Parts of a Needle

Eye: The size and shape of the needle eye influences what kind of thread will work best with it.		Point: Needles have been engineered with a variety of points (see below) for working with different fabrics.
Scarf: An indentation on the back of the needle that makes it easier for the hook to catch the loop of thread when the needle pierces the fabric.		Groove: Thread lies in the groove of the needle as it pierces the fabric. Thread that is too thick for a needle size will not lie in the groove properly or form stitches well.
Flat side: Almost all needles for home sewing machines have a round side and a flat side so that you can ensure the needle is inserted in the correct direction.		Shaft: The shaft refers to the entire needle from the tip to the end. A needle with a thicker shaft can go through heavier fabrics, but also makes a larger hole.
Needle size: Written in tiny letters on the shaft. Most needles have both an American size (8-19) and a European size (60-120). The larger the number, the thicker the needle.		Shank: The shank is the part of the needle that is inserted into the needle bar. Most needles have a flat side and a rounded side of the shank.