Images in PNG format: Needle for Sewing A hand-sewing needle is a long, thin implement having a sharp tip on one end and a hole or eye on the other. The first needles were made of bone or wood; current needles are composed of high carbon steel wire that has been nickel- or 18K gold-plated for corrosion resistance. The best embroidery needles are two-thirds platinum and one-third titanium alloy plated. Needles have traditionally been housed in needle books or needlecases, which have become decorative artifacts. Sewing needles may also be stored in an etui, which is a compact box that holds needles as well as other objects like scissors, pencils, and tweezers.
