Beading Needles:  Beading needles are designed for attaching beads or sequins to needlework projects.  They are quite thin with a very small eye which allows them to fit easily through bead holes.

Chenille Needles:  Chenille needles are almost identical to tapestry needles except that they have a sharp point.  They are slightly shorter in length than embroidery needles.  Chenille needles are good for working on course fabric, or working with wool threads over tightly woven fabric including crewel work.

Darner Needles:  Darners are longer than most other needles and have a smaller eye.  They are good for stitching heavier fabrics repeatedly, such as required in darning or repairs.  The running stitch and darning stitch are best performed with a darner needle.

Embroidery Needles:  Embroidery needles or crewel needles have a sharp point which is needed for piercing tightly woven fabrics.  The large eye makes it easy to use multiple strands of thread and are used for a variety of stitching, such as embroidery, crewel, smocking, cutwork, stamped cross stitch, etc.

Quilting Needles:  Quilting needles are shorter in length than most needles, have a sharp point, and a small eye.  The shorter length makes it easier to sew through thicknesses without bending the needle.  These needles are used for hand quilting, applique, and piecing.  

Tapestry Needles:  Tapestry needles have a blunt point and slip through the holes of a needlepoint canvas or aida or linen easily.  The oval eye makes it easy to use multiple strands of thread.  Tapestry needles can be used with Needlepoint, Cross Stitch, Counted Thread Work, Hardanger, Redwork, etc.  Petite tapestry needles are shorter in length and are preferred by some as they require less thread for running the end of a thread under previous stitches.