How to identify, sort and keep your embroidery needles in good order!

If you are going to do any kind of sewing, it's important to know about your needles! In this video I show you how to sort them into type and size, how to easily make a needle book and how to look after your needles.
Check out the playlist at the end of this video for all of our videos about needles, including how to choose the right one for the right job and how to easily thread them!
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[@donnakinmn1683]

Most people wouldn't understand why you need a 22 minute video about needles. However, this was absolutely the most helpful resource. You made sorting easy. I just made a needle case recently and I am going to sort my needles and label the pages. I love this video. thank you!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

You could make a 22 hour video on needles Donna!

[@sandramyer7081]

Im SO glad for understand needles for variety of fabric! What a difference❤😊

[@chacker21]

The look you gave us all when you tossed the leftover thread....I felt that in my soul. Bahaha.

[@sarahtaylor6304]

I really love these videos. Sarah has a very soothing and calming voice, while explaining with clarity. She inspires patience and perseverance. thank you for being a brilliant teacher Sarah! xx

[@karenreilly9425]

I like the fact that you put more emphasis on stitching rather than organizing your needles.

[@pashawasha47]

I love when Ginger Cat decides to "help" 😂😂

[@santasuki7221]

Well, I couldn't help my grandma get off the floor with this, but at least I got a chuckle. If only I had told her to get up!

[@judithdaus6083]

As a newbie, I'm so glad I found your channell & I'm watching several each day & learning so much from you. THANK YOU!!!

[@sarawilson9155]

I watched this, and then had a big sort out! I had masses of needles in different places that never got used as I never looked them out. All in a needleroll now, and I am as neat as a pin!

[@victoriajankowski1197]

Funny story, depending on your definition of funny, I inherited a collection of assorted craft supplies, including some needles, including 2 odd needles a curved needle with a ridiculously sharp point and a long thin eye, nothing like the dull curved ones i used in my crochet, the other with a medium eye and an almost arrow shaped very sharp point, never thought much of it, until a paramedic friend saw them and started asking questions.... apparently my grandmother at some point had acquired a suturing set and incorporated them into her craft supplies, that arrowhead shape, apparently for callused or thicker skin, the curved is for bridging and places that are to tight to pull together. Yes i still have them, great for doll construction both crochet and sewn

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

The medical industry is a good source for weird sewing devices Victoria! The scissors for sutureing are good too! Leather needles also have that same point so they can cut through the leather...

[@TheKeenanno1]

I needed this video so much. Needles everywhere. Not sure what they were for and certain I keep buying the same needles over and over. Thanks!

[@leighmcgrady771]

Thank you. You are incredibly generous, sharing the knowledge with us. I feel as though I’ve “been to school” after each video.

[@godschildyes]

Thank you so much Sarah! It's so wonderful that you're keeping the art of needlework alive and well! You are such a blessing!

[@danisehetland3378]

Great video! Very easy to follow. Ginger kitty certainly adds some comic relief, in addition to his star quality! 🐈

[@mariurbdan3680]

Most of my life (73 now) I knew tapestry needle and needles long and short. I am more specific now, spent lot of time sorting my new box, and pleased with needle stash. Thank you so much I enjoy very much watching video. Great presentation and good voice to listen also. Greetings from Melbourne.

[@fiberjazz]

Thanks for the tips on sorting a hodgepodge of needles and for showing how easy it can be to make pretty needle books. I've not heard of "doctor's felt," but shall look for it. Those wooden needle cases are gorgeous (especially the Bulgarian case). Something new for me to collect, along with spindles and bobbins for bobbin lace! I must say that I love the hasty needle book that you made when first starting your apprenticeship. It met your need perfectly, didn't consume valuable time, and endured. I think it's a great reminder of your early days. 😊

[@liviloo87]

Oh I agree! I just recently framed my first actually pretty work of art LOL, it was three plants in little vases. One was a succulent, one was a cactus and the other was I guess it’s a succulent as well. I think our earlier works and little bits and bobs here and there are some thing really nice to reflect on. Almost like a little scrapbook of sorts.

[@BarbaraUK927]

When I first started stitching needles were the thing that proved the most difficult and I used what I had, but found as I experimented with different threads I got so frustrated. I wish I had found this explanation three years ago. Thank you so much.

[@rebeccajourney3183]

You always seem to know just what we need! This was excellent Sarah! Thank you! Everyone who owns a cat on flosstube is interrupted by their curiosity of, "What are you doing? You simply must have something up there for me", says the cat!

