Spend $25 and Save 10% storewide. Enter SEPTEMBER10 at checkout.

Needlepedia- All About Beading Needles

There are so many types of needles, and new ones are always coming onto the market! We’ve put this guide together to answer the most common questions and help you choose the right needle for your project. If you don’t find your answer here, contact us, we’re always happy to help.

Watch Kate's LIVE broadcast on the Needlepedia here.

  • Bead holes matter. Always test a small handful of beads (not just one!) to make sure your needle will fit through all of them.

  • Thread + needle = double thickness. Remember, your thread is doubled when using a needle (unless you’re working with Griffin silk on a card). Make sure the combination passes through your bead holes smoothly.

  • Keep options handy. Just like cooking a great meal requires more than one pot, beading often requires more than one type of needle. Stock a few styles so you’re ready for anything.

  • Store safely. Protect your needles (and your feet!) by keeping them in a safe spot away from children and pets.

  • Know your threads. We carry a variety of stringing materials, but not everything. For example, C-Lon is comparable to Superlon or S-lon, and Nymo is similar to KO Thread. For more, visit our Stitchionary to learn about stringing materials.

Adjustable Eye Needles
If you’ve ever struggled to thread a needle, this clever tool is the solution. The pliable eye opens wide, so you can easily slip in fine thread or even heavier cord without the usual fuss. Once you start stringing, the eye naturally flattens, holding your thread securely as you add beads. Adjustable Eye Needles are especially useful when working with materials that don’t fit standard needles—making them a must-have in every beader’s toolkit.

Rigid Needles
Much like traditional sewing needles, these are firm and precise—perfect for beadwork that requires control. Unlike sewing needles where the eye often flares out, the eye of a rigid beading needle is nearly the same diameter as the shaft, allowing it to pass smoothly through beads. They come in different lengths: shorter ones offer better maneuverability in tight spaces, while longer ones are especially helpful for loom work. Keep in mind that your thread must match the size of the eye—there’s no flexibility as with an Adjustable Eye Needle. If it fits, it fits; if not, you’ll need to size up or down.

Flexible Eye Needles (Adjustable Eye Needles)
The true workhorse of our needle collection, Flexible Eye Needles have been a favorite since day one. Their pliable eye makes them compatible with a wide range of threads, from fine to heavier weights. Made of medium-weight steel, they’re thin enough to pass through most beads yet sturdy enough to reuse—simply reopen the eye with an awl when needed. These needles are a must-have for every beader’s toolkit.

Flexible Eye Needles, 0.14- 10 Pack (Extra Fine)
Length: 2.5"
Diameter: 0.14mm
IHD: 1.7mm when open, and 0.2-0.4mm when collapsed.

Flexible Eye Needles, 0.2mm- 10 Pack (Fine)
Length: 2.5"
Diameter: 0.2mm
IHD: 1.7mm when open, and 0.2-0.4mm when collapsed.

Flexible Eye Needles, 0.3mm- 10 Pack (Medium)
Length: 2.5"
Diameter: 0.3mm
IHD: 1.7mm when open, and 0.2-0.4mm when collapsed.

Flexible Eye Needles, 0.36mm- 10 Pack (Heavy)
Length: 2.5"
Diameter: 0.36mm
IHD: 1.7mm when open, and 0.2-0.4mm when collapsed.

Flexible Eye Needles, 0.36mm- 25 Pack
Length: 4"
Diameter: 0.36mm

Beads: Fits most bead holes of freshwater pearls, fine gemstones (think briolettes and 3-4mm rondelles), glass, stones, crystal, metal, ceramic, and wood.
Threads: All types.
Project Types: Knotting, macramé, stringing, pearl knotting. A must-have for our Poetry projects, also very helpful in Bead Weaving Projects.

Collapsible Eye Needles (Adjustable Eye Needles)
Like Flexible Eye Needles, Collapsible Eye Needles adjust to fit a variety of thread sizes and will flatten as they pass through bead holes. What sets them apart is their construction: made of medium-heavy twisted steel, they feature a narrower point at the top of the eye that helps hold thread securely in place. Sturdier than Flexible Eye Needles, they’re reusable several times, making them a dependable choice for projects that need both strength and versatility.

