A needle for mounting on a support rod for use with textile combing machines, the needle (1) comprising a foot portion having a fastening area (3) and a single actively combing tip (2) formed on and projecting from the foot, the needle being a stamped element and the fastening area (3) having a first recess (4) for permitting the needle (1) to be slipped on a support rod (10), the first recess (4) and the support rod (10) having engagement means for slidable, non-rotatable engagement between the recess and the support rod (10), wherein on textile combing machines the tip (2) projects significantly above the fastening area (3) and is made approximately oval in cross-sectional shape by stamping.