In this mini-tip-series, we'll explore the uses for many different types of needles both unusual and everyday! But first, let's take a closer look at the needle itself:  

 And just what do those numbers mean?

Shopping for needles can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the terminology and the cryptic numbers and codes on the packaging. Here's your "decoder ring"  

130/705 H-J 70/10

• 130 refers to the length of the shank
• 705 indicates that the back of the shank is flat; the flat side goes towards the back when the needle is properly inserted
• H is an abbreviation for "Hohlkehle" --German for "long scarf"--meaning that the design of the scarf is improved for zigzag and other stitches in which the needle moves from side to side
• J (S or Q) indicate the type of needle (particularly the point). If no letter is indicated, the needles is a Universal. Otherwise: J is for Jeans, E is for Embroidery, L is for Leather, M is for Microtex, N is for Topstitching, S is for Stretch and many more!...
• 70 (or any other number between 60-120) refers to the European designation of the diameter of the shaft.
• 10 (or any other number between 6-20) is the American size label for the size of the shaft. The smaller the number, the smaller then needle!