<p>It could be a leather working needle:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/xLxdz.png" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/xLxdz.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a><br />
<sup><a href="https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-large-leather-working-needles-543376326" rel="noreferrer">source</a></sup></p>
<p>The ones in this picture are 7&quot;/17.8 cm, but are described as 'large'.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-12-18T10:38:47.007Z
These do have the shape, but I think the tips are triangular - mine only has two edges, which aren't sharp.
j4nd3r53n
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-12-17T16:23:29.483Z
2022-12-17T16:23:29.483Z
Joachim
<p>It looks a lot like an old sail/sailing/sailor's/sail maker's needle:</p>
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<th><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/m7QKQ.jpg" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/m7QKQ.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></a></th>
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<td>&quot;<em>A rare and interesting Welsh Sailors or Sail Makers tool kit. A full set of sail makers needles, string and large for penetrating the heavy canvas along with two net making/repairing tools. All houses in an original case.</em>&quot; The length of the case is 19 cm. <sup><a href="https://www.antiques-atlas.com/antique/19thc_welsh_sail_makers_tools_sailors_needles__/as223a891" rel="noreferrer">source</a></sup></td>
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</tbody>
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</div>
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-12-18T10:42:21.127Z
I think that is the answer! Thanks!
j4nd3r53n
CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-01-08T20:40:27.777Z
Being familiar with rope splicing, this is absolutely the right answer.
SE - stop firing the good guys
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-12-17T16:19:44.353Z
2022-12-17T16:19:44.353Z
Joachim
<p>I have this old needle, that I found in a box at a car boot sale and cleaned for rust, and I wonder what it is called? It is ~12cm (5&quot;) long, and the eye is large enough that I can use it to sew with something like baling twine, and it has turned out to be very good for an ancient technique called 'nålebinding' (ie. 'needle binding' translated) with thick yarn. The fact that it is somewhat flattened and bent at the sharp end is actually a helpful feature, in my opinion. I'd like to buy some more in different sizes - but what are they called?</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/tppRt.jpg" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/tppRt.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-12-17T16:21:59.613Z
Possibly related: [Why are needles designed for sewing thick canvas or heavy leather three-edged?](https://crafts.stackexchange.com/questions/10450/why-are-needles-designed-for-sewing-thick-canvas-or-heavy-leather-three-edged)
agarza
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-12-19T00:20:17.843Z
These are also used for closing sacks and wool bales with baling twine.
Criggie
<tool-identification>
What is this needle called?
j4nd3r53n
# What is this needle called?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2022-12-17)

I have this old needle, that I found in a box at a car boot sale and cleaned for rust, and I wonder what it is called? It is ~12cm (5") long, and the eye is large enough that I can use it to sew with something like baling twine, and it has turned out to be very good for an ancient technique called 'nålebinding' (ie. 'needle binding' translated) with thick yarn. The fact that it is somewhat flattened and bent at the sharp end is actually a helpful feature, in my opinion. I'd like to buy some more in different sizes - but what are they called?

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/tppRt.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/tppRt.jpg)

**Tags:** tool-identification

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Possibly related: [Why are needles designed for sewing thick canvas or heavy leather three-edged?](https://crafts.stackexchange.com/questions/10450/why-are-needles-designed-for-sewing-thick-canvas-or-heavy-leather-three-edged)  
> **username_2**: These are also used for closing sacks and wool bales with baling twine.  

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2022-12-17. Score: 11 | Accepted answer

It looks a lot like an old sail/sailing/sailor's/sail maker's needle:

| [enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/m7QKQ.jpg) |
| --- |
| "*A rare and interesting Welsh Sailors or Sail Makers tool kit. A full set of sail makers needles, string and large for penetrating the heavy canvas along with two net making/repairing tools. All houses in an original case.*" The length of the case is 19 cm. [source](https://www.antiques-atlas.com/antique/19thc_welsh_sail_makers_tools_sailors_needles__/as223a891) |

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: I think that is the answer! Thanks!  
> **username_4**: Being familiar with rope splicing, this is absolutely the right answer.  

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### Answer by username_3 on 2022-12-17. Score: 6

It could be a leather working needle:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/xLxdz.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/xLxdz.png)  
[source](https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-large-leather-working-needles-543376326)

The ones in this picture are 7"/17.8 cm, but are described as 'large'.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: These do have the shape, but I think the tips are triangular - mine only has two edges, which aren't sharp.  

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