Kim recently emailed me and asked for suggestions on how to thread beading needles. Some quilting and beading needles have very small eyes, and threading them can be a daunting task, but I’ve found a few tips that are helpful. Actually, needle threading in general can be a pain, especially as we mature 😊. There are oodles of needle threaders on the market.
I also purchased a few to give as gifts at the Birmingham Quilt Festival last year.
I have a box I inherited from my great grandmother Melvina with her needle threader inside. She wrote her nickname ~ “Mallie” on the outside of the box. What a treasure!
But the tiny eyed needles seldom work in these, and require other options. Here are the tips I sent to Kim:
- I need very bright light first of all. And a clamp on/hands free magnifying glass is helpful.
- Cut the end of the thread at an angle to help keep it from fraying.
- When needles are made the eye is “punched”, so if you can’t get the thread through one side, turn the needle around so that the thread is going through the way the hole was made.
- It often works to wet the eye of the needle, not the thread. This usually helps to grab the thread (but not always – don’t ask me why)
- Lastly, hold the thread tightly between your thumb and forefinger so that just the tip of the thread is showing, then place the eye of the needle over it instead of pushing the thread through the eye.
And remember the adage “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” (and recut the tip of thread as often as you need to).
Kim Van Buskirk says
Thank you so much Chris. This is so helpful.
Jodi Grzeczka says
I’ve never had any problems threading needles…until recently, when my glasses prescription changed. I now have quite a collection of needle threader, especially for my longarm! The struggle is real! I do love the Hummingbird Needle Threader best so far!
Shellie says
Another simple trick, is to put a white piece of paper on the far side of the needle hole, you can see the hole much better.(works very well when threading sewing machine)
Carolyn Stewart says
Your suggestions are right on. I love using small quilting needles for all sewing. Thank you.
Sandy Johnson says
I saw a tip in a magazine once that helps me. I save one of the white tags that closes bread bags etc and hold that behind the needle. It’s sturdier than white paper. I keep one in my sewing basket and also by my machine.
Doris Rindfleisch says
My husband came into the room when I was looking at the last picture of the tiny fleck of thread peeking out. He said, “Is that a parasite, or something?” LOL
judy raddatz says
I needed these tips. Thanks again!