A specialist hand sewing needle with a long and distinguished history in both millinery and general hand stitching — and one of the most useful needles for a wider range of tasks than its name might suggest. The Milward Straw needle, also known as a milliner's needle, is defined by its unusual combination of a long, slender shaft and a small, round eye — distinguishing it clearly from sharps, which are shorter, and betweens, which are shorter still.
The length is the key to the straw needle's versatility. The long, fine shaft makes it the natural choice for any technique where a long needle improves control and precision. In millinery it is used for attaching trimmings, pleating, and stitching through layers of fabric and interfacing with the kind of control that shorter needles make difficult. More broadly it is the preferred needle for smocking — where the length allows multiple pleats to be gathered onto the needle in a single pass — and for hand pleating, basting, and tacking, where the extra length speeds up the process considerably and keeps stitches consistent.
The small, round eye is matched to the fine shaft and is well suited to standard and fine sewing threads. The sharp point pierces fabric cleanly without distorting the weave. Each needle is made from nickel-plated steel, giving a smooth surface that glides through fabric without resistance.
The pack contains 5 needles in assorted sizes 3 to 9. In needle sizing, the higher the number the finer the needle — size 3 is the thickest and strongest in the pack, suited to heavier fabrics and thicker threads; size 9 is the finest, suited to lightweight fabrics and fine threads. Having a range of sizes in a single pack gives flexibility across a variety of projects and fabric weights.
Needle sizes: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Pack contents: 5 needles, assorted sizes 3–9
Material: Nickel-plated steel
Brand: Milward
What is a straw or milliner's needle used for?
Straw needles — also called milliner's needles — are long, fine needles with a small round eye, used in millinery for attaching trimmings and stitching through layers, and more broadly for smocking, hand pleating, basting, tacking, and any technique where a long needle improves speed and control.
What is the difference between a straw needle and a sharp?
Both have sharp points, but a straw needle is considerably longer than a sharp and has a round eye the same diameter as the shaft throughout its length. A sharp is shorter and the eye is slightly wider than the shaft. For general hand sewing a sharp is the more versatile choice; for smocking, pleating, and millinery work the straw needle is preferred.
What does the size numbering mean?
In hand sewing needles, the higher the number the finer the needle. Size 3 is the thickest and most suitable for heavier fabrics and threads; size 9 is the finest and most suitable for lightweight fabrics and fine threads.
What thread should be used with straw needles?
Standard sewing thread and fine embroidery thread both work well. The small round eye is matched to standard and fine threads rather than thicker embroidery wools or tapestry threads.
