Handnähnadeln

Hand sewing needles are one of those tools where the difference between adequate and excellent costs about a pound and saves your fingertips hours of argument. This collection covers the hand-work essentials — sharps for general stitching, embroidery needles with generous eyes, betweens for fine hemming, darners, and speciality points for leather and heavy cloth.

The rule of thumb: the needle should be as fine as the fabric allows and the eye just big enough for the thread. Too thick a needle leaves visible holes in fine fabric; too small an eye shreds your thread as it passes. Assorted packs are the sensible start — they cover most jobs and teach you your preferences.

Like all our notions, needles add nothing meaningful to postage — the classic slip-into-the-parcel extra.