How Do You Make Bone Sewing Needles?
Bone needles have been made by man for thousands of years, according to Robin Dennell’s 1986 work, “Needles and Spear Throwers.” These types of needles and hooks were inexpensive and could easily be filed into many different sizes and shapes to be used for a variety of purposes. Making bone hooks and needles for sewing and other textile craft work can be an interesting project. Select a beef bone such as a rib. Place the rib in boiling water to loosen any remaining tissue. Scrape the bone with a knife by dragging the side of the blade along the bone like a scraper. Soak the clean bone in lemon juice for 30 minutes to bleach and kill bacteria. Cut the bone into a tapered shape using a hacksaw. Split the bone in half using a thin wood chisel and a hammer. Remove the marrow by scraping the spongy bone away with the knife. File the sliver into the length and shape of the needle you want. The needle head where you will make a hole should be somewhat flattened while the pointed end of the ne
