nél

Nål is the Swedish word for needle. A needle is a slender, pointed tool designed to pierce materials and to guide thread or suturing material through the pierced path. Some needles also have an eye near the opposite end to hold thread.

Common types include sewing needles, embroidery needles, and surgical or medical needles. Sewing needles are usually steel, with a tapered point and an eye. Surgical needles are hollow and used with sutures; they are sterilized and come in various configurations. Sewing and embroidery needles differ in length, thickness, and eye size to suit different fabrics and threads.

Materials and manufacturing: Most needles are made from high-grade steel, sometimes coated with nickel or chrome. They are produced by drawing wire, forging, hardening, and grinding to precise lengths and tip shapes. Gauge numbers indicate size; higher numbers mean thinner needles for lighter fabric or tissue.

Historically, needles were made from bone, wood, or horn and later from bronze and iron. Refined metal needles enabled finer sewing and more precise suturing. Today, needles are essential in clothing, crafts, medicine, and laboratory work; safety and hygiene are important, especially for medical needles.

Related topics include needle and thread, sewing, sutures, and surgical instruments.