[@PoppyFlux]

Haha yup, they're such curious little creatures. Mine jumps down from his cat tree when I'm sewing and I have to stop (obviously). I give him strokes, he looks around, and goes back to his tree; satisfied that I'm doing my "work" properly 😁

[@lmknitknox]

Excellent information, thank you so much! The ginger guest at the end was

[@juststartingover2735]

This has been this has been THE most helpful informative about needles! Thank you! Also, I never knew what the smaller strawberry or such was for when I bought the pin cushion! 😂 Thank you for teaching me so much.

[@helenedwards1468]

That is so neat and quick and tidy. Obviously not applicable to you as you are a tidy worker but the district nurse advised my mother to always leave needles threaded as it would have made it easier to get it out of my bottom. I still cannot leave a needle unthreaded.

[@susanjeffries2615]

Such a useful video, l am going to make a needle case......Ginger cat is such a dear cat, whilst l was watching your video my two were killing each other, lol

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

My two also often play that game Susan! You will notice they are never both in the same video...:)

[@susanjeffries2615]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery.. little devils, but we love them !😻

[@LightchaserAV]

You must have been reading my mind. I recently collected needles from various projects and other assorted places with the intent to organize them. This video was perfect 🤩

[@TwinWindDragons]

Oh my God, thank you. I'm so new to this, but I have so many that I got from my mother and that I bought based on suggestions from cross stitch patterns 😂 Honestly, this just made me realize that I'm currently using a needle for cross stitch when I'm doing embroidery...

[@janicecarole5013]

I enjoy your videos. They are very helpful. I am a tad bit jealous that you were able to attend the Royal School of Needlework. At age 62 and living in the United States; I have age and distance against me. I only started stitching three years ago. Your videos are helpful. Thank you.

[@judepicton6252]

Hi Janice ,I have been looking at on line courses with R.S.N. ,I'm few years older than you . I'm nearly ready to press the button . Love from U.K

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

They do online day classes Janice!

[@amy6499]

Just made a book and I’m sorting them now. This is so relaxing

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

And satisfying when you look at them all lined up neatly!

[@marijkeschellenbach2680]

Oh my goodness, this is so useful and so timely as I was going through my needles and had no clue as to what needle did what and what size they were. A huge thank you!

[@eileenfb1948]

❤ Absolutely loved this. I have such a mixture of needles and they would be better if they were sorted out. I had not known how to go about it. Thank you.

[@lisachristoph437]

Wonderful tip. I never thought of a book of needles, now I wonder why it never occurred to me.

[@kmorelli5627]

Thank you so much for this video! I have needles given to me without any identifying holders. I’m going to make a needle book today!

[@DogsRule123]

Thank you Sarah! I put my needles on quilt batting and left others in the containers they came in last week. Thanks to you I now know a better way to store my needles!

[@marythro4251]

How long should a needle last?

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Depends on so many factors; Until it gets blunt, goes rusty or gets bent Mary!

[@Blurp3]

Thank you, lovely, for some great ideas. I love them all. I also love your beautiful cat, especially as a ginger myself ☺️!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Gingers rule!

[@VJG123]

Oh my goodness, Sarah! This is so helpful! Thank you! I also plan to watch your other videos, especially the ones about needles. Best wishes to you from Moline, Illinois, USA!

[@pettylove86]

Thank you for making this video. I bought a small needle book a couple of years ago but never knew exactly how to organize the needles. This was a big help.

[@dannsherstone1037]

Thank you for this one! This year I made a needle book. It took about a month; its beautiful, completely constructed using embroidery stitches and so big, so elaborate that it is now my go to in my studio rather than the little portable one I needed for traveling. So the traveling one is still a piece of felt rolled up and stuffed into an extra long pill bottle.

[@helenk4357]

That's a great tip about the pill bottle, thanks!

[@dannsherstone1037]

@@helenk4357 I roll the felt around a little seam ripper! I am still going to make a needle book when I have time.

[@helenk4357]

@@dannsherstone1037 another great idea!

[@tracyleecornish5398]

Thank You Sarah very helpful and has inspired me to sort out my needlebook too which I made previously. I kept all the needles in their packets, now they are going into pages and are going to be labelled for ease of use.

