Tulip Tapestry Needle Product Review

Most of us take needles for granted. They are serviceable tools but little more. Coming from Japan, where needles are revered, Tulip needles present an innovative look at this tool.

Made in Hiroshima, a center of needle-making, by a family company, the blend traditional techniques with modern technology to create great needles.

The needles don’t look different from you average gold-eye needle, but that’s deceptive, there are features hidden to the naked eye that make the needle easily pass through fabric. They are polished lengthwise in streaks so that the area of the needle that goes through the cloth is minimized. The outer edge of the needle is a series of points all around. I could not feel any difference in my hand. I did notice when I used it that the thread moved more smoothly and that it was easier to stitch.

The point, although rounded, is sharper than my usual John James needles. It is more like the points of Bohnin.

The packaging for some Tulip needles is unusual. Some sizes come in 6-packs in this long skinny package. Inside it is a short tube sealed with a cork. I am keeping these needles separate from the rest and in the tube.

Larger needles come in blister packs, more like what we expect needles to be in, but these tapestry needles are not in our familiar sizes.

I could only find a few sizes (22, 24, and 25) in the 6-packs. I expect that as these needles become more popular, we’ll start seeing more sizes.

I could see that for many stitchers these few sizes would be a problem. But if they work for you, try these needles — they’re great!

I bought my needles through Amazon. Some needlework shops carry them, but if you can’t find them at your LNS try Amazon or eBay.