Upholstery Hand Tools
Choose curved needles, long needles and tufting tools
Match the path through the upholstery and decide whether the thread needs to emerge at the face or go through to the far side.
Use a curved path where the seam is the job
Sailrite shows curved needles for work such as cushion slipstitching and sewing a chair deck. Compare the arc with the space beside the seam. A needle that fits the space can enter and come back out at the accessible face.
Measure the route through the padding
For a through-stitch, measure the depth you need to cross and allow for handling the needle at the exit. For a tuft, identify where the thread is anchored and whether that point can be reached from behind.
Identify the clasp system by model
Osborne lists No. 417 tufting needles and No. 418 clasps within its tufting range. Match the clasp system and check whether you are buying the tool, the refills or a listing that contains both. A refill count is a separate detail from the needle length.
Consider the point and thread
Compare the point and eye after choosing the shape. A set with several lengths gives you options for different depths. If the fabric or thread calls for a particular point or eye, check that detail on the exact needle before choosing by length.