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Best Embroidery & Crewel Needles of 2026

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Ann Hale

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Embroidery and crewel needles are essential tools for anyone interested in embroidery and needlework. These needles come in a variety of sizes, allowing the user to choose the appropriate size for their particular project. Embroidery needles have a larger eye and a sharp point, while crewel needles have a longer shaft and a slightly blunted point. Both types of needles are ideal for stitching and embellishing fabrics, and are commonly used for embroidery, cross-stitching, and other forms of needlework. They are widely available and affordable, making them accessible to both beginners and experienced needleworkers alike.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Embroidery & Crewel Needles

#TOP 1

Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles

  • Bohin
  • Silver
  • 3/9 15/Pkg
Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles Cover

Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles, Size 3/9, 15 Per Package

The Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles are perfect for your linen embroidery projects. This package includes 15 metal needles of size 3/9, which are ideal for all your sewing projects. These needles are made in France, and they work exceptionally well with embroidery and crewel projects.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • High quality construction
  • Sharp and smooth
  • Easy to thread
  • Good size variety
  • Convenient compact packaging

What We Don't Like

  • Eye not as wide as expected
  • Size 10 not included

What Customers Say

"I've been doing embroidery for decades, and these are by far the best needles I've encountered—they're a joy to use and the quality is truly superior."

"After trying many brands, I'm impressed with these needles. They're sharp, easy to thread, and the compact case is perfect for travel. I appreciate the good mix of sizes for different projects."

"I wanted reliable needles and after some research, I chose Bohin. These French-made needles glide effortlessly through fabric and have excellent build quality. I’m now a loyal fan!"

#TOP 2

Bohin Size 7 Crewel Needles

Bohin Size 7 Crewel Needles Cover

Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles, Size 7, 15 Per Package

Bohin Crewel Needles are essential tools for your embroidery projects. With fifteen size 7 needles included in each package, you’ll have enough to tackle multiple projects without running out. These needles are specifically designed for linen embroidery, making them perfect for creating beautiful and intricate designs. Their metal construction ensures durability, allowing you to work with ease and confidence. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter, these needles will provide the precision you need to bring your creative ideas to life.

9.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy to thread
  • Good quality needles
  • Multiple needles per pack
  • Ideal size and length
  • Smooth stitching experience

What We Don't Like

  • Occasionally missing one needle

What Customers Say

"These embroidery needles have become my favorites for various projects. I especially appreciate the perfect size and length, plus they're super easy to thread. It's a bonus having 15 needles in a pack so I can work with multiple colors at once. Absolutely love these!"

"I ordered these for a cross-stitch baby quilt project and was relieved to find the correct size that I needed. The needles work beautifully and made my work much easier."

"The needles are good quality and easy to use. I did notice my pack had 14 instead of 15, but for the price, they're still a solid value."

#TOP 3

John James Crewel Needles Assorted Sizes

John James Crewel Needles Assorted Sizes Cover

John James Crafter's Collection Crewel Embroidery Needles Assorted Sizes

The John James Crewel Needles offer a versatile set designed to spark your creativity. You can explore various textures by combining crewel yarn and floss in your projects. These needles come in sizes 3 and 5, allowing you to easily work with up to six strands of embroidery floss or stranded cotton, making your stitching tasks more efficient. This unique combination encourages experimentation, so you can create beautiful, textured designs that stand out in your embroidery work.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Sharp and strong needles
  • Easy to thread
  • Variety of sizes included
  • Reliable brand quality
  • Convenient online availability

What We Don't Like

  • Occasional size mislabeling

What Customers Say

"I was impressed with how sharp and sturdy these needles are, plus the larger eye makes threading embroidery thread a breeze. They were the perfect replacement for my old ones."

"Trying out crewelwork was smooth thanks to this comprehensive needle set—I had every size I needed in one go. The quality lived up to my expectations; John James is definitely among my top needle brands. The only brands I'd put above them have some extra features, but for regular use, these are the sweet spot."

"My order arrived in just one day, which was great because these needles are tough to find in stores. Delivery was fast and hassle-free!"

