Top Needle Brands for Crafting and Precision in 2023

When it comes to sewing, knitting, or any needlework, the quality of the needle can significantly affect the outcome of your project. There are numerous brands that have established a reputation for producing high-quality needles suitable for various crafts. Some brands are celebrated for their durability, while others are preferred for their smooth glide through different materials. Whether you're a seasoned artisan or just starting out, choosing the right needle can make a world of difference. Curious to find out which brands top our list for the best needles? Read below to discover our recommendations.

Illustration of needles

Best brands of needles in 2025

Schmetz

Schmetz is internationally recognized as one of the finest sewing machine needle manufacturers, offering a wide range of high-quality needles for various applications, including home sewing and industrial use. In 2023, the Universal Needle segment, which includes Schmetz products, accounted for a significant share of the global sewing machine needle market and is projected to experience substantial growth. Schmetz needles are known for their precision and durability, with features like color-coded shoulders for easy identification and specialized geometries such as the KN and SF needles designed to minimize knitwear damage. The company's products are widely used and respected, contributing to the growth of the global sewing machine needle market. Schmetz's commitment to quality has made it a preferred choice among sewing enthusiasts and industrial users alike.

John James

John James is a renowned brand in the needle manufacturing industry, synonymous with quality and reliability since its formation in 1840 and registration in 1902. With a heritage spanning over 300 years, John James needles are recognized globally for their durability and wide range, including gold and petite needles, although the plating on gold needles can wear off over time. The brand, part of Entaco Limited, offers a comprehensive range of hand sewing and machine needles, with innovations such as the John James Pebble and reusable packs introduced in the mid-1960s. John James needles are rated highly for their quality, with a total rating of 3.5/5, and are known for their strong eye and long-lasting performance, making them a standard in the cross-stitch world. The company's commitment to quality is reflected in its long history and the expertise of its staff, many of whom have over 30 years of experience.

Prym

Prym is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality needles, particularly dominant in the European and worldwide markets for hand sewing and craft needles. Since the 1990s, Prym has been the clear market leader in Europe, with a significant market share alongside Entaco. Prym's products, such as the prym.ergonomics circular knitting needles, are renowned for their innovative design, using high-performance synthetic materials reinforced with carbon fibers, and have received awards like the Red Dot Design Award. The company ensures sustainability by producing its entire range of knitting needles and crochet hooks exclusively in Germany. Prym's needles are available in a wide variety of thicknesses and lengths, making them suitable for all needlework enthusiasts.

Dritz

Dritz is a well-regarded brand in the needle market, known for its diverse range of products, including quilting needles, sewing needles, and other crafting tools. While some users have reported mixed experiences with specific products, Dritz remains a popular choice among crafters and sewists. For instance, Dritz glass head pins are highly praised for their quality and sharpness. However, the brand faces competition from other notable manufacturers like Clover, which also offers a wide array of needle products. Despite this, Dritz continues to be a significant player in the market. For more information about their needle offerings, visit Keaton Quilts.

Bohin

Bohin is renowned as one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality needles, with a history spanning over 150 years since the 1830s. Known for their French-made, nickel-plated steel needles, Bohin has maintained its integrity by resisting the outsourcing model, ensuring consistent quality and precision in their products. Their needles are praised for being strong, smooth, and well-made, making them a favorite among professionals and hobbyists alike. Despite occasional minor flaws, Bohin needles are generally considered superior to other brands, with many users highlighting their ease of threading and smooth glide through various fabrics. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Bohin continues to set industry standards. For more details on their products, visit the Bohin Tapestry Needles Size 28 page.

Clover

Clover, a renowned brand in the crafting industry, has been a trusted producer of high-quality knitting needles since its founding in 1925. Known for their lightweight and natural bamboo materials, Clover's knitting needles, such as the Takumi Bamboo Premium 9" Circular Knitting Needles, are ideal for various knitting projects. With a rich corporate history and a strong global presence, Clover continues to innovate and meet the needs of craft enthusiasts. The company's commitment to quality and environmental management is evident from its ISO14001 certification obtained in 2000. Clover's products are widely available and respected for their durability and ease of use.

Singer

Singer, although primarily known for its sewing machines, has a significant impact on the sewing industry, including the production and trade of sewing machine needles. However, it is not specifically highlighted as a major producer of sewing machine needles. In 2022, the top exporters of sewing machine needles were Singapore, Vietnam, Czechia, India, and Germany, with no mention of Singer in this context. Singer's historical dominance was in sewing machine production, with the company producing over 36 million sewing machines from its Kilbowie factory between 1884 and 1943. The company's focus has been more on the manufacturing of sewing machines rather than the needles themselves. For detailed information on sewing machine needle exporters, refer to the OEC profile on sewing machine needles.

Organ

Organ brand, originating from Japan, is renowned for producing high-quality sewing machine needles, particularly for commercial and industrial use. Since 1936, Organ has been a leading manufacturer, supplying needles for prominent machine brands like Tajima, Toyota, and Barudan. Their needle range includes sizes from 65/9 for detailed work to 90/12 for tough fabrics, ensuring versatility and durability. Organ Needle Europe, established in 1977, has expanded distribution to Europe, the Maghreb states, and the Near East, and was renamed in 2009 to reflect its broader market presence. The company is committed to delivering high-quality products at reasonable prices with efficient customer service. For more information on their commercial embroidery needles, visit their official page.

Tulip

Tulip, based in Hiroshima, Japan, is renowned for its high-quality needles, with a tradition of needle-making dating back over 300 years. The company produces around 10,000 needles daily, each undergoing approximately 30 different processes to ensure exceptional sharpness and a smooth polishing finish that minimizes friction. Celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2013, Tulip developed over 50 types of specialist needles using cutting-edge precision technology. Their 'gold label' needles, known for their superior polished finish, are particularly praised for their smooth stitching experience, especially on delicate fabrics like silk and fine cotton. Tulip's products are available in more than 50 countries, making them a global leader in the needle industry. For more information, visit their official feature on Tulip needles.

Milward

Henry Milward & Sons, based in Redditch, is a renowned English manufacturer of sewing needles, boasting over a quarter of a millennium in the industry. By the late 1800s, the company had become the largest manufacturer in the district, with trade directories listing 117 firms in the Redditch area involved in needle and fish tackle trades in 1868/9. The company's growth was significant, especially at the end of the 19th century, under the leadership of Charles Frederick and Henry Tomson. Milward & Sons amalgamated with other leading needle makers, such as John James and W. Avery & Son, to form a dominant presence in the needle industry. This historical and industrial significance underscores Milward's position as one of the best producers of needles. For more detailed history, visit their Wikipedia page.