How to choose the right upholstery needle

Curved Needles

Curved needles, sometimes called semi-circular or slipping needles, are shaped like the letter C and come in a range of sizes.

• Large curved needles are great for heavy work like spring ties or stitching with twine through tough materials such as leather, canvas, or denim.
• Medium curved sizes are ideal for slip-stitching fabrics like hessian, calico, or upholstery material. The curved shape helps you sew from behind, keeping stitches hidden for a tidy finish.
• Smaller curved needles are perfect for delicate fabrics like silk or satin, and for detailed work such as embroidery or beadwork.

If you’re just starting out, a medium size is a good all-rounder until you get comfortable with handling curved needles.

Single-Ended Needles

Long single-pointed needles, often called mattress or buttoning needles, are designed for sewing through thick padding and layers. They range from 4" to 14" (10–35cm) long.

• Perfect for tufting, buttoning, and general upholstery work.
• Shorter ones are also handy for stitching coil springs to jute webbing or securing wadding.

Beginners will find a 10" (25cm) needle easy to handle while learning the technique.

Double-Ended Needles

Long double-pointed needles, also known as upholsterer’s needles or double-point needles, have sharp points at both ends and come in lengths from 6" to 16" (15–40cm).

• Useful for blind stitching through hessian and padding, edge stitching, and buttoning.
• The double-point design makes it easier to work through thick materials from either end.

A 10" or 12" double-pointed needle is a great size to start with, offering both length and control for most upholstery jobs.

Upholstery Needles