Flat Tattoo Needles

Flat Tattoo Needles – Applications, Advantages & Pro Tips

Flat tattoo needles (FL) are among the classic needle configurations and are primarily used for bold lines, strong color fills, and graphic elements. Thanks to their flat arrangement, they provide even pigment distribution across the entire width of the needle. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about their structure, use, and how they differ from other needle types – perfect for beginners and professionals who want to work precisely with flat needles.

What Are Flat Tattoo Needles?

Flat needles consist of multiple single needles soldered side by side in a single row. This creates a wide, flat needle profile that is especially suitable for linear color applications. Flat needles are available both as traditional soldered needles and in cartridge form.

How to Identify a Flat Needle

• Linear arrangement: All needles are aligned in a straight line next to each other
• No offset or curve: Unlike Magnum or Curved Magnum needles
• Labeled “FL”: The packaging or cartridge is marked with “FL”
• Same needle length: All needles are soldered at the same height

What Are Flat Needles Used For?

• Bold, even lines
• Block-style color filling with high saturation
• Graphic or geometric tattoos
• Traditional styles with strong lining
• Lettering with consistent line thickness

Flat needles are ideal for tattoos that prioritize sharp edges and uniform color application.

Which Tattoo Styles Are Flat Needles Suitable For?

• Traditional & Neo Traditional: For strong lines and color blocks
• Geometric designs: Sharp contours and even color fields
• Lettering: Consistent line strength in large script
• Blackwork: Solid areas with heavy pigment saturation

Less suitable for: Soft shading or organic color transitions – for these, Round Shaders or Magnums are better suited.

Advantages of Flat Tattoo Needles

• Precise line control: Perfect for clean, consistent lines
• High pigment load: Covers wide areas in less time
• Stability: Especially robust thanks to the linear structure
• Efficiency: Ideal for traditional styles or graphic tattoos

Disadvantages & Challenges

• No shading possible: Not suitable for smooth transitions
• Angle-dependent: Uneven color application if the angle is incorrect
• Less flexible: Harder to use on curved skin (e.g., arms or legs)
• More painful: The wider contact area can make the process feel more intense

What Sizes Are Available for Flat Needles?

Flat needles are available in different groupings and needle thicknesses:

• 5FL – 9FL: Common sizes for lining and small color areas
• 11FL – 15FL: For wide lines and larger color zones
• Needle thickness: Usually ranges from 0.25 mm to 0.35 mm – depending on the desired effect

Flat vs. Magnum vs. Round Liner – A Comparison

• Flat: For crisp lines and color blocks – sharp edge
• Magnum: For soft shading and gradients – large area coverage
• Round Liner: For fine to medium outlines – concentrated pigment application

Flat needles offer maximum control for structured designs – they are the technical counterpart to the soft effect of Magnum or Round Shader needles.

Technique Tips for Working with Flat Needles

• Machine settings: Steady frequency, medium strength – maintain even pressure
• Skin tension: Skin must be taut – uneven tension may lead to gaps
• Movement: Slow but consistent – better to go over a line multiple times than go too fast
• Angle: Work at a right angle to the skin for even lines

Flat Needles as Cartridges or Traditional Needles

Flat needles are available both as traditional soldered needles and as cartridges:

• Cartridges: Hygienic, quick to change, compatible with modern pen machines
• Standard needles: More affordable, customizable – but require more hygiene effort

When Should You Use Flat Needles?

Flat needles are ideal when you want to create clear, bold lines or solid color fills. They are an essential tool for graphic designs, traditional motifs, or large lettering. If you work with structured linework and strong pigment application, flat needles are a must-have in your equipment.

Flat Needles

Flat tattoo needles are perfect for crisp lines and powerful color fields. Their simple yet effective layout makes them a valuable tool for artists who prioritize structure, precision, and efficiency. Whether as a cartridge or classic soldered needle – flat needles let you deliver razor-sharp designs to the skin.