What challenge did early metal needles present compared to bone needles?
Answer
They lacked flexibility and were prone to structural failure
While metal offered strength, early iterations lacked the subtle flexibility found in bone needles. When sewing thick, uneven animal hides, the bone needles could flex slightly to accommodate the stress of the process, whereas early rigid metal needles were more susceptible to breakage if the design was not properly balanced for such tasks.

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History of Sewing Needles for Embroidery and More - YouTube
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