Abstract: A needle holding device includes a handle, a pivot point and two opposing jaws opposite the handle and pivotable about the pivot point. The jaws have inner opposing surfaces and at least one inner opposing surface has at least one needle groove formed therein for receiving and gripping a needle. At least one of the opposing surfaces has a knurled or rugged platform for securely gripping at least one needle. The needle holding device may have a plurality of substantially parallel or non-parallel needle grooves formed therein for simultaneously receiving and gripping a plurality of needles.