Needle Size Guide
A general guide to common needle types, sizes, and the threads or cords they are often used with.
| Needle Type | Size | Works Well With | Suggested Thread / Cord | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic Canvas | 13 | 5 Mesh Plastic Canvas | Worsted Yarn, Heavy Craft Cord | Large Plastic Canvas Projects |
| Plastic Canvas | 16 | 7 Mesh Plastic Canvas | Yarn, Pearl Cotton #3-#5 | Coasters, Magnets, Tissue Covers |
| Plastic Canvas | 18 | 10 Mesh Plastic Canvas | Pearl Cotton #5, Craft Thread, Fine Yarn | Ornaments, Bookmarks, Small Projects |
| Tapestry | 18 | Needlepoint, Plastic Canvas | Yarn, Pearl Cotton #5 | Canvas Work, Needlepoint |
| Tapestry | 22 | Counted Cross Stitch | 4-6 Strands Embroidery Floss | Cross Stitch, Counted Thread Work |
| Tapestry | 24 | 14 Count Aida | 2-3 Strands Embroidery Floss | Cross Stitch, Needlework |
| Tapestry | 26 | 16-18 Count Aida | 1-2 Strands Embroidery Floss | Fine Cross Stitch |
| Chenille | 18 | Ribbon Embroidery | Ribbon, Pearl Cotton, Wool | Ribbon Work, Crewel Embroidery |
| Chenille | 22 | Embroidery Fabric | Multiple Strands Floss, Pearl Cotton | Decorative Embroidery |
| Chenille | 24 | Fine Embroidery Fabric | 1-3 Strands Embroidery Floss | Fine Embroidery Details |
| Embroidery | 5 | Heavy Fabric | Pearl Cotton, Ribbon, Heavy Floss | Bold Embroidery Stitches |
| Embroidery | 7 | General Embroidery | Up to 6 Strands Embroidery Floss | Basic Hand Embroidery |
| Embroidery | 9 | Fine Embroidery | 3-6 Strands Embroidery Floss | Detailed Embroidery |
| Embroidery | 10 | Delicate Fabric | 1-3 Strands Embroidery Floss | Fine Detail Work |
| Beading | 10 | 6/0 - 8/0 Seed Beads | D, F, Nymo, FireLine | General Beading |
| Beading | 11 | 8/0 - 11/0 Seed Beads | B, D, O Beading Thread | Seed Bead Stitching |
| Beading | 12 | 11/0 Seed Beads | A, B, O Beading Thread | Detailed Beadwork |
| Beading | 13 | 11/0 - 15/0 Seed Beads | A, OO, O Beading Thread | Fine Seed Bead Work |
| Beading | 15 | 15/0 Seed Beads | OO, O, Fine Beading Thread | Very Fine Beadwork |
| Big Eye Needle | Standard | Large Hole Beads | Most Threads, Cords, and Fine Wires | Easy Threading, Mixed Bead Projects |
| Wire Needle | Flexible | Pearls, Gemstones, Small Beads | Silk, Nylon, Beading Cord | Stringing Beads and Pearls |
Note: Needle sizes and eye openings may vary by manufacturer.
