What is a Needle Minder?
- GeekyMcGeekerson
- Apr 15, 2021
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 30, 2024
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.
So, what is a needle minder and how do you use 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?
Have You Ever Lost Your Needle?
Have you ever lost your metal needle while working on a project? It can be easy for needle crafters to misplace their needles, especially when they slip between couch cushions or get lost during a busy stitching session. This can lead to unintentional needle pricks when you least expect it! To avoid this hassle, consider using a magnetic needle nanny. It securely holds your needle in place, so you never have to worry about losing it again!
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. Needle minders come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They have an attractive top that is magnetic and will hold your needle securely, keeping your needle handy at all times. A needle minder has 2 magnets. One on the back of the top piece and a backing magnet.
How to Use a Needle Minder
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 single 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.
Benefits of Needle Minders
A needle minder is a handy tool for anyone who enjoys needlework. It uses sturdy magnets to hold your embroidery needles securely in one place while you stitch. This helps prevent them from getting lost.
You can park your needles and threads on a minder, which means you can take a break from stitching without misplacing your needle. Plus, they are fun way to add a touch of personality to your stitching endeavors while you work.
Downsides to Needle Minders
While needle minders are helpful tools for keeping your needles in place, there are a couple of downsides to consider. First, some needle minders, can leave residue on fabric if the magnets are dirty. To avoid this, it's best wipe the magnetic needle keepers clean between each use.
Second, the magnets on some minders may be weak. If they are weak, the minder may fall off during your stitching session. You want needle magnets that are strong and will stay 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. ALICE PORTRAIT NEEDLE MINDER, COVER MINDER, MAGNET
Alice in Wonderland is the best Disney cartoon ever! I love this Alice needle minder. I would love to add this piece to my collection.
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. STAR WARS NEEDLE MINDER SET | HAN | R2D2 | YODA | JABBA | TSUM TSUM SYLE | CROSS STITCH
Embark on an intergalactic crafting journey with our Star Wars Needle Minders, featuring iconic characters like Han Solo, Yoda, R2D2, and Jabba the Hutt. These handy and stylish Needle Minders ensure you'll never lose your needle again.
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. MOTHMAN NEEDLE MINDER - INTROVERT GIFT, CROSS STITCH TOOLS, SC FI GIFT, NEEDLE NANNY, MAGNETIC NEEDLE MINDER, NERDY GIFTS, CRAFTY IDEAS
Behold the charming allure of this Mothman needle minder, which doubles as a quirky pin to personalize your wardrobe! Its powerful magnet ensures it clings securely, whether organizing your needles or accenting your favorite jacket.
9. ACRYLIC NEEDLE MINDER MINDERS POP CULTURE CROSS STITCH DIAMOND PAINTING
If you collect Wizard of Oz items or know someone that does, this is an ideal needle minder. These cute little characters are guaranteed to put a smile on a fan'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 embroidery bestie 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.
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