Saddlers Harness Needles: What Are Those and When to Use It?

Becoming an expert in any field requires thorough information for you to master or ace it completely. The same rules apply to the field of crafting. That’s why sound knowledge of crafting tools is a must. Whether working on delicate fabric like chiffon or rough fabric like corduroy, always ensure you’re using a good needle to achieve your desired results. 

However, with so many various embroidery and sewing needles (all of which are used for different purposes), it might be a bit puzzling to figure out which needle is appropriate for your project. So, to make the most of your time, it’s critical to understand the differences between different types of needles and their purposes.

Saddlers Harness needles, for example, are among numerous of these needles and are designed for a specific purpose, Leather Craft. Since the ratio of flexibility in leather is extremely low, sewing different and thick layers of leather gets very tiring and almost tricky. That’s when Saddlers Harness Needles step into the view to make things easier and more fun for you.

Do you have a particular question about saddlers harness needles? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page. 

What are Saddlers harness needles?

Saddlers Harness needles are leather craft needles that are sturdy and well designed in terms of durability. They are constructed with a circular point to reduce the chances of thread snagging. Aside from that, the blunt point prevents you from stabbing yourself or ruining the leather you’re working on.

Harness needles are unique in that they are not designed to pierce a hole, unlike other needles. Instead, they’re made to assist you in going through the braiding and pre-made holes in leather efficiently.

It has an elongated eye that allows upholstery and other threads to slide through effortlessly. In addition, the eye is built so that it passes quickly through the hole in your work rather than widening it.

Are saddle needles the same as saddle stitching needles?

Regarding design, saddle hand sewing needles differ slightly from saddle stitching needles. Hand sewing saddle needles feature an enlarged eye on one end and a blunt point on the other to help you pass through the already formed hole in the leather object you’re working on. 

The saddle stitching needles, on the other hand, have a sharp point and an eye near them to help you slide the thread through. The other tip is intended to be fitted into the sewing machine. 

What are Saddlers harness needles used for?

Saddler harness needles have been the leading choice of leather crafters for years, for all the good reasons.

Saddle harness needles are used in hand stitch leather craft work such as bags, belts, shoes, book and seat covers, camera straps, and much more. In addition to that, they also work best when it comes to leather repairs such as harness and saddle repairs, including horse tack. 

What gauge are saddle needle?

Picking the correct needle size for your project can make a big difference in the end result. So, it’s necessary to keep in mind the sort of material you’re working with and the needle size you’ve chosen. 

When it comes to leather, the right size is even more critical because you don’t want to damage the leather by using the wrong gauge size. Harness needles are available in a range of gauges, starting with size 16 and progressing to size 20. You can choose one according to the nature of your project. 

Saddlers harness needles sizes

Sewing leather with a hand needle might strike you as a strange thing. Still, if done with the selection of proper needle size, it can take your craft to a new level by bearing you your required outcome and adding more fun to your overall craft experience. 

Harness needles come in various sizes, and you can choose one based on the thickness of the thread you’re using for your leathercraft.

Saddler harness needles are available in sizes 1, 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, and 18, to name a few. The same rule of thumb holds true for harness needles as well. Put another way, the smaller the number, the larger the needle. So, if you’re planning on stitching a large project, such as a leather sofa, size 2 is the way to go.

To make things easier for you, we have come up with a thorough list of harness needles organized by length and diameter.

  • Size 1 55mm length x 1.02mm diameter
  • Size 2 55mm length x 1.02mm diameter
  • Size 3 55mm length x 1.02mm diameter
  • Size 4 48mm length x 0.86mm diameter
  • Size 16 (3/0) 62mm length x 1.63mm diameter
  • Size 17 (2/0) 60mm length x 1.42mm diameter
  • Size 18 (1/0) 57mm length x 1.09mm diameter

Best projects to use saddle needles

Saddle needles can be used for small projects like bag making, shoe making, watch straps, camera straps, wallets, antique jewelry, etc. As well as heavy projects like jackets, suitcases, backpacks, and saddle or harness repair.

Credits: photos by Canva

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