#TOP 4

Colonial Needle Crewel Hand Needles Size 7

Colonial Needle Crewel Hand Needles Size 7 Cover

Crewel/Embroidery Hand Needles-Size 7 16/Pkg

Colonial Needle Size 7 Needles are crafted from the finest quality materials, ensuring durability and precision for your embroidery projects. These needles are perfect for enhancing any design, allowing you to add intricate details to your work. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, these needles provide a smooth stitching experience, making your projects easier and more enjoyable. They serve as an excellent starting point for any project, giving you the confidence to create beautiful designs with ease.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Sharp and durable
  • Easy to thread
  • Comfortable to use
  • Large eye option
  • Glides smoothly through fabric

What We Don't Like

  • Small eye on some needles
  • Threading can be tricky

What Customers Say

"I've been sewing by hand since childhood, and I never realized how much difference high-quality needles make until I tried these. They glide through fabric effortlessly, are beautifully machined, and I love that they're easy to thread. I replaced all my old needles with these and couldn't be happier."

"I needed these for a class project and they worked perfectly—no issues at all. They really do the job well and made sewing so much easier."

"These are my go-to needles because they stay sharp for a long time and hold up through lots of use. The larger eye makes threading simple, and they don't bend easily like some other brands."

#TOP 5

Bohin Size 9 Embroidery Needles

Bohin Size 9 Embroidery Needles Cover

Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles, Size 9, 15-Pack

Bohin Embroidery Needles are a top choice for anyone who enjoys sewing and quilting. Known for their high quality, these needles are crafted with innovative techniques that ensure durability and precision. Made in France since 1822, Bohin has built a reputation for excellence in needle manufacturing. With these Size 9 needles, you can expect smooth stitching and enhanced control, making your embroidery projects easier and more enjoyable. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter, these needles will help you achieve professional-looking results.

9.3
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Strong and durable needles
  • Sharp point, smooth finish
  • Large, easy-to-thread eye
  • Great for embroidery and beading
  • Does not damage delicate fabrics

What We Don't Like

  • Some needles bend easily
  • Occasional barbed needle tips

What Customers Say

"I've found these needles to be sturdy yet slim enough to handle delicate embroidery work without leaving large holes in my fabric. The sharp point and smooth finish make stitching effortless, and I'm glad they're holding up well even with frequent use."

"As someone who beads and embroiders, I really appreciate that these needles are strong but still fit through small seed beads. They're perfect for my projects and have become my go-to choice."

"I switched to these after a friend's recommendation and I'm impressed by their quality. The eye is just the right size for easy threading. I plan on buying more for sure!"

#TOP 6

Colonial Needle HW235-3-9 Embroidery/Crewel Needles

Colonial Needle HW235-3-9 Embroidery/Crewel Needles Cover

Colonial Needle HW235-3-9 Richard Hemming Embroidery/Crewel Needle, Size 3-9

The Colonial Needle Embroidery Needles offer high-quality English craftsmanship, ensuring you get reliable and durable needles for your creative projects. Made in the United Kingdom, these needles provide a trusted standard of quality that can enhance your embroidery or crewel work. They are designed to help you add detailed and beautiful designs to any fabric, making your projects stand out with precision. The compact packaging makes them easy to store and carry, so you can conveniently take them wherever your crafting takes you. These needles are a great choice if you want to bring extra detail and creativity to your handiwork.

9.1
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Excellent needle quality
  • Glides smoothly through fabric
  • Durable and sharp tips
  • Works well for hand embroidery
  • Reduces hand fatigue

What We Don't Like

  • Small needle eyes
  • Country of origin confusion

What Customers Say

"These needles are truly worth their weight in gold. I do a lot of hand sewing, and they've made my work so much easier, even when handling multiple layers of dense cotton. I really appreciate how they save my hands from pain, though I do sometimes find the eyes a bit small and tricky to thread."

"I've been using this brand for hand quilting and recently tried them for embroidery. The quality is consistently impressive, and they work great across different types of stitching."

"I've had this set of needles for three years, using them for various embroidery projects. The needles stay sharp and resist corrosion, and they've never bent on me. I'm really impressed by their durability and performance on different fabrics."

#TOP 7

Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles, Size 10

Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles, Size 10 Cover

Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles, Size 10, 15 Per Package

Bohin Crewel Needles are excellent for all your linen embroidery projects. These fantastic needles are a must-have for sewing. With a package containing fifteen size 10 metal needles, you can work smoothly on your embroidery tasks. The needles from Bohin are specifically designed for crewel embroidery, ensuring precision and ease in your stitching. They are versatile, making them suitable for various sewing projects.

