'needleworker' originates from English, specifically the words 'needle' and 'worker', where 'needle' ultimately derives from Old English 'nǣdl' meaning 'a pointed implement for sewing' and 'worker' derives from Old English 'weorc'/'wyrcan' meaning 'work' or 'one who works'.

'needle' changed from Old English 'nǣdl' (Middle English 'nedel') and 'worker' developed from Old English 'weorc'/'wyrcan'; the compound form 'needle-worker' in Early Modern English eventually became the single modern word 'needleworker'.

Initially it meant 'someone who uses a needle', but over time the sense broadened to 'a person who practices needlework (sewing, embroidery, mending, etc.)', which is its current common meaning.