When you are sewing a hole do you make pilot holes or try to push the needle through the hide? I am trying to get better at handling my fur and was sewing a tear, I had a tough time pushing the needle through the hide. Just wondering how others do it also what size and type of needle do you use?

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Loopyuyts needles, from Matuska taxidermy.

They have the 3 sided blade, like a glover's needle, designed for sewing leather.
They also have a 90 degree bend, so you can grip them to push through easier.

Loopuyts Needles

Stop by a veterinary clinic and ask to buy a suture needle. They have different sizes…. I like the larger ones. Yes they are 3 sided.

Thanks for the replies.

Thanks for advice

If I get a stubborn hide, I'll use needle nose pliers to help the needle through.

I generally use a glovers needle, and I have used suture needles at times. If you are ever sewing a dried hide, dampen it down and then use a round point needle, not a three sided one like a glovers needle. The round point will go through the dried hide easily, and the holes won't tear like they are prone to do when using a glovers needle on dried hides.

I also use needle nose pliers or forceps when working on something stubborn like the back of the neck.