What has a thousand needles but never sews? The question sounds like it belongs in a sewing room, but the answer is more likely to be found outdoors.
A hint from nature
The word needles does not always refer to the metal tools used with thread. It can also describe long, narrow leaves found on certain trees. Those needles have nothing to do with stitching fabric.
The answer: a pine tree
A pine tree can have thousands of needle-shaped leaves. These are called pine needles, and they help the tree carry out its normal plant functions. Despite having so many needles, the tree never sews a stitch.
Why this classic riddle works
The joke is in the double meaning of needles. We are encouraged to imagine a person sewing, but the answer turns the question into a nature clue. Similar riddles use everyday words in unexpected ways.
See who gets it first
This is a fun question to ask at a family gathering or over coffee. Give people a moment to think before revealing the answer. Once you picture a pine tree, the riddle suddenly seems obvious.
