I couldn't find a quilling tool in the local stores, so decided to try and build one myself. The version made out of a needle and a pen cap turned out the most successful, it was also pretty easy to make. You will need a mid-size sewing needle with a long eye. First, carefully snip the eye tip off the needle. I clamped the needle in a vice, so that only the tip remains outside, and broke it off with a hammer. You may try doing it using a pair of pliers, but this can be hard because of the sort of steel, used for manufacturing some needles. Finally, thrust the needle into a felt pen cup or a wooden handle. Jan 18, 2010: I just wanted to clarify some points regarding the do-it-yourself quilling tool. I made mine using a thin , not thick needle. Then, this tool is a replacement for a slotted tool , not a needle tool . When using a needle tool, you don't spin it around as you do with a slotted tool, but instead wrap a paper strip around the tool with your fingers to create a ro