Embroidery Needles

My pattern calls for a #10 embroidery needle. Does that refer to the size of the head of the needle or the length?

Carol answers...

Needles are normally numbered according to the thickness of the shaft. The larger the number the finer the needle.

A size 10 embroidery or crewel needle would be quite fine (or thin) with a small eye.

The important thing to remember is that the thread you are using should fit through the eye comfortably.

You will find more information on needles on the following page...

embroidery needles