Threading a needle can be a challenge, especially when the eye is tiny. But you can learn how to thread a needle with less frustration with these tips and tricks.
Start with good lighting
First, make sure you have good lighting. Good lighting can help you see the needle’s eye more clearly, making it easier to thread it with a small piece of thread.
Natural daylight is ideal. But since that’s not always an option, you might need to use a craft lamp specifically designed for crafting or sewing. Be sure to position the light source so that it shines directly onto your workspace and doesn’t cause any distractions or reflections.
Put White or Black Behind it
Sometimes seeing what you’re doing is a matter of contrasting colors. Get a white backdrop behind your needle and thread, and you’ll have an easier time seeing the thread end and needle eye.
With white thread, you may want to use a dark background. Keep pieces of paper on hand for this.
Basics of Needle Threading
Whichever method you choose to thread the needle, there are a few basic tips that can help.
Cut the thread at an angle
Cutting the thread at an angle can make it much easier to guide the thread through the eye of the needle. Cut the thread at a 45-degree angle. The thicker the thread, the more angled the cut needs to be to avoid shredding.
Keep Scissors Sharp
Blunt scissors chew off the end of thread in an irregular way. You need a nice sharp end to go through the needle eye easily.
Ways to Thread Needles
1. Moisten the Thread
Hold the needle in one hand and the thread in the other hand. Wet the end of the thread slightly to help it pass through the needle’s eye more easily. Insert the thread through the needle’s eye and pull it through until you have an equal length of thread on both sides.
2. Double threading
Cut a longer piece of thread and fold it in half. Hold the folded end of the thread and insert it through the needle’s eye. Pull the folded end through until you have an equal loop on one side and two loose ends on the other.
3. Loop method
Cut a longer piece of thread and tie a small knot at one end. Form a loop by holding the knot with one hand and the loose end of the thread with the other hand. Insert the loop through the needle’s eye, then pull the needle through the loop, tightening the thread around the needle.
4. Use a Needle threader
If you find it difficult to thread a needle using the above methods, needle threaders can be your best friend. A needle threader is a small tool with a thin wire loop, and they usually come with sewing kits.
Hold the wide end of the threader and insert the bent, wire end through the needle’s eye. Then, push the thread end through the larger eye of the threader before you pull the threader back through the needle’s eye
5. Beeswax the Thread End
One handy trick that can help is to use wax. Run the thread through a small piece of beeswax or a block of paraffin wax.
The wax will stiffen the fibers in the thread, making it easier to handle and preventing fraying. It also helps the thread glide through the needle’s eye smoothly.
common mistakes to avoid when threading needles
Using Short Thread
One of the most common mistakes is using a short thread. It is recommended to keep the thread between 18 and 32 inches long.
Not using enough light
Another common mistake is not using enough light. You should work in a well-lit space, and you can sit right next to a lamp to get the best lighting.
Rushing
This is a task that takes patience. Even though threading a needle is a simple task, rushing can lead to mistakes. Take your time and be patient.
Plenty of ways to thread a needle
Threading a needle may seem like a simple task, but it can be frustrating. With the right techniques and tips, anyone can master the art of threading a needle.