights use LED bulbs, which are energy-efficient, emit less heat, and are available in various color temperatures. Daylight lamps for needlework are specialized lighting fixtures designed to simulate natural daylight conditions. These needlework lights are particularly popular among crafters, needleworkers, and artists who require optimal lighting for detailed and intricate tasks, such as embroidery, cross-stitching, knitting, or any other needlework projects. The best embroidery lights will allow you to adjust both the brightness and position to ensure that your entire work area is lit consistently.
Your personal preferences and the specific type of embroidery you're undertaking will ultimately determine what embroidery notions and tools are the most useful and appropriate for your project. As you gain experience, you may discover additional embroidery tools that enhance your embroidery projects. However, we aim to make things easier for you by sourcing the best embroidery notions from trusted brands right here in our online store. Happy stitching!
Embroidery Tools & Notions FAQs
What size embroidery needle should I use?
For two or three strands of floss, most stitchers reach for a size 7 to 9 crewel (embroidery) needle. One reviewer found a John James size 9 has an eye big enough for 3 strands. For perle cotton or six strands, go up to a larger needle (lower number), like a size 5 embroidery sharp or a sashiko needle.
Will a needle threader work with embroidery floss?
It depends on the threader. Tiny wire threaders are made for fine quilting needles, and a few customers found the hook too small to pull two strands of floss through. Reviewers who stitch with floss, perle cotton or yarn love the sturdier needlework threaders, which don’t bend or break with thicker thread.
I can’t keep a thimble on. What else can I try?
Adhesive leather thimble pads are a customer favorite for anyone who can’t get used to a metal thimble. They stick right to your fingertip, don’t fall off, and can be reused several times. Rubber and soft thimbles fit some fingers better than others, so check the size before you order.
What makes a good pair of embroidery scissors?
Small, sharp blades that cut right to the tip, so you can snip floss close to the fabric and slip under a stitch you need to pick out. Customers love our 4.5" Everyday Scissors for embroidery bags. Some use them as thread snips at the sewing machine and for appliqué too.
What is a needle minder?
A needle minder is a decorative magnet that sits on top of your fabric, with a second magnet behind it, so your needle has somewhere safe to rest between stitches. Reviewers say a strong magnet makes all the difference, and many buy extras as gifts for stitching friends.