Beadlon Big Eye Collapsible Eye Needles- 2 Pack 
Length: 2.5"
Diameter: 0.24mm
IHD: 13x25mm

Beadlon Collapsible Eye Needles, Fine- 4 Pack
Length: 2.5"
Diameter: 0.3mm
IHD: 2.7x9mm

Beadlon Collapsible Eye Needles, Medium- 4 Pack
Length: 2.5"
Diameter: 0.36mm
IHD: 2.7x9mm

Beadlon Collapsible Eye Needles, Heavy- 4 Pack
Length: 2.5"
Diameter: 0.4mm
IHD: 2.7x9mm

Beads: All types with average-size holes. These needles are not suitable for fine holes... use a Flexible Eye Needle instead.
Threads: All types.
Project Types: Stringing, knotting, macramé...we've used them in Macramé With A Twist, Chunky Tribal Collars, and Just Bead projects.

Big Eye Needles (Adjustable Eye Needles)
Made of two steel needles soldered to sharp points at each end, the Big Eye Needle has many uses. You may not require it everyday, but when you need it, it’s really good to have. The full length of the needle opens to accommodate your cord, no matter the size. And when you’re done, it returns to its original closed position, ready to use again.

Beadsmith Big Eye Needles- 6 Pack
Length: 2-5” in length (Two 5”, one 4”, one 3”, and two 2” are included)
Diameter: 0.2mm
IHD: nearly the length of each needle 

Beads: All types with average-size holes. These needles are not suitable for fine holes...use a Flexible Eye Needle instead.
Threads: All types.
Project Types: Stringing, macramé, and any time you need an adaptable, large-eye needle. Great in West County Cuff , it gives the flexibility to use many different threads.

Make Your Own Needles (Adjustable Eye Needles)

Back in the early days of The Bead Shop, we often made our own needles using 34-gauge craft wire. It’s an affordable, effective solution—one spool can keep you supplied with DIY needles for years! While they aren’t ideal for projects that require a perfectly rigid needle (like loom work or bead weaving), these homemade versions are perfect for stringing or as a backup when your needle breaks mid-project. Best of all, they can be reused a few times before retiring.

Recommended Wire: ParaWire Black Round 34G Wire for Needle Making

How to Make a Needle:

  1. Cut 3–6 inches of wire with your cutters.

  2. Fold the wire in half, bringing the two ends together.

  3. Place the loop over the index finger of your non-dominant hand. Grip the cut ends with the thumb and index finger of your other hand.

  4. Rotate your finger in the loop in a circular motion, keeping tension taut—the wire will begin to twist into a needle.

  5. Continue twisting until the wire is finely twisted and sturdy.

  6. Trim the ends if needed to even them up.

English Beading Needles (Rigid)
Also referred to as “Longs,” English Beading Needles are slightly flexible and made of nickel plated steel. The eye of the needle is just a tad larger than the diameter of the needle. The smaller the size number, the thicker the needle.

We sell several sizes and packages:
Beadsmith Seed Bead Needles, Size 10 - 4 Pack
Beadsmith Seed Bead Needles, Size 10- 25 Pack
Length: 2.5"
Diameter: 0.44mm

Beadsmith Seed Bead Needles, Size 12- 4 Pack
Beadsmith Seed Bead Needles, Size 12- 25 Pack
Length: 2"
Diameter: 0.4mm

Beadsmith Seed Bead Needles, Size 13- 4 Pack
Beadsmith Seed Bead Needles, Size 13- 25 Pack
Length: 2"
Diameter: 0.3mm

ColorEYES Beading Needles, Assorted Sizes- 6 Pack
This variety pack is color-coded by size, with each pack containing 2 needles in each size. Eye opening is ⅛” for each size. 
-Black: Size 10
Length: 2.25"
Diameter: 0.46mm
-Blue: Size 11
Length: 2"
Diameter: 0.38mm
-Red: Size 12
Length: 2.25”
Diameter: 0.42mm

Beads: These sizes will work with Seed Beads as small as 11/0s. For smaller beads, go down to a Size 13 or Size 15 needles.