8.9
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Smooth fabric glide
  • Easy to thread
  • Sharp and fine tips
  • Consistent needle sizing
  • Durable and lightweight

What We Don't Like

  • Eye slightly narrow
  • Price a bit high

What Customers Say

"I've been favoring these needles for my fine embroidery and thread painting lately. They glide effortlessly through fabric and the slim packaging fits perfectly in my needle book, making it easy to keep extras handy. I primarily use them for one strand of embroidery floss, but two strands work fine as well. Compared to Tulip needles, these are simply more accessible and convenient for my needs."

"After searching for a thin, sharp needle with a longer eye, I finally found one that fits the bill—these are just under 1.5 inches and perfect for hand quilting with 12wt sulky thread. The longer eye is great for threading, though I recommend an ultra-fine needle threader for the best experience. The pack contains multiple needles of the same size, so I can rotate them as I work. These are my go-to for quilting now."

"For my delicate applique work, these needles are a standout. They're very thin and the eye is larger than most applique needles, which makes threading so much easier. They really make a difference when working on fine details."

#TOP 8

Colonial Needle Size 9 Embroidery Needles

Colonial Needle Size 9 Embroidery Needles Cover

Colonial Needle John James Embroidery/Crewel Needles, Size 9

The Colonial Needle Size 9 Needles are crafted from the finest quality materials, ensuring durability and precision for your embroidery projects. These needles are ideal for adding intricate designs to various fabrics, helping you bring your creative vision to life. Starting any project becomes effortless with these reliable needles, as they are designed for ease of use. Their compact packaging makes them convenient to store, so you can always have them on hand for your next crafting endeavor.

8.9
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Large needle eye
  • Easy threading
  • Sharp and smooth
  • Durable, no bending
  • Good for multiple threads

What We Don't Like

  • Length preference varies

What Customers Say

"I've used these needles for my Buscilla stockings projects and love that the large eye makes threading simple, even with multiple strands. They're also versatile enough for beading, sequins, and embroidery."

"With John James needles, I haven't had any issues with bending or breaking, unlike other brands. They're reliable and great for regular embroidery work."

"After dealing with a rusty old needle, I switched to these and was impressed by how smoothly they glide through fabric and how generously sized the eye is. The length is also just right for me—not too short."

#TOP 9

Colonial Needle HW235-04 Embroidery Needle

Colonial Needle HW235-04 Embroidery Needle Cover

Colonial Needle Richard Hemming Embroidery/Crewel Needle, Size 4

The Colonial Needle Embroidery Needle is crafted with top-quality materials from Wales, ensuring durability and precision for your stitching projects. This needle is perfect if you want to enhance your embroidery or crewel work, allowing you to add intricate and beautiful designs with ease. Its fine English craftsmanship means you get a reliable tool that helps make your needlework more enjoyable and efficient. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, this needle offers the quality and performance you need to create stunning results every time.

8.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Sharp and strong
  • Good value for money
  • High quality construction
  • Nicely sized eyes
  • Variety of sizes

What We Don't Like

  • May cause finger pricks

What Customers Say

"I’m really impressed by the sharpness and quality of these needles. The price is right, and they come in useful sizes—perfect for all my embroidery projects."

"After using these, I can honestly say they're one of my best little luxuries. They're so much better than the cheap ones I used before—strong, sharp, and easy to use. I have poked my fingers a few times, but it's worth it for the upgrade!"

"I like that these needles have nicely sized eyes and are strong and sharp—exactly what I need for hemming napkins and other sewing tasks. The quality is just what I expected."

#TOP 10

John James Crafter's Collection Crewel Needles Set

John James Crafter's Collection Crewel Needles Set Cover

John James Crafter's Collection Crewel Embroidery Needles x 10 Sizes 18,20,22

The John James Crewel Needles are perfect for beginners starting crewel embroidery. These medium-sized needles make working with crewel yarns easier because their large eyes allow you to thread yarns without hassle. They are also designed to fit up to six strands of floss or stranded cotton, giving you flexibility in your stitching. Additionally, their sharp points help you easily pierce through fabric, making your embroidery work smoother and more precise. This set is especially good if you prefer working on medium to coarse fabrics, making your creative process more enjoyable and efficient.

