Last weeks shire meeting had woodwork on the schedule. We made various wood needles with pretty good results. My research in nalbinding has showed several finds of bone needles for nalbinding and I don’t think it’s to far fetched to think that the also made the needles from wood. And the good thing about wood needles is that the only get better the more you us them, it has all to do with the natural grease in the wool.
Biorns needle
So, back to my woodworking. The wood I had was from a linden and I used a simple knife (morakniv) and lots of smoothing paper. That’s the trick when you aren’t that used to wood working – you just have to use the smoothing paper a lot more! 
The holes are made with a modern drilling machine. All the medieval bone needles that I have seen have round holes like this one.
I ended up making two needles and I am pleased with the result. The still need some more smoothing paper with a finer grain so I’ll have to find some at home. Then I’ll use some linseed oil and the needle will be ready to use!
Lots of sanding...
03 September 2009 at 15:20
Nice article and photos. I have to admit that most of my interests focus on some of the larger and more grandeous Medieval projects; however, something as simple as making a needle can be of value. I agree that it is likely that needles were made from wood as well as bone, but I would think the ones made of bone would be more durable. I am doing some preliminary research on Medieval era weaving – if you know of any good websites or references, would you please share with me? Thanks!
29 November 2009 at 03:04
A short time ago, a couple of customers asked me to make nahlbinding needles. They have far bigger eyes than the round holes.
I have them on my website at on the Odds ‘n’ Ends Page at http://www.Turn-of-the-Century.com.
Any comment would be appreciated.
Thank you