Apparatus for forming curved needles from needle blanks of differing sizes and material characteristics having a guide die, driven by a linear actuator, for biasing the needle blank against a forming surface. Bending dies also driven by linear actuators are provided for bending the ends of the needle blank around the top of the forming surface. Adjusting micrometers are provided to adjust the contact point at which the bending dies contact the needle blank. The apparatus can therefore be readily adapted for differing needle stocks. The entire bending process is automated so that uniform needles may be rapidly produced.