Foster Needle began operation in 1956. During the more than 50 years since then, the company has grown to become the world leader in the production and sales of felting needles for the nonwoven and other textile industries.

The company was founded by Edson P. Foster, Sr. Mr. Foster was born and raised in Torrington, CT, USA, where in those days the world’s largest needle company - the Torrington Company - was located. Working for this company gave Mr. Foster the basis and inspiration for creating his own needle company after relocation to an area possessing a technically skilled work force, Manitowoc, WI.

Being a highly talented engineer, Mr. Foster went on to create the designs and patents for most of the blade shapes and barb shapes that are now standard to needlepunch firms in every country. The most important of the patented new designs was the Foster Formed Barb™, the first barb with rounded interior surfaces to be produced and to become a commercial success!

Following the company’s focus on international growth, Foster Needle Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary located in England, began operations in 1981 as a full manufacturer of felting needles with expert sales and technical staff to assist customers in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Foster Needle Co., Inc. became the first needle producer to earn ISO-9000 certification in 1995. The company successfully passed its first quality audit in May of that year, and was granted the ISO-9002 certification. In September 2003, Foster Needle received IS0-9001-2000 certification.

Today, Foster Needle offers needle development, technical services and superior products unmatched by any other source.

Designs and Development

The Foster Formed Barb | Download PDF   or  

The most important of all felting needle developments has been the Foster Formed Barb design.

The Pinch Blade | Download PDF   or  

One alternative to triangular blades.

The HDB

Good results in many applications, such as needlepunching spun bonds for geotextiles.

The Star Blade | Download PDF   or  

The first felting needle blade to be designed with four barbed edges.

The Chisel Point | Download PDF

The Crown Needle | Download PDF   or  

Essential in yielding the new style fabrics made possible by the Di-Lour loom.

The Twin Crown Needle | Download PDF or or

The Fork Needle | Download PDF   or  

Fork needles are used to produce loop and velour structured needle punched carpeting and other textured surface nonwovens.

The Nisert

Patented metal needle board insert for giving absolutely perfect needle alignment.

The Conical Blade | Download PDF   or  

For applications which place extreme levels of stress on the needle blade.

Product Specifications

Barb Measurement Designations

Body Styles

Calculations and Conversions

Felting Needle Gauge/Diameter Measurements

Point to Various Barbs

Total Barb Depth to Blade Gauge Guide