8.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Large eye for easy threading
  • Fits 6 strands of floss
  • Sharp needle points
  • Medium-sized for beginners

Embroidery & Crewel Needles Comparison Table

#TOP 1 Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles Cover

Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles

#TOP 2 Bohin Size 7 Crewel Needles Cover

Bohin Size 7 Crewel Needles

#TOP 3 John James Crewel Needles Assorted Sizes Cover

John James Crewel Needles Assorted Sizes

#TOP 4 Colonial Needle Crewel Hand Needles Size 7 Cover

Colonial Needle Crewel Hand Needles Size 7

#TOP 5 Bohin Size 9 Embroidery Needles Cover

Bohin Size 9 Embroidery Needles

#TOP 6 Colonial Needle HW235-3-9 Embroidery/Crewel Needles Cover

Colonial Needle HW235-3-9 Embroidery/Crewel Needles

#TOP 7 Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles, Size 10 Cover

Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles, Size 10

#TOP 8 Colonial Needle Size 9 Embroidery Needles Cover

Colonial Needle Size 9 Embroidery Needles

#TOP 9 Colonial Needle HW235-04 Embroidery Needle Cover

Colonial Needle HW235-04 Embroidery Needle

#TOP 10 John James Crafter's Collection Crewel Needles Set Cover

John James Crafter's Collection Crewel Needles Set

Brand Bohin Bohin John James Colonial Needle Bohin Colonial Needle Bohin Colonial Needle Colonial Needle John James
Point Type Sharp Sharp Sharp Point Sharp Sharp Sharp Sharp Sharp Sharp Sharp
Global Trade Identification Number 03073640007682 03073640007187 00783932203731 00783932200358 03073640007217 00783932101600 03073640007224 00783932200372 00783932101532 00783932203717
Item Weight 0.16 ounces 0.16 ounces 0.317 ounces 0.2 ounces 1.37 ounces 0.16 ounces 0.16 ounces 0.634 ounces 3.99 ounces 0.317 ounces
Color Silver silver - Silver Silver Red silver Silver silver Blue
Item Length 9 Millimeters - - 7.16 Inches 38 Millimeters 1.5 Inches 1.5 Inches 34 Millimeters 4 Millimeters 22 Millimeters
Material Metal Metal - Stainless Steel Stainless Steel - Metal Stainless Steel - -
FTB Score
9.8
9.7
9.5
9.5
9.3
9.1
8.9
8.9
8.7
8.7
Where to Buy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between embroidery and crewel embroidery?

Embroidery and crewel embroidery are similar, but crewel work is specifically done using wool threads. The heavier wool threads make the finished designs thicker and heavier compared to traditional embroidery. The use of wool yarn gives crewel embroidery a rich and textured effect.

2. What is the difference between sharp and crewel needles?

Sharp needles have a pointed tip and are commonly used for embroidery work. On the other hand, crewel needles, also known as big eye needles, have a sharp point and an elongated eye. They are suitable for embroidery work and are especially useful for those who struggle to thread a traditional needle.

3. What are the 3 types of embroidery needles?

The three types of needles commonly used for embellishing fabric are embroidery needles (also known as crewel needles), chenille needles, and tapestry needles.

4. Are crewel and embroidery needles the same?

Crewel needles are often referred to as embroidery needles. They have a medium-long eye, a slightly thinner shaft compared to the eye, and a sharp tip. So, crewel needles can be considered a type of embroidery needle.

5. Do you use a hoop for crewel embroidery?

There is no specific hoop required for crewel embroidery. Any hoop will do the trick, so you can easily find one at your local haberdashery or online craft shop.

6. What are the two types of embroidery needle?

There are several types of embroidery needles available. The two commonly used types are standard embroidery needles, which have a bulging eye above the shaft, and darning needles. Other types include tapestry needles, chenille needles, ribbon needles, huck needles, milliner needles, and gold-plated needles.

Editor's Notes

During our embroidery & crewel needle research, we found 24 embroidery & crewel needle products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,393 customer reviews through our big data system to write the embroidery & crewel needles list. We found that most customers choose embroidery & crewel needles with an average price of $6.55.

The embroidery & crewel needles are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of embroidery & crewel needles, including Bohin, John James, Colonial Needle. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 662 consumers with an average rating of 5.0.

Written by

Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.