Sometimes they hook into the fabric though. Because the opening is on the side.
I buy them whenever I can. Not every shop sells them.
And they can break a bit more often.
To make a metal needle like this, more thickness of the metal around the eye is needed to prevent it from breaking.
Its a balance between making the eye thin enough so the needle slides through easily vs. making the eye thick enough to prevent it from breaking.
Also there is difference in brands and making.
These kind of needles sold under the brand Prym (Germany) are considered good.
Pony (India) however is considered lesser quality (sorry if you are a Pony fan, really dont want to hurt anyones feelings here!)
I personally like the kind with the slit-opening-on-the-top the best.
chekccard