noun / verb

needle

NEE-duhl/ˈniːdl/

A slender pointed instrument used to pierce material.

The threaded needle rests beside a small piece of partly stitched fabric.

A close-up of a slender steel sewing needle with a clearly visible threaded eye and sharp point, resting diagonally beside a small swatch of partly stitched fabric.

Etymology

needleOld Englishpointed sewing instrument

Old English nædl named a pointed instrument for carrying thread through material. Its name extended to surgical instruments, preserving the central idea of a slender tool that pierces.

In context

Inside the Hem11:04

about the type of sewing that you do um if you've got a booboo on your finger where is it because that'll help her know like where you push the needle through

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More examples

I can't get this thread through the eye of the needle.
The nurse uses a sterile needle to give the injection.
Thick leather can bend ordinary sewing needles.

Forms

needle · needles · needled · needling

needlework noun — Sewing or embroidery done by hand.

Similar words

awl: A handled tool for making holes, especially in leather.
pin: Usually holds material in place rather than carrying thread through it.