Upholstery Needles
Upholstery needles, curved needles and mattress needles
Needles for upholstery work: Prym curved needles in sizes 2, 4 and 5 for one-sided sewing, straight 25 cm mattress needles for sewing through from side to side, and long doll needles for stuffed items.
Products: 3
Curved needle or long straight needle
Curved needle: Goes in and comes out on the same side. For repairing sofas, armchairs and upholstery covers, and for closed seams.
Mattress needle: Straight, long and thick, it passes through the full thickness. For upholstery buttons and anchoring stitches.
Doll needle: Longer and thinner, for dolls and small stuffed items.
Thread for upholstery work
Upholstery calls for strong upholstery thread or nylon thread. Regular sewing thread snaps under the pull of an upholstery button or in a seam that passes through stuffing.
Tips
Mark the entry and exit points before passing a long needle through.
With a curved needle, rotate your wrist along the arc.
Grip the needle with small pliers when the material is especially thick.
More needles
For regular hand sewing, see hand sewing needles. A full guide to choosing a needle is under needles, and machine needles under needles for home sewing machines. Before sewing, secure the fabric with pins; the other tools are under sewing notions.
Related guide: Hand sewing needles: how to identify a needle by point, eye and size
Frequently asked questions
Which needle suits upholstery?
For sewing on one side, a curved needle. For sewing through a mattress or a cushion from side to side, a long mattress needle.
What is a curved needle used for?
For sewing in places where you cannot reach the other side: sofas, armchairs and closed seams.
What is the length of a mattress needle?
The Prym mattress needles in our range are 25 cm long and 2.35 mm thick.
How do I sew on an upholstery button?
Pass a mattress needle from side to side, thread on the button, go back and tighten.
Which thread suits upholstery?
Strong upholstery thread or nylon thread.
Can I repair a sofa without taking it apart?
Usually yes, with a curved needle.
Is a curved needle suitable for leather?
Yes. Prym lists leather and faux leather among the uses.
What is the difference between a mattress needle and a doll needle?
A mattress needle is longer and thicker. A doll needle suits small items.
How do I hold a needle in thick material?
With small pliers, which help pull the needle.
Can I buy a quantity for an upholstery shop?
Yes. Phone 03-9444226 or WhatsApp 055-2473993.