Needles for Japanese embroidery come in two main types: machine-made and handmade. Machine-made needles are used to stitch with fine couching thread. Handmade needles come in a range of sizes appropriate for stitching threads ranging from fine to very heavy. The higher the number, the heavier the needle. These needles used to be sold as appropriate for flat and twisted thread. However, the same size needle is now used for both thread types.
