Whether you're new to sewing or a seasoned stitcher, you know threading needles can be anywhere from challenging to downright tedious. Maybe your hands are too shaky, the eye is too small—or maybe it just seems like your thread has a mind of its own! Whatever the case, using a needle threader is an easy way to get that thread through the needle eye with no problem. In this post, we'll walk you through the steps to threading needles the easy way, with a helpful graphic guide for your reference.
HOW TO USE A NEEDLE THREADER
Using a needle threader, you can make threading even thin and delicate needles quick work. Standard needle threaders are simple tools consisting of a thin wire loop (or sometimes a hook) attached to a handle. This loop is large enough to thread easily but thin enough to pass through the eye of a needle, enabling you to pull the thread through effortlessly. There are various types of needle threaders available, but we'll talk about those later on—these instructions apply to standard needle threaders. Let's get into it!
1. Insert The Wire Loop Into The Needle Eye
Holding the needle in one hand and the threader in the other, insert the wire loop into the eye of the needle. For easier insertion, you can pinch the point of the wire loop before inserting it into the needle eye.
2. Thread The Wire Loop
Next, insert your thread into the wire loop and pull it through until you have a tail at least a few inches long.
3. Pull The Threader Through The Needle Eye
Then, pull the needle threader back out of the eye of the needle, bringing the thread along with it. Release the tail to pull one end of the thread through. If desired, knot one end of the thread for single-thread sewing, or both ends for double-thread sewing. And voila! Your needle is threaded and ready to use. For a visual guide of these instructions, save or download our graphic needle threading guide at the bottom of this post to reference whenever you need it.
NEEDLE THREADING TIPS AND FAQS
Easy enough, right? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to turn you into a needle-threading pro.
Choosing the Right Needle Threader
If you're working with a sewing machine, you might be in luck—some newer machines feature a built-in automatic needle threader to make your threading fully automatic. Consult your machine's manual to learn how to operate the automatic threader and if it is equipped with one. If you're hand sewing or your sewing machine doesn't have an automatic threader, no worries! You still have lots of options for easy threading. A standard needle threader will often do the trick for general use, but there are other styles of threaders for more specialized uses. For machine sewing, you can opt for a machine needle threader that also helps insert needles into the machine, or try out specialized looped needle threaders for serging machines. If embroidery is your focus, embroidery needle threaders feature a specially designed tip that helps even thick threads lay flat. You can even simplify your needle threading to a simple push of a button with a Desk Needle Threader. To see our full selection of needle threaders, you can check out needle threaders at WAWAK.
Alternative Threading Techniques
If you're without a needle threader or prefer a manual approach, there are a couple of things you can try to make threading a bit easier. First, try cutting the end of the thread with sharp scissors or thread snips. A clean-cut, non-frayed edge is much easier to pass through the needle eye. Some sewers also find it helpful to fold one end of the thread into a small loop, pinch it flat, and push that fold into the needle eye. If you consistently struggle with needle threading, you can also try using easy-thread needles, which are partially open at the top to allow you to slide the thread into place.
Needle Threader FAQs
Can I Use A Needle Threader With All Types Of Needles?
A standard needle threader can generally be used with most types of needles, making threading easier and faster for both hand and machine sewing needles. Threaders are available for machine and serger threading if you prefer a more specialized tool.
Do You Tie A Knot After Threading A Needle?
Yes, you'll usually want to knot the end of your thread after the needle is threaded to secure it for hand sewing. You can either tie a knot on one end of the thread tail for single-thread sewing or knot the two ends together for double-thread sewing. There are some exceptions, however—some sewers prefer not to tie a knot for cross stitching or embroidery, instead choosing to secure the thread in other ways for a cleaner finish.
Where Can I Buy Needle Threaders?
For needle threaders of all shapes and sizes, check out WAWAK! Known for quality, reliable sewing supplies, you'll find a wide selection of needle threaders suitable for all your sewing needs.
Save this handy guide for visual instructions on how to use a needle threader.
