Back to Top
November 25, 2024
90
Bug pin Tattoo Needles: from mounting butterflies to tattooing
Did you know bug pin needles, a tattoo artist's go-to for fine lines and intricate details, have an unexpected origin? Originally designed for pinning insects, these needles became a game changer in tattooing! Back in the day, we had to hunt down our needles—12 sharps and finer beading needles—and solder them ourselves. Milward and John James were the go-to brands of sewing needles, eventually leading to entomology pins (bug pins). That’s where it all began. Then came the game-changer: pre-soldered, pre-sterilized needles that made life much easier. Fast forward to today, and now we’ve got cartridges. Times have definitely changed, but the old-school crew will still remember that unmistakable smell of flux in the air.
It started with the size 15 Beading Needles
Tattooing has evolved a lot over the years, and one of the most significant changes has been in the tools tattoo artists use—specifically, the tattoo needle. Bug pin tattoo needles are among the most important innovations in recent tattoo history. But how did these needles, initially made for pinning insects, become a must-have for modern tattoo artists? For decades, tattoo artists used size 12 sharps—reliable, versatile, and perfect for most tattoos. However, as tattooing techniques became more detailed, artists started looking for needles to create finer, more intricate lines. Enter the smaller diameter size 15 beading needle. These needles, manufactured as sewing needles, were found by the old tattooers to produce sharper, cleaner lines ideal for fine-line tattooing. But for a long time, this was a secret kept by veteran tattoo artists.
Needle Industries Big Discovery
In the late '70s, Needle Industries, one of the UK’s largest needle manufacturers, noticed something strange. Tattoo artists bought huge quantities of needles—sometimes as many as 100,000 at a time. Turns out, tattooists were using them for tattooing and then throwing them away after each client. The company quickly realised they had a booming market on their hands.
To cut production costs, Needle Industries eliminated the eye of the needle, creating eyeless 12 sharps that were much cheaper to make. However, there was a problem—these needles were made from carbon steel, which rusted easily during the sterilization process. This led to much waste, and tattoo artists needed a better option.
Enter the Bug Pin Tattoo Needles
That’s when tattoo artists turned to bug pins. Designed initially for pinning insects, these stainless steel needles were far more durable and rust-resistant than carbon steel needles. Tattoo artists soon discovered that the Pink Elephant brand of bug pins, imported from Austria, was perfect for tattooing. The popular sizes—0 (0.35mm), 00 (0.30mm), and 000 (0.25mm)—were ideal for fine-line work, resembling the size 15 beading needles that tattoo artists had used for years for fine lines.
As tattoo machines evolved, so did the needles. bug pin needles quickly became the top choice for tattoo artists who needed precision and fine detail. These needles allowed artists to create incredibly detailed line work, smooth shading, and precise lines, making them a staple in tattooing.
Today, along with tattoo needles on the bar, bug pin cartridges are the go-to choice for professional tattoo artists. Whether for fine-line tattoos, intricate details, or flawless shading, bug pins are the most reliable and effective needles on the market. From their humble beginnings as insect display tools to their rise as a critical part of tattooing, bug pin needles represent the innovation and craftsmanship that continue to shape the world of tattoos.
Needle Industries - best kept trade secret back in the day
Many tattooists bought their tattoo needles from C.B. & F. Davis, which came in small seed envelopes because they were sold in limited quantities. You checked out the local library and browsed the Kompas and Kelly’s trade directories to find more suppliers. One of the first companies you ordered from was the British Needle Company, originally located on Peakman Street in Redditch, Worcestershire, at the corner of Queens Street.
By 1974, the factory was set to be torn down to make room for the expansion of Redditch College. At that point, Abel Morrall had taken over the company, and they moved to a new location on Edward Street. This new building was a prominent light-coloured brick structure near the railway line. Unfortunately, a fire in 1979 mostly destroyed the factory.
After the fire, some manufacturing operations were shifted to Lakeside, while offices and storage were set up at the end of Edward Street. Over time, the British Needle Company relocated to the Enfield Estate and was eventually acquired by Needle Industries in Studley.
Many tattoo artists, went to Needle Industries to buy tattoo points—special eyeless needles made specifically for tattooing. Spaulding & Rogers in New York even had them create a custom needle to their exact specifications. This needle had a different part number than those sold to tattooists in the UK, and if you called their sales team to inquire about it, they would deny any knowledge of that part number.
Recent Posts
