A loading fixture for use with an endoscopic stitching device includes a needle and a loading portion configured to receive jaws of the endoscopic stitching device. The loading portion includes a shuttle configured to detachably support the needle thereon. The shuttle is transversely slidable such that the needle supported on the shuttle engages at least one of the jaws of the endoscopic stitching device. The loading portion further includes guides to position the jaws of the endoscopic stitching device therebetween and a biasing member configured to bias the shuttle toward one of the guides.