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High-Quality Needles for Leather Crafting

Choosing the right needle is essential for clean, strong hand stitching on leather. Whether you’re saddle stitching belts, repairing upholstery, or doing everyday mending, this collection features premium leather sewing needles designed to glide smoothly through thick hides, from classic saddlers harness needles to easy-threading sets trusted by leathercrafters worldwide.
 

Complete your setup with our Ritza Tiger waxed thread and leather wax sticks to improve stitch consistency, reduce friction, and prevent thread breakage.

    Stitching Essentials for Smooth Hand Sewing

    Waxing your thread or needle reduces friction, prevents breakage, and helps the needle glide cleanly through leather, especially on thicker hides. These simple wax sticks make a noticeable difference in stitch quality and comfort.

    Which needle is right for your project?

    Leather Stitching Needles – Frequently Asked Questions

    Which needle is best for saddle stitching leather?
    Saddlers harness needles are best for saddle stitching belts, wallets, and thick leather. They are designed with a blunt tip to prevent piercing the thread or your fingers, and they are strong enough to withstand the tension of traditional hand-sewn saddle stitches.
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    What needle should I use for everyday mending and repairs?
    Easy threading needles (sizes 4 to 8) are ideal for quick mending. Their unique "slotted eye" design allows you to pull the thread through the top of the needle, making threading hassle-free without the need for a separate needle threader.
     
    Are curved needles useful for leathercraft?
    Yes. Curved repair needles are essential for upholstery, bag repairs, and stitching in tight or rounded areas where a straight needle cannot reach. They allow you to sew from the outside of a piece without needing access to the back.
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    Should I wax my thread when sewing leather?

    We highly recommend it. Using a product like Columbus Leather Wax helps the thread glide smoothly through the leather, reduces friction that causes fraying, and helps "lock" your stitches in place for a professional, long-lasting finish.

    What are the dimensions of John James Saddlers Harness Needles?​

    Choosing the right size ensures your needle passes through your punched holes easily. Here are the specs for our most popular sizes:

    • Size 4 (004): 48mm Long | 0.86mm Diameter - Best for wallets and fine work.

    • Size 2 (002): 54mm Long | 1.02mm Diameter - The standard all-rounder.

    • Size 1/0 (18): 57.5mm Long | 1.09mm Diameter - For thicker leathers and 1.0mm thread.

    • Size 2/0 (17): 59.5mm Long | 1.42mm Diameter - Heavy duty/Saddlery.

    • Size 3/0 (16): 61.5mm  Long | 1.63mm Diameter - Maximum strength for thick hides.​

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    ​What is the best needle for 0.6mm or 0.8mm Ritza Tiger thread?

    ​For 0.6mm thread, we recommend a Size 4 John James needle. For 0.8mm thread, a Size 2 is the perfect fit. You want a needle that is just slightly thicker than your thread so the eye doesn't put too much stress on the braided fibers.

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    What is the difference between a Harness needle and a Glovers needle?
    Harness needles have a blunt tip for pre-punched holes (using an awl or chisel). Glovers needles have a triangular, razor-sharp tip designed to pierce directly through soft leathers like garment or glove leather. Use Harness needles for most traditional leathercraft projects.

    Can I use these needles for leather sewing machines?
    No. These are hand-sewing needles only. Machine needles have a different shank and eye structure. Using hand needles in a machine will damage your equipment and your project.

    Sneaky Leather takes pride in sourcing products directly from renowned brands, ensuring our customers receive only genuine and authentic leathercraft supplies.

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