What Hair Sewing Needle and Thread to Use?
Whether you’re a pro or a beginner at home, choosing the right tools for sewing hair is key to durability, natural looking results and client happiness. Hand sewing is the manual part of creating long lasting weaves, extensions or wigs. But with so many options out there how do you know which ones to use?
This post will give you the expert low down on what needle and thread to use for sewing hair so you can create flawless styles and be more efficient and better quality.
Why it Matters
The tools you use affect the longevity and comfort of your creation. A bad needle can damage the hair or be uncomfortable, a bad thread can ruin your work by breaking, fraying or loosening over time. Having all the needles for applying hair weaves or extensions is key to your sewn hairstyles staying secure, comfortable and professional looking. Using the right hair sewing needle and thread means your sewn hairstyles stay secure, comfortable and professional looking.
Choosing the Thread
Choosing the right thread for your hair sewing needs is key to professional looking results. Here are some things to consider when choosing a thread:
-
Thread Material: Choose threads made from high quality material that’s durable and won’t tangle. Polyester and nylon threads are popular for hair sewing because of their strength and flexibility. These materials will keep your hair extensions in place without fraying or breaking.
-
Thread Color: Choose a thread color that matches your hair color as close as possible. This will help the thread blend in with your natural hair or extensions and give a more natural and polished look. For example black thread is good for dark hair, lighter shades like blonde or clear threads are good for lighter hair tones.
-
Thread Thickness: Choose a thread thickness that’s suitable for your hair type. Thicker threads are good for thicker hair, you need the extra strength to hold the extensions in place. Thinner threads are better for finer hair, so you don’t add bulk.
-
Thread Strength: Consider the strength of the thread and if it can handle the weight and tension of your hair. Strong threads like nylon are good for heavy duty installations, polyester is a balance of strength and flexibility for all styles.
By choosing the right thread you can have durable, comfortable and natural looking sewn hairstyles.
Hair Sewing Needles
Hair sewing needles come in different shapes and sizes each for specific techniques and applications. Knowing the types will help you choose the right needle for your projects. Curved needles are good for small projects like wig making or intricate stitching, they add to the overall functionality of sewing kits.
1. C-Shaped Needles
Curved needles especially the C-shaped ones are a staple in the hair sewing world. Their curved design makes it easier to maneuver especially when sewing extensions, wefts or wigs onto cornrows or mesh caps. This shape reduces strain on the hands as it glides through braids without poking the scalp or fingers.
Best for: Weave installations and wig creation.
2. Straight Needles
Straight needles provide extra control and precision, good for specific detail work like securing a hairpiece or sewing lace wigs. But requires more skill as it doesn’t curve with the scalp.
Best for: Detailed adjustments or installations that require high accuracy.
3. L-Shaped Needles
This type combines the benefits of curved and straight needles, it’s versatile and has control. An L-shaped needle is good for reaching tight corners or areas where a curved or straight needle can’t.
Best for: Versatile sewing and advanced techniques.
Choosing the Right Needle Size
The size of the needle matters. Thicker needles are stronger but may feel bulky, finer ones will give you a more seamless finish. A standard size of 2-2.5 inches is good for hair sewing. Make sure the needle’s eye (the hole where the thread passes through) is big enough to accommodate thick threads as most standard sewing threads won’t cut it.
Hair Sewing Needle and Thread Sets
Hair sewing needle and thread sets are a great way to get started with hair sewing. These sets usually comes with different needles and threads in various sizes and colors so it’s a versatile addition to your sewing kit. Here are the benefits of using a hair sewing needle and thread set:
-
Convenience: Hair sewing needle and thread sets is a one stop solution for all your hair sewing needs. Everything you need is in one package so you don’t have to look for individual items.
-
Cost-Effective: These sets are usually cheaper than buying individual needles and threads. Good for beginners and professionals who want to stock up on essentials without burning a hole in your pocket.
-
Variety: Hair sewing needle and thread sets comes with different needles and threads in various sizes and colors. You can choose the perfect combination for your project whether you’re working on hair weave extension, wig or any other sewn hairstyle.
Buying a hair sewing needle and thread set means you have the tools at your disposal to make your hair sewing projects more efficient and fun.
Best Threads for Sewing Hair
Just like needles, choosing the right weaving thread is also important. You want strong, durable and flexible thread that won’t fray or unravel and will match your hairstyle.
