Archeologists have found bone needles in some the oldest known sites of human habitation. Today’s needles come in a variety of specialized styles and lengths. Sharps are best for hand sewing. As the name implies. sharps have a very sharp point. Sharps are a medium length needle and range from size 1 to size 10. Size 1 is the largest in diameter and the longest, while size 10 is short and fine. The size you choose depends on the weight of your fabric and on your own preference. Thin, delicate fabrics do best with a thinner, shorter needle. Choose a needle that passes through your fabric easily and that you feel comfortable working with.

Sewing machine needles also come in several sizes and types. American sewing machine needle sizes range from 8 to 19. Sizing in machine needles is just the opposite of hand needles; with machine needles, the smallest number indicates the thinnest needle. Most fabrics and projects take a size 14 machine needle. Delicate fabrics may need a size 9 needle and heavy fabrics like canvas, corduroy, denim, and upholstery fabric do better with size 16, or 18. Only the heaviest fabrics require a size 19 needle. In Europe, machine needle sizes range from 60 to 120, with 60 being the American size 8 and 120 being the American size 19. Standard sewing machine needles are sharps; if you are working with knits or some other delicate fabric, it is best to use ball-point machine needles, which will not prick the fabric as easily.

A good thimble that fits your pushing finger is also a must if you do a lot of hand sewing. Thimbles not only protect your finger, they help you push the needle through heavy fabric or several layers. Thimbles come in plastic, metal, and even porcelain; the porcelain ones are generally decorative and more for display than use. A standard thimble can work well, but many people prefer the open styles and other variations sold for quilters.