[@LibbyRoseEmbroidery]

Thanks for the disposal tip! I'm going to save a spice jar to chuck my kaputt needles into. ♡

[@judepicton6252]

Loved this video,thankyou so much ,inspiring a proper tidy up of my needles as they are a completely mixed ,lucky dip affair.I will confess to 3 favourites that I tend to plump for ,sadly they are my favourites because they have all BENT to my way of embroidery . Could you recommend a therapy class ,I can go to ,as I now understand what needs to be done ,with my 3 best freinds. 🤔

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank them for their service Jude and put them out to pasture so they can enjoy their retirement!

[@judepicton6252]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery Thankyou ,I don't feel quite so bad about retiring them ,one did let me down ,it broke while performing a bullion stitch ,I should have respected its protest earlier .I'm ready to start afresh, after tidying my needle case . I made a beautiful embroidery set into the lid of a restored box ,looked really good ,but there was no room for a heavy backing ,that would stop the hinged lid closing ,I glued a thickest paper onto the back ,messed up big time .Ruined it to be honest ,it's on the shelf reminding me of the hours ,I put into it. I must plan ahead more about how I'm going to complete BEFORE I even start .I know you have said this several times ,but I get enthusiastic and can't wait to start ,I'm painfully learning the hard way .

[@PoppyFlux]

I inherited a large needle book with 8 pages full of mixed needles, and no idea how to sort them out, so this is perfect! Thank you so much Sarah. The needle book was handmade by my best friend in school and after her mum passed away she gave it to me. My friend also died a couple of years ago, in her early 60's, so it's something I treasure even though she'd laugh at me loving the tatty thing, lol. I'm waiting for some inspiration to incorporate it into something new, but I haven't come across anything I like yet. I understand why you kept your little school book even though it's old and tatty. I think it's beautiful, and I'm sure it has many wonderful memories for you. I adore that little beadwork sampler book you made too, so pretty, and the needle roll is brilliant! I might have to make myself one of those. Thank you for the inspiration :)

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Check out my slow stitching video poppyflux, perhaps you could enshrine the needlebook into a piece?

[@susanwood6509]

I made a booklet and put dress pins. I also have hat pit pins.

[@nancysonleitner3598]

Thank you for this video! I really like the needle book idea!

[@mdsmum]

So very helpful. Off to watch your other needle videos 😊

[@kjellkanin]

The Bulgaria one is actually a little bottle that holds a vile of rose oil, I believe. At least I have a couple of those with oil in them. But now I found another use for them!

[@maryhert7518]

Thank you for this video! I’ve watched almost all your videos now and all them about needles have been very helpful and when I bought needles they came in packs that were various sizes but not labeled in the pack so I’m always replaying your voice in my head telling me that “the smaller the needle the higher the number, the larger the needle the smaller number” so I can better judge what size needle I’m choosing. Now I’m going to make a book so I can keep them more separated and spend less time over thinking it lol.

[@artistgrly]

Very interesting and very helpful. I find I use the needle that I like in my fingers and not necessarily the correct one. Once I get them organized I'm going to try using the correct one. Thanks for sharing this valuable information. Stay safe. ❤️ to Ginger cat!!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Next video is about needle size Debbie!

[@Believe30]

I have that same type of one with the rose on it. It's actually a perfume case. Someone in the military brought it back for me from Bulgaria. I still have some of the eal rose perfume in a little glass bottle that fits inside.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I never knew that! Makes a good needle case too!

[@susanwallentine8673]

Thank you for a discussion on organizing something other than threads. Can you please talk about organizing hoops, fabrics and all the rest of the embroidery supplies?

[@inkypawsart]

This was phenomenal. And the Kitty appearance made my day.

[@conniebeane6164]

I bought a 1-quart biohazard needle disposal container on Amazon, for $5.00. It's bright red, labeled, and has a lid that closes tightly. I can find it easily in my messy studio, and anyone who sees it knows it contains hazardous waste.

[@keeslover777]

19:02 the supervisor shows up. 😊 As a new cross-stitcher, I found this invaluable information- thank you!

[@RadhaSrinivasan-yv3gt]

Excellent video, as usual!!!!!!! Thank you so much again😊

[@Rosemary-go9wj]

Thank you Sarah. This was a video I didn't know I needed. I'll now go organise all my needles.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I'm like Ikea, lots of things you didn't know you needed!

[@ichigonyanko]

Hello Sarah. This video came extremely timely as I've been thinking about how to arrange my needles for a while. Needle book is something I've always wanted to make, but then the problem is that I have a very obsessive habit to return all needles to their original packages once I finish a project and therefore I doubt if I would ever use one of those. After watching this video I'm thinking perhaps I should just go ahead to make one and see if it works, because they look really nice!

