There are many different kinds of needle available for all manner of sewing, here are some of the most popular.

Tapestry Needles
The large eyes of the needle allow the wool or stranded cotton to thread easily and the blunt end allows the needle to pass through the aida or canvas without damaging the fabric weave. Tapestry needles come in many sizes, the smaller the size, the larger the needle.

Cross Stitch Needles
exactly the same as tapestry needles.

Embroidery Needles
these needles have a long eye to enable easy threading of stranded cotton and sharp point which allows clean piercing of the fabric.

Sharps
these needles are sharp pointed general purpose sewing needles.

Beading Needles
these are very fine needles which allow easy passage through the smallest of beads.

Quilting Needles
these needles, some times called Between Needles, are shorter in length than ordinary needles with a very sharp point and are perfect for fine sewing.

Darning Needles
these needles are long and sharp and have long eyes to accommodate wool or yarn and are used for mending.

Chenille Needles
these needles are very similar to tapestry needles but they have a sharp point to allow them to pierce very course fabric easily.

Plastic Needles
chunky, easy to handle needles, perfect for little hands.

Which size needle to use with aida fabric?

6 count – size 18
8 count – size 20
11 count – size 22
14 count – size 24
16 count – size 26
18 count – size 28

Which size needle to use with evenweave and linen fabric?

22 count – size 22
25 count – size 22
27 count – size 22
28 count – size 24
32 count – size 26
36 count - size 28

Hints and Tips

• Avoid leaving your needle in your work when you put it away, it may leave a mark
• Try gold plated needles if you have an allergy to nickel
• Throw away any damaged needles, they may spoil your threads and fabric
• Try using a sharp needle for backstitch and outlines for a clean finish
• Adjust your needle size to match your project
• Use several needles to avoid having to re thread with each colour
   

Source:
http://www.needlework-tips-and-techniques.com/embroidery-needles.html

Embroidery needles come in many different types and picking the ideal one can make your needlework more enjoyable.

But how do you know which one you should be using?

The basic rule is to pick the finest needle that will accommodate the thread and fabric that you wish to use. One that is too large will create holes in the fabric that the thread does not fill in, one that is too fine will mean that the thread gets rubbed unnecessarily every time the needle goes through the fabric, meaning that it will fray quickly.

Needle Characteristics

The Size