When it comes to machine embroidery, there are needles made specifically for machine embroidery, we will refer to those as embroidery needles or needles throughout this article, and there are sewing machine needles that can also be used for machine embroidery if needed. More on this later.
Although both can be used for machine embroidery, the main difference between embroidery and sewing machine needles is the shape of the eye and scarf. Machine embroidery needles have a longer eye and a specially-shaped scarf to suit the more delicate embroidery threads and not to break or fray them.