[@marywiggins7411]

Just put an elastic band on the page and insert the original packet or little tube.

[@ichigonyanko]

@@marywiggins7411 Great idea! Thank you and I'm going to try it out.

[@PoppyFlux]

You could make one with clear vinyl pockets instead if you're a sewer? That way you can keep your needles in their packets but still together and organised. I believe Etsy has some patterns for sewing machine needle organisers which I'm sure could be adapted for bigger packets. A small jewellery roll/organiser with pockets might also work, and they're available to buy. I came across these when I was researching how to store and organise my machine needles.

[@ichigonyanko]

@@PoppyFlux Thanks for the information! Vinyl pockets is a wonderful idea as I love to keep things well organised but not difficult to find. I'm thinking about sewing my own customized organiser and most probably I'll add clear pockets for flat packets and elastic bands for glass tubes : )

[@marie-theresehayes6875]

Just made a needle book last night.

[@heden1460]

That was very helpful. Thank you. I need to find a needle cleaner. I didn't know those existed. Thank you.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

We sell the needle cleaners on our website!

[@greggsbeckymoore349]

What a lovely and informative video, thank you so much, Sarah. Now my needles will enjoy a less chaotic storage. Thank you for the help and, also, your fabulous playlist🙂 Have a wonderful week ahead!

[@chrissy_light]

I just got around to watching this video and wanted to tell you what the wooden holder with Bulgaria on it actually is. This is typically sold with a little glass vial of rose oil inside (Bulgarian rose oil is the best), as a perfume and a souvenir. I do like the idea of using the empty ones as a needle holder though. Very useful video, and has inspired me to do something about my needles. 💜

[@marywiggins7411]

Yes straw needles, binding needles, miliners, beading, and tapestry, embroidery, and crewel...

[@levanera]

Thank you! I made a little needle book a couple years ago but sure enough the needles are in there higgledy piggledy.

[@manoranjanimunuswamy921]

I loved your needle arganizer. Thank you for sharing.

[@loristoneback9455]

I have always kept some type of empty pill bottle with it’s lid near by me when ever I am sewing 🧵 🪡🪡, no matter what type of sewing I am doing machine sewing to hand Embroidery. I keep a pill bottle right by every area I sit to see but each lid has a small hole drilled into the lid through an X of tape on the lid to keep the lid from breaking or shattering and don’t press too hard while drilling. And I made a pincushion several years ago that was really small and used plain old cotton material and sewed up a dbl bag and filled it with a bag of pristine white playground sand and it is so cute!!! And it sits in the palm of my hand and I have really small hands. And that’s what I use to keep all of my needles 🪡, and pins very sharp and it knocks all the burrs off of them very well!!! Plus it cleans them very well too!!!! I also buy this same sand only I buy it in about 10 bags to 20 bags and empty them into 5 gallon buckets then I would oil up all my yard and garden tools and put them in the sand especially all my shovels and then go up and down and it cleans and sharpens them!!! And I store them all in the sand over the winter to protect them!!!

[@loristoneback9455]

H hhÿrttr

[@heidimiller5475]

You are wonderful! You have a lovely voice, you are very pretty, and your tutorials are easy to watch and understand. Thanks so much for helping us❤!

[@sandramyer7081]

Crewel needles too- Embroidery very small eye and sharp

[@joanremaley702]

Thank you for sharing your expertise. It’s much appreciated.

[@heygabimara]

this is so simple and easy to follow, thank you! i really enjoy your content, i've been looking at embroidery tutorials as I've just started this month. Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🧡

[@RondaKay]

Hello from Fate Texas! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us I appreciate you! This is a very nice video

[@redeemedvintageseamstress4728]

Very nice video. Thanks for the information!

[@VeretenoVids]

How timely! I just treated myself to a little kit to make and embroider a needle case. (I could make one from scraps, of course, but ...) Thanks!

[@michellefel147]

What a great, useful and helpful video. Thankyou so much Sarah :-)

[@kavi3k716]

Thank you ma'am.. I love tailoring...

[@julienz6196]

Hmmm I wonder what Mummy Sarah is up to? Ooo there's a needle case lying around AND it has an enticing bit of trailing ribbon I can chase and eat :)

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

It doesn't get better than that!

[@angelacornell8660]

Looking at your old needle book ❤😊

[@kavi3k716]

Thanks for your tips and ideas...