1. Nylon Thread
One of the most popular options, nylon thread is strong and durable. Its resistance to breakage is good for securing wefts, extensions and wigs especially for long term styles. Nylon thread is also low stretch which helps the hairstyle hold its shape over time. Having one weaving thread spool in a kit is good to have all the tools for various weaving techniques.
Key Benefits:
-
High tensile strength
-
Resistant to fraying
-
All day wear
Best for: Long term weaves and heavy duty installations.
2. Polyester Thread
Polyester is versatile and slightly more flexible than nylon. Good for professional stylists and beginners who want material that’s durable and easy to use. Polyester thread goes well with styles that requires some give like looser weaves. Also compatible with various needle styles so it’s good for thread needle kits used in hair weaving projects.
Key Benefits:
-
Light weight and flexible
-
Available in various colors to match hair tones
-
Easier to handle than nylon
Best for: Beginner projects and quick installations.
3. Cotton Wrap Thread
Cotton wrapped threads has a special coating to give extra grip, good for creating wigs and sewing fine lace fronts. These threads will maintain its form without thinning and gives a polished look to sewn pieces. Having a weaving thread spool in a kit is important for the weaving process as it has all the tools to apply hair extensions and weaves.
Key Benefits:
-
Better grip on delicate materials
-
Light weight and seamless
-
Easy to knot securely
Best for: Wig construction and lace-front styling.
4. Pre-Waxed Thread
Pre-waxed thread has a smoother, slightly sticky texture due to the wax coating. The wax will help in holding during stitching. The wax reduces slippage and prevents unraveling. Good if you want a polished and secure finish.
Key Benefits:
-
Resistant to slippage and unraveling
-
Good for firm weft installations
-
Neat finish
Best for: Professional grade styles and tightly sewn applications.
Seamless Sewing Tips
Even with the right tools, bad technique can ruin the results. Use these tips to get perfect sewn hairstyles every time!
-
Match Thread Color
Choose a thread color that matches the client’s hair or the extensions being used. Black or brown threads are good for most dark hair installations, blonde or clear threads for lighter shades.
-
Use Taut Braids or Cornrows
Make sure the foundation (e.g. braids or cornrows) is done securely before sewing – this will reinforce the hairstyle.
-
Thread Through Sufficiently
Thread through the weft and natural hair or cap multiple times to create a good bond. Do not pull too tight to avoid breakage or discomfort to the client.
-
Double Knot Edges
To secure the stitching, double knot thread ends on both sides of the section. This will lock everything in place without loosening.
-
Work in Sections
Divide the installation into smaller sections and work methodically. This will minimize mistakes and have a neat finish.
Mistakes to Watch Out For
Here are some mistakes to avoid when using hair sewing needles and threads:
-
Wrong Needle Size: Using a needle that is too small or too big for your hair will result to uneven stitching and damage. Make sure to choose the right needle size for your hair type and the job.
-
Low Quality Threads: Low quality threads will lead to tangling, breakage and uneven stitching. Always use high quality threads like nylon or polyester for durability and professional finish.
-
Not following proper sewing techniques: Improper sewing techniques will result to uneven stitching, puking and damage to your hair. Take time to learn and practice proper techniques to get smooth and secure results.
-
Not using the right thread color: Using a thread color that doesn’t match your hair color will show the stitching and look unnatural. Always choose a thread color that matches your hair or extensions to have a seamless look.
By avoiding these mistakes, you will have successful hair sewing projects and beautiful long lasting hairstyles.
By following this, the new sections will blend in with the existing article and provide useful information and tone.
When to Replace
Even the best tools need to be replaced periodically to perform at its best.
-
Replace Needles: Replace your needles when they get dull or bent as this can cause accidents or damage to the hair or fabric.
-
Refresh Thread Stock: Discard threads that are weak or frayed as these will break during use.
Where to Get the Best Hair Sewing Needles and Threads
Finding good tools can be hard but many trusted vendors carry hair sewing essentials. Beauty supply stores, online marketplaces or vendors that cater to stylists are great places to get premium needles and threads for your next project.
For a hassle free purchase, look for brands that emphasizes professional grade tools and materials used by experts.
Level Up Your Hair Sewing
The right hair sewing needle and thread is key to having professional looking sewn hairstyles that last. Whether you’re installing weaves, stitching wigs or securing extensions, the right tools will make your hard work not unravel – literally or figuratively.
By using products that suits your needs and proper sewing techniques you can deliver results beyond expectations.
Ready to invest in durable and reliable sewing supplies? Check out our curated needles and threads and find your match – and level up every style.