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So, we get quite a few questions from beaders and readers about Needles and what they are. Unfortunately there isn't much information out there on the needles themselves, and in some cases even less in regards of which are best for what project. So today's Blog we will look through some of the most popular needles that you can purchase from ourselves and across the internet, what makes them good for what project and most importantly Sizes compared to your Seed beads.
So grab your tea, put your feet up and relax as we take you through a quick synopsis of needles for your future creations!
Known and revered for their precision and manufacturing, English Beading Needles are thin, inflexible needles created from strong and hardwearing steel for one of the easiest and best needles for beginners or advanced beadweavers. They can be used for numerous different applications and weaves from simple off loom weaves and threading to more complicated bezel making and embellishments. They come in a range of sizes from 10 - 15 (depending on your application) each created from high quality and durable materials to last beaders a considerable amount of time and uses.
A word of caution however, due to these needles being thinner in Shape and diameter, that they can be misshappen and (rarely) break under pressure, so if your project involves materials with more layers then standard, then you may need to use a brand new variation then used (prehaps slightly blunted) needles.
Japanese Beading Needles have similar characteristics as the English ones, which are thin, strong and inflexible steel needles which can be used for variety of applications and creations. They have a reinforced eye at the top of the needle, to prevent them from collapsing or bending over usage and have a sharpened point to easily travel through materials and pick up the smallest seed beads avaliable. They are slightly more expensive then the English needles due to imports, but either needle are excellent for weaving and sewing. They are recommended for Japanese seed beads such as Toho, Treasures and Miyukis by their creators for a complete Japanese beading experience
Similiar to the English needles also, regular care and attention is needed on these needles are needed to ensure clean and precise sewing and weaving as extended time and stress can cause warps, bents and eventually breakages in the needles themselves.
Big Eyed needles differ from standard needles - A standard needle is usually created with one body, which is rigid and shaped to prevent it from being split or bent without severe force applied to it. Big Eyes however are created from two seperate, and slightly thinner needles which are soldered together to create a complete piece. The eye itself, due to it being formed from two, is fairly large and expands and collapses as needed allowing a number of different threads and materials to be threaded - such as ribbon, twines, yarns and a variety of others. The needle itself is strong and durable from the two formed high tensiled wires, that when put together allows the needle to have some extra flexibility and pliability. They are perfect for crafters who crochet and knit as they allow a number of different size beads and threadable materials to be incorporated easily
As the name implies, these are one of the most malleable and flexible needles for beading that you can buy. Created and shaped from steel wire, these needles are perfect for those looking for needle for multiple weaving and threading beads. It’s enlarged eye is also collapsible in some cases, prevent large holes from occurring when pulling through materials and thicker threads but also has the added benefit of being easily threaded for those who may struggle with eye threading. A word of warning to users of these needles however, as extended use through tough materials or bending them through wires can cause the needle to warp and twist slightly creating kinks in the wire which prevent smooth applications. They are, however on a positive note, relatively inexpensive so they can be easily replaced if damaged.
Soft wire needles are similiar to flexible needles, as they haven't been physically treated or tempered to make them rigid and strong like needles such as English and Japanese Beading Needles , but instead are used in their "raw" state making them slightly more maluable and flexible for your beading and weaving. These needles also have a collapsable eye that will fall when being threaded to allow them to go through comfortably. These needles are perfect for those that need to be close knitted or weaved, as their flexible nature allows them to be bent onto themselves for a tighter loop, knot or weave - aspects needed in Soutache weaving through the felt, beading weaving and off-loom projects. Due to the softer material, however, there are possibilites of stress and breakages to the needle from being bent and contorted into spaces and maybe only usable for a few projects before kinks can prevent smooth treading
Shorter needles have the same characteristics as their larger counterparts, created and shaped with a sharped point for threading beads, macramé, cross stitching etc but using smaller actions to create tighter and smaller knots and weaves between beads etc. The eyes of the needles not protrude from the main body, to allow the threading to be smooth with little holes and preventing the eye from being caught on materials. Although these beads are able to weave through smaller beads with ease, larger spaces or longer stitches needed are slightly stunted as they are unable to the same lengths as standard sizes.
A specialist needle for pearl Cords and likewise, these needles are extremely smooth and flexible to prevent any damage and issues when working with delicate Pearl Beads and cords. These needles are a little more flexible and malleable which allows them to thread them onto Pearls and other delicate beads to prevent knots or malformations from occurring then weaving and threading. These needles are perfect for intricate weaving due to their flexibility, allowing you to thread and create delicate and tight forming creations with your pearl beads. The silken thread allows a smooth application and the needle prevents punctures or loose threads to occur for a clean finished project.
Curved beading needles go under several different names – curved, long curved, Shepherd’s crook etc. – but function exactly the same. These needles are perfect for those with bead spinners as the shape and curvature of the needle allows the beads to be easily put onto the needle while in motion. Their shape allows them also to prevent them from slipping off while collecting the beads – the long straight shape of the standard needle would let the beads collide with others in motion removing them from the needle. The curve allows them to slide to the end of the needle for holding with the edge acting as a blockade from them going back into the dish. Some needles won't have this additional length of needle for the needles to sit, but instead have a slightly more bent cresent to them to prevent the beads from slipping.
So this handy guide was created from Fusion Beads for quick run down on widths, lengths and other information on needles that can be handy to the beader.
As always, if you have any designs that you've created that will help inspire others we always want to see them! Head over to our Facebook page and send over your photos and we will like and promote them on our page! We now have a brand new Instagram online and you can easily tag us @beadsjar or #beadsjar so we can share with the beading community and show off your amazing crafts! We will be posting more on there soon!
We are currently still running out 15% off your purchases with the offer code "TODAY15" Use this at the checkout for some extra savings! More offers will be coming, soon so keep your eyes peeled on our social media sites for some special deals!
Happy Beading!
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