C.S. Osborne Weaving Needle With Ball Point 25/pack - Various Sizes

The C.S. Osborne No. 52248 weaving needle is a purpose-built hand needle with a rounded ball point, long eye and heavier shaft options designed for handling yarns, cords and multi-ply threads. Osborne supplies this model in a range of sizes and gauges so you can match needle length and stiffness to the craft or repair task. Typical packs come with 25 needles, and like other Osborne needles the No. 52248 is made to consistent industrial tolerances for uniform performance across a pack. Important sizing note: size is based on the overall length across the needle, not the distance from eye to point.

Design features and benefits:
• Ball point tip: The rounded point is less likely to split or fray yarns and knitted fabrics. That makes 52248 a strong choice for working through knitwear, woven textiles and delicate multi-strand threads.
• Large eye: Designed to accept bulky yarns, tapestry thread and cord without repeated rethreading or bunching. This reduces wear on the yarn and speeds repetitive stitching.
• Heavy gauge options: Heavier gauges resist bending and provide better push-through power for dense materials such as canvas, rug warp and multiple fabric layers. Choose heavier gauge sizes for hooked rug or heavy tapestry work.
• Wide size range: Osborne lists multiple overall lengths and gauges for the 52248 family so you can pick a short, maneuverable needle for close work or a longer needle for deeper weaves or thicker stacks.

Typical applications:
• Hand weaving and tapestry finishing: Pulling weft yarns, securing fringe and finishing edges where a large-eye, blunt-tip needle moves yarn without splitting.
• Rug hooking and latch hook repair: Use heavier gauges for durable performance when passing thick wool or rug yarn through the foundation.
• Knitwear mending and darning: Ball point reduces split stitches in knitted fabrics and helps preserve fabric structure.
• Upholstery trim and decorative yarn attachment: Attaching decorative cords, braids and trims where a larger eye and blunt tip reduce damage to upholstery yarns.
• General craft, macrame and basket embellishment: Passing cord and ribbon cleanly through tightly woven materials.

How to pick the right 52248 size and gauge:
1. Start with overall length: The overall length determines reach and control. Shorter needles are better for tight, detailed work; longer needles reach deeper across layered weaves.
2. Match gauge to yarn and substrate: Fine yarns and delicate fabrics need smaller gauges to avoid oversized holes; bulky yarns and dense substrates benefit from heavier gauges to avoid needle bending. Example Osborne specs include lengths around 2-7/8", 3-1/8" and 3-1/2" with gauges roughly in the 16-18 range depending on model.
3. Test on scrap: Always try your yarn and chosen needle on scrap material to confirm hole appearance, thread glide and whether the needle resists bending.

Best practices and care:
• Use the long eye to fold yarn or ribbon for threading rather than trying to force single bulky strands through a small eye.
• Protect your thumb with a pushing thimble or fingertip pad when working through thick foundations.
• Store needles in a dry labeled case to avoid corrosion and keep points and eyes burr-free. Inspect for burrs before use to avoid snagging yarn.
• Replace bent or nicked needles promptly; a damaged eye or tip will fray yarn and damage work.

Related products:
• Hand weaving and tapestry needles collection: https://alanrichardtextiles.com/collections/needles
• C.S. Osborne chenille needles (large eye for bulky yarns): https://alanrichardtextiles.com/products/osb-562-24

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is a 52248 weaving needle best used for?
The 52248 is best for tasks that pass bulky yarns or multiple strands through woven or knitted fabric without splitting fibers. Common uses include tapestry finishing, rug repair, knitwear darning and attaching decorative cords or trims.

2. Should I use a ball point or sharp point for rug hooking and tapestry?
For most rug hooking and tapestry finishing a ball point is preferred because it parts yarn and fabric fibers instead of slicing them, reducing fraying and preserving yarn integrity. Use a heavier gauge ball point when pushing through dense foundations.

3. How do I choose the correct 52248 size for my yarn?
Choose by overall length and gauge. Pick an eye size that comfortably accepts your yarn or cord and a gauge that resists bending when passing through the foundation. Test a needle on a scrap with your exact yarn to confirm smooth passage and the hole size left behind.