What is a needle minder and do you need one?
“Stitch your stress away.” -Unknown
Needle Minders are Fun and Useful
I am always searching for the most awesome cross stitch patterns. And I keep coming across needle minders. I would always scroll by, but my curiosity could not take it any longer. What is a needle minder? I have been cross stitching for many years, and I never heard of such a thing. But now that I know what they are, I think I need at least a few dozen. Why not?
What is a Needle Minder?
If you do embroidery or cross stitching projects, you know how easy it is to misplace your needle. You either set it aside and drop it in the couch or on the floor. And if you place your needle in the fabric, so you do not lose it, it can damage the fibers. With one of these handy little needle minders, you will never have to worry about losing your needle again.
A needle minder is also referred to as a needle nanny. It has an attractive top that is magnetic and will hold your needle securely. A needle minder has 2 magnets. One on the back of the top piece and a backing magnet.
To use the needle minder, place the back of the decorative top on the front of your fabric. Next secure the needle minder to the fabric by placing the backing magnet on the back. A good needle minder will have strong magnets that will keep the accessory in place. To store the needle, just place it on top of the decorative top. The magnets will create a magnetic field that will help hold the needle in place.
14 of the Geekiest Needle Minders
So, after I figured out what a needle minder was, I spent way too long looking at them. I still cannot pick which one or ones I want. But I have narrowed them down to these 14.
1. QUEEN OF HEARTS NEEDLE MINDER/MAGNET, ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Alice in Wonderland is the best Disney cartoon ever! I love this Queen of Hearts needle minder. I think I must get this one.
2. HANDBOOK NEEDLE MINDER - GHOST MAGNET FOR CROSS STITCH - BOOK CROSS STITCH MAGNET -GHOST NEEDLE MINDER -80S CROSS STITCH -BOOK NEEDLE MINDER
This needle minder is based on the Handbook for the Recently Deceased from Tim Burton's Beetlejuice. This minder measures about 1.5" tall.
3. STITCHING ASSISTANT MUSHROOM NEEDLE MINDER TO KEEP TRACK OF YOUR NEEDLE FOR CROSS STITCH EMBROIDERY ACCESSORIES
These Mario inspired mushrooms are super cute. And they come in a pack of four. So, if you are like me, you will have a needle minder for each project you have started.
4. NEEDLE MINDER CARTOON DOG PLANAR RESIN CROSS STITCH MINDERS
This one is definitely at the top of my list. I love Snoopy! And being an avid birder, Woodstock makes this piece even better. If you are looking for a needle minder for a gift, this Peanuts Snoopy needle minder would be great for a Snoopy lover.
5. GROGU IN BUGGIE ENAMEL BROOCH MAGNET NEEDLE MINDER
Grogu is awesome! I really want one of these too. If you are a fan of Star Wars and the Mandalorian, these Baby Yoda needle minders are a must-have accessory.
6. ACRYLIC NEEDLE MINDER MINDERS POP CULTURE CROSS STITCH DIAMOND PAINTING GHOST
Are you a fan of the Ghost Busters movies or the cartoon? Here is a cute needle minder perfect for ghost hunters.
7. MINDER DUFF BEER NEEDLE MINDER MAGNETIC FOR CROSS STITCH, EMBROIDERY, SIMPSONS MAGNETIC PIN, OR DECORATIVE MAGNET, SIMPSONS NEEDLE MINDER
The Simpsons! Here is another nerdy needle minder that I must have. I actually have The Simpsons on as I am writing this post. It never gets old. This fun Simpsons needle minder embroidery accessory features the Duff Beer can.
8. KERMIT COULD’VE TOLD YOU THAT NEEDLE MINDER
The Muppets are a classic. This needle minder uses the Kermit the Frog meme image. What could he be thinking about while you are working on your embroidery project? He is probably criticizing your every stitch.
9. NEEDLEMINDER NEEDLE MINDER CHOCOLATE PLANAR RESIN CROSS STITCH MINDERS MAGNET
If you collect M&Ms or know someone that does, this is an ideal needle minder. These cute little M&M characters are guaranteed to put a smile on anyone's face.
10. GNOME WITH RED SLOUCHY HAT MAGNETIC ENAMEL NEEDLE MINDER
Gnomes are funny and creepy. I love these things. I want a huge one for my flower garden. I found one at Menards last year, but it was a little pricey. There is not anything creepy about this little guy. He just wants to help you keep your needle safe and secure.
11. ACRYLIC NEEDLEMINDER - NEEDLE MINDER MAGNETIC, NEEDLE HOLDER, CROSS STITCH TOOLS, CROSS STITCH SUPPLIES, EMBROIDERY
Bob’s Burgers is one of the best cartoons on TV today. I love Bob’s voice. H. Jon Benjamin voices the character. He is awesome. Did you watch People of Earth? I really enjoyed that show. I cannot believe it was canceled. They always cancel the good shows but keep the boring crap on for years and years.
12. NEEDLE MINDER KEEPER NANNY TELEPHONE POLICE BOX GALAXY PLANAR RESIN CROSS STITCH MINDERS WHO
Here is another amazing geeky needle minder. I need to add this Tardis needle minder to my Doctor Who collection.
13. CAPTAIN AMERICA NEEDLE MINDER
I have been checking out some Marvel Universe cross stitch patterns. I think this Captain America needle minder might be necessary for me to complete one of those.
14. SIMPSONS NEEDLE MINDER - SIDESHOW BOB
This is a must-have Simpsons needle minder. This thing cracks me up. Look at those bloody knives and Sideshow Bob’s creepy smile. Hahaha!
If you are an avid cross stitcher or learning how to cross stitch, are needle minders a necessity? Nope, but I think I need about a dozen of them. They really would come in handy. I have a bad habit of laying my needle down and having to look for it. Using a needle minder would help me save time for sure.
So, what is a needle minder? It is a magnetic accessory that will help keep you from losing your needle.