[@rebeccat5738]

Thanks so much Sarah, that was perfect, and quite literally just what I needed!. I've been trying for the last couple of years to work out a sensible way to manage the piles of needles that accumulate as soon as you take them out of their packets and end up never to know the light of day again because I haven't got a clue what they are!. So as ever, you inspired me and I finally made myself a proper needle case over the weekend, and really loved seeing your Apprentice one too!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

You can always stitch another page in if you need to Rebecca! Just sew it to en existing page down one edge...

[@rebeccat5738]

Thanks Sarah, that's a great idea! x

[@melindanaumovic8124]

Great video. Thanks ❤

[@reneeb.albanese1177]

You are so great to watch and learn from. Thank you for all your videos and help.

[@MariaMartinez-jb3zn]

Wonderful, I had just thought about arranging my needles! Thank you Sarah..🙏🏽🙋🏻‍♀️👍🏽 Mia

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

It's quite satisfying Mia!

[@MariaMartinez-jb3zn]

Hope you got your stationary… getting back to embroidery…I just love it. Thank you for opening my eyes to this wonderful hobby! 🙏🏽🙋🏻‍♀️👍🏽Mia

[@isabelwilliams3357]

I am so happy that I saw this video I jumped up right away and made one lol can anyone tell I am new at embroidery. Thank you

[@NannyOggins]

Ive made a needle book that actually looks like a book and has a pincushion roll in the centre to pad it out stuffed with my cats fur gleaned from brushing him. The cover is a series of stitch samples. Im pretty pleased with it and find that it makes finding the correct needle a breeze. Thanks so much for the advice Sarah I love your clear, calm delivery. 😊

[@audreyconnell1572]

Lovely little idea.I love this.

[@azsunburns]

After many decades of too many kids & too many cats to try and work with string related crafts, I've finally decided to dive in. I've routinely picked up vintage embroidered pillow cases when they've been dropped in my path & now I need something I can do in my time off chair. The little dogs will just have to go find space in their beds.😊 Thank you for your channel! I'm quite handy at self educating & looking forward to this.

[@lilybogaards5089]

Thank you so much, Sarah, for so generously sharing all your knowledge. Very helpful 💕

[@GanganDi]

I’m very new to embroidery and this video is so helpful! Thank you!

[@michelesmith8790]

Brilliant video, thank you Sarah,

[@sandramyer7081]

Label the needles in the book( journal)

[@wandagrayson646]

Very practical and helpful!

[@darlenefarmer5921]

Thank you.

[@sandramyer7081]

Tapestry needle is blunt in the end of needle

[@isabelkramen6533]

Very useful info. Thanks!

[@geetaraikarshirodkar2149]

Thank you so much for this very useful video Sarah!

[@stanszalek4380]

Are walnuts crushed in a pin cushion good for keeping pins clean and sharp?

[@pamgrover9910]

Thanks need to organize 👏❤️

[@shaikhabdussamad3768]

U guys make my on-line purchase very difficult !

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I don't understand. What is the difficulty?

[@carolentringer8836]

I'm excited about this!

[@retrocraftdreams]

I definitely needed this! Most of my needles come from the multitude of vintage needlepoint, embroidery, and cross stitch kits I buy. The kits never tell you what size needle is included, and sometimes they are missing or rusted, so I never know what to replace them with. I do really wish I had a way to tell what they are. My current kit came with two needles that I managed to misplace. It took me several tries to find needles that worked with the particular polyester fabric.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Check out the John james Needles website, they have a terrific download all about needles which should help!

[@retrocraftdreams]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery Thanks! I'll check it out!

[@sharonahmed2000]

Hi Sarah, I was wondering if synthetic felt or wool felt make a difference for needle storage? I just joined your Patron group. Sharon

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thak you for your Patron Support Sharon! I always think natural materials are best but if you want the porper material for needles try and source some doctors flannel; it has an oil in it that naturally lubricates the needles

[@andriashevetz2888]

Love that Cat!!!!

[@lynnetaylor8974]

Sarah, when you were talking about the flannel for the books you mentioned something I couldn't quite make out. You spoke of a good flannel. Was it called "doctors of flannel." Thanks.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Yes, doctors flannel! I think it's an Australian invention but you can get it online if you search

[@sandiann9520]

You do awesome work. What do you do with all the amazing items you make?

[@mattsadventureswithart5764]

Is there a reason for keeping the slightly bent needle at 18:26? I mean is it useful to have a bent needle?

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

No, chuck them away!