Sewing Machine Needles: Parts Chart

• Shank
  The upper part of the needle is called the shank. It is usually round on one side and flat on the other.
• Shaft
  The shaft is the lower part of the needle that extends from the base of the shank to the point.
• Groove
  This part is located on the shaft on the same side as the rounded part of the shank. The groove, or indentation, acts as a thread guide and provides a channel for the thread to lie in as the needle passes through the fabric.
• Scarf
  The scarf is visible on the flat side of the shaft. It is a short indentation located just above the eye of the needle. The purpose of the scarf is to allow the bobbin case hook to get close to the needle eye and catch the thread to form a stitch.
• Eye
  This is the hole above the needle point through which the needle thread passes. The size of the eye varies with the needle type and size. A needle should be selected with an eye that is large enough to accommodate the weight of the thread that is being used.
• Point
  The point is the tip of the needle that pierces through the fabric. Each needle type has a different point which is specifically designed for different types of fabric.

Sewing Machine Needles
Sewing Machine Needles: Introduction
Sewing Machine Needles: Parts Chart
Sewing Machine Needles: Sizing Chart
Sewing Machine Needles: Types Chart