Best Embroidery & Crewel Needles of 2026

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 25, 2026

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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

Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles Cover #TOP 1
Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Bohin Size 7 Crewel Needles Cover #TOP 2
Bohin Size 7 Crewel Needles
ftb score rating icon 9.7
John James Crewel Needles Assorted Sizes Cover #TOP 3
John James Crewel Needles Assorted Sizes
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Embroidery & Crewel Needles

#TOP 1

Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles

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.

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
#TOP 2

Bohin Size 7 Crewel Needles

silver
7 15/Pkg
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.

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
#TOP 3

John James Crewel Needles Assorted Sizes

JJCC003
ASSORT. (14)
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.

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
#TOP 4

Colonial Needle Crewel Hand Needles Size 7

JJ135-07
Silver
1 PACK
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.

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
#TOP 5

Bohin Size 9 Embroidery Needles

7217
Silver
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.

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
#TOP 6

Colonial Needle HW235-3-9 Embroidery/Crewel Needles

HW235-3-9
Size 3-9
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.

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
#TOP 7

Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles, Size 10

silver
10 15/Pkg
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.

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
#TOP 8

Colonial Needle Size 9 Embroidery Needles

JJ135-09
Silver
Size 9
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.

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
#TOP 9

Colonial Needle HW235-04 Embroidery Needle

HW235-04
silver
Size 4
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.

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
#TOP 10

John James Crafter's Collection Crewel Needles Set

JJCC001
Blue
ASSORT. 18/22 (10)
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.

What We Like
Large eye for easy threading
Fits 6 strands of floss
Sharp needle points
Medium-sized for beginners
Buying Guide Image

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 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.

Embroidery & Crewel Needles Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
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#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
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
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.7
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