Wingneedles

What is a Wing Needle and What are its Uses? A wing needle is typically used for various heirloom sewing techniques. It is also called a "hemstitching needle". It has large flanges on each side of the shank which are used to create holes in tightly woven fabrics such as linen or cotton batiste. The two most common stitches that are used with the wing needle are "Entredeux stitch" and "Pinstitch". These stitches can be used to attach heirloom lace to linen or batiste fabrics. Normally you would use a light weight tear away stabilizer underneath the stitches, an open toe presser foot and spray starch on the fabric. Some machine embroidery designs use wing needles to create dainty holes in linen fabrics. An example of this can be found in Hope's Madeira Applique collection and in herShadow Wing Needle Applique Shirt Pattern.