Threading a needle can be a real challenge when your eyesight isn’t quite what it use to be. But with practice and these tips below, soon you’ll be threading needles like a pro.
But before you even start, there is actually a crucial step that usually gets missed out. Little do people know that preparing your thread makes a world of difference. Take note of these tips for threading a needle for your next sewing or DIY project!
Preparing the Thread
When selecting your thread, the length, colour, and type will depend on what you’re sewing. Measure out what you need before you cut it. Cut about 20 inches of thread – this length is said to be the ideal length to avoid tangles and provides ease of handling.
But don’t cut it straight! Instead, cut it at an angle, making sure you use a sharp pair of scissors. This ensures that the end will be smaller, making it easier to thread through.
One of the best tips for threading a needle is cutting it at an angle before you start! | Image by the author
The next step is to stiffen the thread so that it is neat and straight with no stray frays. You can do this either with water, saliva or even beeswax. Twist or pull the ends until it becomes a sharp point so that it can fit through the eye of the needle.
Check too that the eye of the needle matches the thickness of the thread you’re using, otherwise your thread might not fit!
Tips for Threading a Needle by Hand
Tips for threading a needle: Hold both the needle and thread firmly and keep it at eye level! | Image by the author
- Before you start, check again that the end you’re about to thread is neat and straight.
- Hold the thread in one hand and the needle in the other. Grip with the needle between the thumb and forefinger of your non-dominant hand. Then in your dominant hand, do the same and hold the thread comfortably between the thumb and forefinger.
- Raise the needle and the thread up to your eye level, about two inches apart. Be sure to do this where there’s plenty of light to help you see better!
- Line the tip of the thread up with the eye-hole, and make sure that you have a clear view of the hole. Keep your hands steady. Push the thread slowly and surely through the eye-hole until you see it poke through the other side.
Method #2
- Another way to do it is to pinch the very end of the thread between your thumb and your forefinger.
- You should barely be able to see the tip of the thread peeking out between your fingers.
- Then, take the needle and move it down on top of the thread. Don’t push the thread into the needle, but instead push the needle onto the thread. This method actually works, because you have more control over the thread when done this way.
Tips for Threading a Needle Using a Threader
One of the tips for threading a needle to remember is, when using a threader, make sure to push the wire loop through the eye of the needle. | Image by the author
- Take the needle threader in one hand, and the needle in your other hand, then push the wire loop through the eye of the needle.
- Insert your thread through the loop of wire on the needle threader and pull until you have a tail of at least a few inches in length.
- While holding both threads, pull the wire loop of the needle threader out of the eye of the needle and the thread should also follow through.
Tips for Threading a Needle Using the Magazine Strip Trick
This is actually a really great trick for threading a needle when you don’t actually own a threader. All you need is some glossy magazine paper and the best part of it all is that you don’t have to worry if you lose it. You can easily make another one. I’m sure there won’t be a shortage of old and reusable magazine paper.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a threader! Magazine paper will work, too! This is just one of the lesser known tips for threading a needle. | Image by the author
- Start by cutting a thin strip of glossy magazine paper, making sure that it is smaller and can slide easily through the eye of the needle.
- Fold the strip in half and then take your thread and sandwich it between the folded strip.
- Slip the folded magazine strip through the eye of the needle and gently pull the thread through.
- Essentially the concept is the same as using a threader, but in this case you don’t have to worry about losing it, because you can easily make a new one.
But Wait, There’s Still the Best of the Tips for Threading a Needle!
What if we told you that all you need to do is put the eye of the needle on the thread, apply some pressure, wiggle it back and forth then wait for the magic to happen? Just watch how simple it is in the video below!
Some people swear by it while others continue to fail no matter the thread or needle they use So at the end of the day, it all rolls down to technique. Some are just naturals and other might need a couple more practice before getting the hang of it.
Which method did you try out? Did you try the best hack ever and succeed? We would love to hear from you. Let us know in the comment box below!
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