Correct way of  holding a scalpel  with the handle resting in the anatomical snuff box.

Wrong way of holding a scalpel. The grip is unstable.

Correct way of holding a needle.
The needle should be held two-thirds of the way along the shaft from the tip. Holding it too close to the tip will blunt the needle and may not allow enough length for the needle tip to emerge from the tissue. Holding the needle to close to the suture will make the needle unstable.
 

Correct way. The needle is held two-third of the way from the tip.

Wrong way. The needle is held too close to the tip.