käsinõel

Käsinõel is an Estonian term that translates to "hand needle" or "sewing needle." It refers to the needle used for manual sewing, distinct from machine needles. These needles are typically made of metal, often steel, and feature a sharpened point at one end for piercing fabric and an eye at the other for threading yarn or thread.

Hand needles come in various sizes and types, each suited for specific sewing tasks. Sharps are general-purpose needles with a medium-length eye and shaft. Betweens are shorter and have a smaller eye, ideal for fine stitching and quilting. Milliners' needles are long with a narrow shaft, useful for hat making and embroidery. Darning needles are thicker and longer with a large eye, designed for repairing holes in fabric or knitting. Tapestry needles are similar to darning needles but have a blunt tip, making them safe for embroidery with thicker yarns.

The use of a hand needle is fundamental to many textile crafts, including garment repair, tailoring, embroidery, quilting, and various forms of needlework. The practice of sewing with a hand needle has a long history, predating the invention of sewing machines. It requires skill and dexterity to create neat and durable stitches. The choice of needle depends on the type of fabric, thread, and the desired outcome of the sewing project.