Threads: KO, Hana, C-Lon D, Micro C-Lon, and Fireline. If you are bead weaving, choose the thinnest thread possible to allow for multiple passes through the beads.
Project Types: Loom Work, Bead Weaving, Stitching, Stringing and Laddering.

Sharps Needles (Rigid)
Although they are called Size 10, the John James’ Sharps 10 is a bit heavier and shorter than the Size 10 Seed Bead Needle. It is a great choice for sewing, stitching and maneuvering in small spaces. It has a similar eye as the Size 10 English Beading Needle, but it is short and sturdy.


Sharps Sewing Needles, Size 10- 20 Pack
Length: 1.25"
Diameter: 0.52mm

Beads: As the Sharps is a slightly heavier seed bead needle, it is not compatible with fine gemstones and small freshwater pearls. It will fit Miyuki Seed Beads as small as 11/0, Czech Glass, and beads with hole sizes larger than 0.55mm.
Threads: Needle eye fits KO, Hana, C-Lon D, Micro C-Lon, and Fireline.
Project Types: Stitching and Bead Weaving. This is the needle to use to sew backing to cabochons. Kate loves to use these for Laddering, too!

Glovers Needles (Rigid)
This needle has been engineered to make its way through heavy, stiff materials like leather, suede, or vinyl. Near the eye of the needle, it is rounded and then it becomes triangular-shaped and super sharp at the tip.

Glovers Needles, Size #4 Medium- 25 Pack
Length: 1⅝"
Diameter: 0.7mm diameter

Beads: Not really made for beads, but for piercing leather! If you’re curious, the #4 fits up to an 8/0.
Threads: With a generous eye, Glovers can fit most any thread. In many cases, your thread is going to show, so C-Lon, in the weight you prefer, would work well.
Project Types: Working with leather, vinyl, or UltraSuede...for example, we use it in our Gypsy Bracelet project.

Tapestry Needles (Rigid)
One of our favorite needles for bead crochet, this type of needle was originally designed to allow for a second yarn or thread to be added to the extra long eye of the needle. The blunt needle tip is to allow for sewing through cross stitch and needlepoint fabrics without damaging the material.

Tapestry Needles, Size 28- 25 Pack
Length: 1.25"
Diameter: 0.4mm

Beads: Fits most seed beads (even 11/0 Miyukis) and beads with average size holes. Threads: KO Thread, Hana, C-Lon D, Micro C-Lon, Fine C-Lon, Fireline  Project Types: Bead Weaving and tight area work where a small needle is helpful, such as Bead Embroidery and Tubular Crochet.

Griffin Silk and Needle (Extruded)
Made in Germany, Griffin Silk is a 2-Ply machine-twisted cord already attached to a flexible steel needle. Made in sizes 0-16, we carry the most popular sizes and colors for our projects. Each card has 2 meters of silk; enough to knot 2+ necklaces. But after that, the needle is unusable. Be sure to bring your beads down to the tail of the thread, if you work up by the needle the rest of the thread is wasted.

Beads and Measurements:
Size 2: 0.45mm diameter, fits most fine gems (think briolettes and 3-4mm Rondelles), and up to 11/0 Miyukis.
Size 4: 0.6mm diameter, fits most fine gems, small freshwater pearls, smaller glass and crystal, and up to 11/0 Miyukis
Size 5: 0.65mm diameter, fits most small-to-medium glass, crystal, stone, larger freshwater pearls, and up to 11/0 Miyukis.
Size 6: 0.7mm diameter, fits most small-to-medium glass, crystal, stone, larger freshwater pearls, and up to 11/0 Miyukis.
Size 7: 0.75mm diameter, for average-to-large glass, crystal, stone, and up to 8/0 Miyukis.
Size 8: 0.8mm diameter, for average-to-large glass, crystal, stone, and up to 8/0 Miyukis.

Threads: This needle is already attached to a thread made from fine fibers of silk cocoon.
Project Types: Perfect for pearls and knotting! We love using in projects like Tin Cup, Gem Knotting, Silk Float Away.