and down as described in further detail below the needle module 40 is shown in fig2 the needle module 40 is comprised of at least two and preferably more needle holders 42 44 which are on opposing sides of tufting axis 46 fig1 shows at least three needle holders 42 44 48 while fig3 contemplates each needle module 40 having thirty five needle holders 42 44 disposed one per slot 50 or slot 52 in the guide plates 54 66 needle holder 42 is one of a set that opposes needle holder 44 48 about the tufting axis 46 0025 fig2 shows the needle module 40 comprised of a plurality of needle holders 42 44 which are connected to needles 58 tufting axis 46 is perpendicular to the tufting row 60 shown in fig4 to create a tufting plane wherein the needles 58 are substantially co linear as can be seen in fig4 opposing needle holders 42 44 are constructed to overlap along base portions 62 64 so that the needles 58 may be arranged in a co linear relationship referring back to fig2 one or more guide plates 54 66 are utilized to provide lateral support to the needle holders 42 44 while allowing the needle holders to move up and down within slots 50 52 in the guide plate the guide plates 54 66 shown in fig3 are configured to work adjacent to one another such as containing a plurality of needle holders 42 and 44 the guide plates have interfitting edges 68 70 which cooperate with one another to allow there to be.