Here's what I created to help remove cross stitches. I took a long regular cross stitch needle (which is blunt at the need) and threaded it, I then took a bunch of beads and added to the thread and then tied a cute coin/button at the end.
If I have to remove stitches I use this. By having the beads on the end of it it's easier to hold and I also don't lose it in my pincushion.
I'd do the same with a long regular sewing needle. That way you've got a sharp point on the end.
Good luck!