The needle code 1205RL means a “Standard 5 Round Liner.” This is a small needle configuration used for delicate linework like dainty script and fine line tattooing.
Getting all the different tattoo needles explained to you - what the codes mean and what each needle is best for - is important because it makes sure you’re picking the right needle for the job.
In this article, we’ll break down:
Breaking Down the Needle Code: 1205RL
Every needle code comes with three or four “sections” that make up the needle code. For example:
These correspond to the characteristics of:
In this case, you’ll notice that there’s no taper listed. When that happens, you can guess that it’s the standard “short taper.”
Let’s break each of these pieces down:
Diameter: 12 Gauge Standard
The diameter or “gauge” of a tattoo needle is how thick the needle is. Thicker needles = more ink flow. (It also means that there is more space in between the individual needle tips.)
There are three diameters you will see often:
Because 12 gauge needles are the largest, they allow for more ink flow than bugpin needles. For most tattoos, “Standards” work best because you want to put ink into the skin efficiently. However, for tattoos that needle ultra-detailed line work or smooth shading, you might choose a “bugpin” for more control over the ink flow.
Pro Tip:
When tattoo artists say “bugpin,” they are almost always talking about the 10 gauge measurement.
Needle Count: 5 Sharps
Needle count is written with two digits, so a 5 liner is written as “05.” This means that there are five individual sharps soldered onto the needle bar.
Tattoo needle sizes depend primarily on the number of sharps. Generally speaking, having 5 sharps creates a “small” needle. For reference, very few artists would use a “single needle” (one sharp), and most Traditional style tattoos would use a 9 Round Liner for linework.
On the other hand, a liner that has 15 or more sharps would be considered very large, and some tattoo machines would have a hard time pushing a needle of that size into the skin.
Needle Configuration: Round Liner
A Round Liner, abbreviated as “RL” in a needle code, means that the needles are in a round pattern and pinched together.
Because round liner needles all lean together, there’s very little space between the sharps, which is how you get crisp lines. If you were to use a round shader needle instead where the sharps are arranged in the same round pattern but are not pinched together, there will be tiny spaces between the sharps, which creates a more “fuzzy” line.Understanding Needle Taper
On a needle code like 1205RL, you might see one more set of letters, for example: 1205RLLT
This extra set of letters refers to the taper, or the steepness of the angle of the needle’s point. A short taper is a standard taper (ST), but there are medium (MT) and long tapers (LT) all the way up to extra long taper (XL) and super long taper (SLT).When to Use 5 Round Liner Needles
5 Round Liner (1205RL) needles are a staple in most tattoo setups, especially when working with small designs or needing delicate detail. Here’s when you’ll want to reach for one:
1
Linework for Small Tattoos and Fine Line Designs
Because 5 round liners create thin lines that can still hold up over time, they’re perfect for fine line tattoos. This includes minimalist designs, small symbols, and delicate linework where precision is key. The small grouping allows for crisp, clean lines without looking bold over overpowering.
2
Linework for Small Script Tattoos
Tattooing dainty script (tiny names, quotes, or single words) requires accuracy and finesse. A 1205RL lets you keep the lines sharp and legible, even at smaller sizes. Its tight needle grouping prevents blowouts while still delivering enough ink to make the lettering readable and long-lasting.
Pro Tip:
Make sure the lines of your script aren’t too close together. Even small lines will spread under the skin overtime and if all the linework is crammed together the ink will create a “blob” and become unreadable.
3
Secondary Line Weight in Larger Tattoos
In multi-line weight styles like Neo Traditional, a 5RL can used for a secondary line weight in very large designs. For example, after outlining the bold structure with a 9RL or 11RL, artists might switch to a 5RL to add detail lines, texture, or softer outlines that help create depth and flow.
For smaller to medium sized designs, you would probably want to go for a 3RL instead.
4
Stippling and Dotwork Shading
While smaller needles like 1003RL or 1203RL are often go-to tools for dotwork, a 5RL is an excellent choice when stippling on larger tattoos. The ink deposits will be larger than a 3RL, meaning you can cover more area while still maintaining control over dot spacing and tone.
Tattoo Needle Types
There are lots of other types of needles outside of Round Liners.
Round Shader Needles
Round shaders are set up the same way as lining needles but without the sharps pinching together. This allows you to get into tight areas for shading without overworking the skin. This is an excellent choice for highly detailed work.
Some tattoo artists will use round shaders as liners for a few reasons:Flat Shader Needles
These were the traditional needles used to add shading to tattoos. They were a series of needles lined up in a “flat” configuration to cover more space.
These are still used for American Traditional and Japanese Traditional tattoos (sometimes), but most artists will opt for magnum needles.
Magnum Needles
Magnum needles have two “stacked” layers of needles to efficiently deliver ink to the skin. They cover more ground so that blends and transitions look smoother and require fewer passes over the skin.
Curved Magnum Shaders
Curved mags or “soft edge magnums” are configured like normal mag needles, but the sharps on either end curve up.
This creates a more “feathered edge,” which is great for the intricate shading you’ll find in realism or the smooth blends you need in Neo Traditional tattooing.
They also cause less trauma to the skin because there’s less risk of damage from the corners of the needle.
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