Needle assemblies for tufting machines in which reciprocable tufting needles each have substantially parallel depending complementary shank or leg portions defining a needle eye which can be opened and closed by relative movement of said shank or leg portions. Various eye opening means are disclosed as for example, stationary and rotatable internal cams, linearly movable mounting members from which said shanks or legs depend, and arcuately movable mounting members all of which are designed to open and close the needle eyes in unison to receive and/or release the yarn during the tufting operation.