Practical Embroidery Newsletter: Stop Losing Needles

Hi, Reader,

Have you ever wasted your precious crafting time hunting for the right needle? If so, you’re not alone! I had this problem for years!

In this email, I will share some tips that might resolve this block and help you create a crafting space where the needles are organized and ready to be used.

Why should you organize your needles?

It saves time. When your needles are organized by type, size, and project use, you’ll save time that could be spent stitching!
It protects your projects. Using the wrong or damaged needle can harm your fabric or snag the thread.
It improves safety. No one likes the surprise of stepping on a misplaced needle, and an organized system reduces the risk of lost needles hiding in your workspace.
It extends needle life. Properly storing needles prevents them from dulling or bending, ensuring they last longer.

How to organize your needles

Now that we’ve discussed “why,” let’s talk about how to do it effectively:

Sort by type and size

Needles come in various types and sizes, from sharps to tapestry needles. Start by sorting them into categories based on their use. Consider having sections for:

Embroidery needles, aka Crewel needles (for floss and thread)
Tapestry needles (blunt needles for cross-stitch and whipping)
Beading needles (for delicate beadwork)
Straw needles, aka Milliner needles (for French knots and hand sewing)
Darning needles (for mending knitwear)

This makes it easy to grab the right tool, depending on the project you’re working on.

Use a needlebook or a pincushion for fast access

I like to keep the needles I use the most in one easily accessible place—a needle book. I want to take my embroidery projects when we travel, so it’s more convenient than a pin cushion. I keep one embroidery needle of each size in my needle book. I also have a couple of blunts, sewing needles in several sizes, and a beading needle. My needlebook has small pockets for the scissors and the thimble.

Here are some lovely options available on Etsy:

Wool felt needlebook on Etsy

Handmade needle roll for embroiderers on Etsy

Personalised pin cushion on Etsy

I keep the rest of the needles, which I do not use often, separately but well organized and marked.

Label and store the rest of the needles in a safe place

Once sorted, place the rest of your needles, which you do not use daily, in labeled compartments, magnetic boxes, or needle cases. I store my needles in their original packages in a drawer. I also have some discovery packs, glass tubes, small boxes, and plastic bags there. The most important thing is that I know the size and type of the needle, so it’s easy to find one when needed.

Some needle storage options:

Magnetic needle box on Etsy

Wooden tapestry needle case on Etsy

Needle storage tubes on Amazon

Track the needles you use

If you’re like me, you might have several needles in use at any given time. A needle minder is perfect for keeping track of those needles mid-project. It’s a small magnetic tool that attaches to your fabric and holds your needle in place while you are not using it.

Here are some cute options:

DMC magnetic needle minders on Amazon