Types of Aari Needles used for Hand Embroidery

     What is an Aari Needle?

      Aari Needle (aka Hook) is a handmade needle with a sharp pointy hook at one end. It is used for doing embroidery on fabrics. This needle comes in various styles. Let’s explore together the difference between each style of these needles and how they are used:

     1)   Needles for Bead and Sequins Embroidery Work

     

Style A: This needle is thin and consistent in size. It has a wooden handle which makes it easy and comfortable to use with hands. It has approximately 1.5 inches long iron needle which makes sequins or bead embroidery work really fast as more beads and sequins can be added to the needle in a single round.

Style B: This needle is similar to Style A needle, it is also thin and consistent in size. The only difference is the size of the needle; this needle is smaller than the Style A needle. It has approximately 1.2 inches long iron needle.

Style C: This needle is slightly different than other two styles (A and B) as it has an iron handle. It is also thin and consistent in size. It has approximately 1.5 inches long iron needle.

How are these needles used?

The Aari Needle is loaded with beads or sequins and is then pierced through the fabric. The thread (which is under the fabric) is entangled (grabbed) in the hook of the needle. Then the thread is brought at the upper side of the fabric with the needle and beads (or/and sequins) are transferred from the needle to the thread. The stitch is then secured with the previous stitch.

Watch the video tutorial here.

  

2)   Needles for Resham, Zari and Knit Thread

      

Style A: This needle is used for one thread work. It is mainly used for precise work like outlining the design with Zari or Resham (Silk) Thread.

Style B: This needle is used for two thread work. It is mainly used for thick outlining or for filling design.

Style C: This needle is used for three or four thread work. It is used for filling the design in a much faster way.

How are these needles used?

The Aari Needle is pierced through the fabric and thread (which is under the fabric) is entangled (grabbed) in the hook of the needle. Then the thread is brought at the upper side of the fabric with the needle and secured with the previous stitch. This stitch is quite similar to Cobbler’s Stitch. There are many variations of these stitches, Markan Stitch, Chain Stitch, Reverse Stitch, to name but a few. Intricate patterns and designs can be easily created by using these stitches.

Watch the video tutorial here.

 

Advantages of Aari Needle over Sewing (Thread) Needle

As compared to thread needle, Aari Needlework is faster because the thread is continuous as it is directly used from the spool. There is no need to cut a new thread or tie a knot every time. 
The added advantage is with Tambour/Luneville embroidery, it becomes so much easier with Aari needle to make stitches with beads and sequins.