Abstract: At least one barb is formed on the needle with a groove between the barb and the needle shaft. All of the surfaces of the barb and all of the surfaces of the groove are completely rounded in such a manner that no plane surfaces remain.In some preferred modifications, the angle included by the forward line of the inside surface of the barb and the needle axis is 90.degree. or more, and may range between 90.degree.-100.degree..The means for fixing the felting needle to a needle board may consist of a laterally deformed portion provided at the rear end of the needle shaft and extending transversely to the needle axis.