I would argue that bookbinding needles are the most important item in a bookbinder’s tool chest. Yes, the other tools (bone folders, awls and brushes) are very important, but the humble needle has few alternatives and lots of impact. In this post, I’ll tell you about my favorite straight bookbinding needles and why they’re at the top of my must-haves list!

First, what is a bookbinding needle?

If you’re brand new to bookbinding, be sure to learn all about bookbinding needles and how to choose the right one before reading further. Understanding this information will help a lot when I explain why these needles are my favorite.

Okay, on to the topic at hand…

My favorite straight bookbinding needles

Over the years, I’ve tried lots of needles. Like shoes, some worked out…and others didn’t. My time and money wasn’t wasted, though. I learned what features are worth paying for and which ones are just clever marketing. The following three needles share these common characteristics:

  • made of high quality steel
  • consistent in size and shape
  • offered in many sizes and points for any job

In bookbinding, English needles are considered the highest quality. While this has been true for hundreds of years, changes in manufacturing have weakened these beliefs. Over time, I decided to branch out and try local needles as well. I’m glad I did, because I found a gem worth mentioning. Let’s get into it!

#1 C.S Osborne & Co. 18 gauge needles

C.S Osborne & Co. has been making leather working tools for more than 100 years. While they are located in the United States, I’ve found their needles to be sturdy and reliable.

My favorite C.S Osborne & Co. needles are 18 gauge nickel-plated steel with an egg-shaped eye. They’re sturdy, strong and easy to handle at 2-3/8″ long with a rounded tip. Every needle in the package has the same consistency in size and shape, which (as some of you might know) is not always the case when ordering multi-needle packs.

I’ve used these to sew both text blocks and endbands because they’re so easy to manage. They’re my go-to favorite for almost every project, which is why I added them to my bookbinding kits.

#2 Hemming Darners #5

Sewing endbands is a tricky job for me. To reduce paper and spine trauma (as I call it – lol), I prefer smaller gauge needles. Unfortunately, most of the needles I’ve tried are unable to pass through thick layers of spine treatments without bending or breaking. That is, until I found Richard Hemming & Sons #5 Darners needles.

These needles are the right gauge, length and size for sewing endbands and smaller books (in my opinion). They work well with threads like #40 linen or silk and have a high strength and durability. While the needle is thin, it still passes through thick paper and layers of spinal treatments with ease. I’ve sewn many endbands with these needles and have yet to experience an issue. Maybe it’s the fact that they’re English, but these needles will not disappoint. That’s why I confidently include them in my kits.

#3 John James (England) #18

The John James English brand is well known in the bookbinding world for high quality needles. The #18 is my favorite. While it has a similar gauge to the first needle mentioned above, there is one thing that sets it apart: the John James #18 has a polished eye to reduce thread wear. And you know what? It doesn’t disappoint. The needles are easy to thread, work with and feel good in my hands.

A side note… There is a rumor that John James is no longer manufactured in England, so I’ve been carefully testing them over the past few years. Even though I’m weary of a change in manufacturing, I instinctively reach for these needles when working with #18 and #12 threads. They’re consistently one of the top 3 needles in my kit with zero breaks or bends, so I feel good recommending them for you to try.

Resources

Where to find my favorite straight bookbinding needles

my favorite straight bookbinding needles

I hope this information was helpful for you! Before I go, here are a few of my favorite places to find these needles:

If you’re new to the craft, my hand curated bookbinding kits include the C.S Osborne and Richard Hemming & Sons needles along with a curved needle so you can try all of them to see what works best for you.

Note: I also offer my Bookbinding Tools & Supplies Quick Start Guide if you’d like to know where to learn about and buy other small bookbinding tools.

If you’re already established and are ready to invest in more needles, here are a few places you can find them online:

  • My usual retailer for C.S Osborne needles (Wawak) doesn’t have them in stock as of this publish, but be sure to check them periodically. As an alternative, I found that Leather Smith Designs has the C.S Osborne needles in 15, 17 and 18 gauges. I haven’t personally ordered from them, so I can’t speak to their service.
  • Wawak offers the Richard Hemming & Sons needles in packs of 25
  • Colophon Book Arts has the John James England needles in all the best sizes and shapes

More bookbinding goodness

✨ What tools do I need to get started bookbinding?

🌟 Looking for a simple way to start making books? 

Try a Complete Book Materials Kit. Each one has everything you need (+ tutorials & videos) to make a beautiful book without all the fuss.

Thank you for taking me along on your book making journey!

Misty