Tapestry Needle: Which Size Should You Choose for Which Project?
The right needle can be the difference between an enjoyable project and a nightmare. I started needlepoint with a regular sewing needle. The tiny eye, the sharp tip that went through the canvas in the wrong place. I'd spend ten minutes threading, I'd prick my fingers. I don't need to paint you a picture.
Since then, I've built a collection of tapestry needles in every size. And I don't use them at random. Each project calls for a specific needle.
Les tailles d'aiguilles à tapisserie
Tapestry needles are numbered from 18 (the largest) to 26 (the finest). The higher the number, the finer the needle.
| Size | Diameter | Eye | Suitable Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 1.20 mm | Large | 4 to 5 threads/cm |
| 20 | 1.00 mm | Medium | 7 threads/cm |
| 22 | 0.85 mm | Medium-fine | 7 to 10 threads/cm |
| 24 | 0.70 mm | Fine | 10 to 14 threads/cm |
| 26 | 0.55 mm | Very fine | 14 to 18 threads/cm |
The Golden Rule
The needle must pass freely through the canvas hole without deforming it. If it forces through, it widens the hole and damages the canvas. If it floats in the hole, your stitches will be uneven.
Simple test: thread your Laine Colbert DMC into the needle. Stitch into a canvas hole. The needle should pass through without resistance, but without play.
Which Needle for Which Thread?
Laine Colbert DMC (7100-7180 series)
Laine Colbert is a fine thread. A single strand is enough on a 7 threads/cm canvas.
- 7 threads/cm canvas: size 20 needle
- 10 threads/cm canvas: size 22 or 24 needle
For more, see our guide on Laine Colbert DMC for needlepoint.
Standard Tapestry Wool (thicker)
For thick wools (coarse weave, rugs).
- 4 threads/cm canvas: size 18 needle
- 5 threads/cm canvas: size 18 or 20 needle
Twisted Tapestry Wool (Pénélope type)
Two strands of Laine Colbert at the same time.
- 7 threads/cm canvas: size 18 needle
- 10 threads/cm canvas: size 20 needle
DMC Coton Perle
Shiny cotton, finer than wool.
- Coton Perle No. 3: size 20 needle
- Coton Perle No. 5: size 22 needle
- Coton Perle No. 8: size 24 needle
Ideal Equipment According to Your Project
For beginning needlepoint, I recommend a set of size 18, 20, and 22 needles. Cost: around 6 EUR for six. This covers 90% of standard projects.
If you've already chosen your canvas, read our guide to choosing your canvas. The canvas count determines the needle size. For more, see our guide on choosing your needlepoint canvas.
For more, see our guide on tapestry frames.
Signs You Need to Change Your Needle
A needle doesn't last forever. Change it if:
- The tip has become rough (it catches the canvas threads)
- The eye is deformed (difficult to thread)
- The needle is bent (visible to the naked eye or when rolled on a table)
- It has rusted (new — no luck, straight to the bin)
I change my needle every three to four projects. A new needle costs less than 2 EUR. That's cheaper than redoing a damaged project.
How to Store Your Needles
A needle lost in a pouch is a needle that breaks or rusts when in contact with other metals. I store mine in a magnetic needle cushion (around 5 EUR at DMC or Cultura). Each size has its zone. I stick them in the cushion in ascending order: 18 on the left, 26 on the right.
Never leave a needle stuck in your canvas when you put your project away. It can rust and leave a brown mark on the canvas. Store it in its cushion.
If you travel with your needles, slip them into a rigid case. Needles bend easily in a soft bag.
Quick Selection Guide by Project
| Project | Canvas | Thread | Needle Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard cushion | 7 threads/cm | Colbert 1 strand | 20 |
| Photo picture | 10 threads/cm | Colbert 1 strand | 22 |
| Floor rug | 4 threads/cm | Thick wool | 18 |
| Bookmark | 7 threads/cm | Coton Perle No. 5 | 22 |
| Detailed portrait | 14 threads/cm | Fine Colbert | 24 |
| Clutch | 10 threads/cm | Colbert 1 strand | 22 |
The Brands I Use
- DMC: standard tapestry needles, good quality. 4 EUR for a set of 6.
- John James: the English reference. Extra-smooth needles, perfect eye. 6 EUR for a set of 6.
- Prym: sturdy, affordable. 3 EUR for a set of 5.
My Mistake: The Needle Too Small
I was stitching a counted-thread cushion on 7 threads/cm canvas. I had lost my size 20. So I took a size 24, the only one lying around in my pouch.
Result: the Laine Colbert wouldn't pass freely through the eye. With every stitch, I pulled, I forced, I pulled again. In one evening, my fingers were sore. The wool was starting to fray from rubbing against the metal. I lasted three days before buying a size 20.
Since then, I always carry spare sizes 20 and 22 in my pouch. In case one breaks (yes, it happens) or gets lost (that too, it happens).
Tip for Threading Your Needle
Laine Colbert has a texture that grips well. Rub the end of the thread between your fingers to flatten it. Then cut it at an angle. It will slide through the eye like a letter into an envelope.
If you're really struggling, an automatic needle threader costs 2 EUR. It's the little accessory everyone should have in their best needlepoint supplies kit, along with scissors and tension pliers.
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