Getting a needle through its threads is a common source of frustration. However, you can save yourself some of your precious time and effort by using a needle threader instead of the more traditional method of hand-threading.
A needle threader is a special equipment for sewers to thread their needles with sewing thread. It’s a simple, low-cost device that’s straightforward to use and quick to know how to thread a needle with a needle threader. The most common style of needle threader has a coin-shaped handle made of metal, plastic, or wood linked to a thin, flexible wire in a diamond pattern.
In the Victorian era, needle threaders for hand sewing can be traced back to the 18th century. Even now, there are many needle threaders with the queen’s head stamped into the tin handle that is still around.
Modern sewing machines now come equipped with needle threader attachments, which have become more common in recent years. In addition, some current needle threaders for hand sewing now have LED lights that make it easier to see what you’re doing, making the process more efficient. However, this basic version hasn’t altered much since its inception, demonstrating the method’s effectiveness.
In most craft stores, you’ll know how to thread a needle with a needle threader in the sewing aisle with a packet of sewing needles. To keep the threader’s wires safe, they’re sometimes packaged with covers. However, instructions on how to properly utilize needle threaders are sometimes missing from these devices.
Improved visibility is essential. Something white should be placed in front of a needle while it is being threaded. Threading a needle can be as simple as incorporating your hands over a piece of white paper or an index card. As a result, you’ll be able to see the needle’s point more clearly, thanks to the white mark.
- To use the needle threader, place the handle between your thumb and forefinger on the dominant hand. Next, put the needle through the threader’s eye and into the threader handle by inserting the yarn through the diamond-shaped wire.
- If the threader wire is open, you can keep the needle pressed on the threader’s handle. Then, pull the sewing thread through the needle threader wire to produce a tiny loop.
- Make sure the loop on the threader wire doesn’t fall off while holding the thread in place with one hand. Then, gently remove the needle from the threader handle and reinsert it into the cable using the other hand. The needle’s thread will flow through the needle’s eye when you take the needle fully off the wire. As a result, you’ll have a threaded needle. Then, when you’re ready to stitch, all you must do is tie your thread.
How to use a needle threader?
The needle threader should be in your dominant hand for most people. Sewers who sew with their left hands use their left hands, whereas those who sew with their right hands use their right. As a result, you’ll be able to focus more on the precise manipulation of the small objects you’ll be dealing with.
- Please make sure that the needle’s eye is pointed upwards when you hold it. People with shaky hands may benefit from using a pincushion or piece of cork to keep the needle in place. Rather than fumbling around with the needle, you can use the larger object to keep it in place while you thread it.
- Insert the wire threader loop into the needle’s eye. You may have several lining attempts for them to align correctly. The needle should be resting in the shallow groove adjacent to the base when you push the threader. This technique will prevent the thread from slipping out of your hand.
- Thread the threader’s loop with the other end of the thread. With a wire threader loop, you’ll have a considerably wider field of vision with which to work. Continue feeding the cable by pulling the slack out of the end once you’ve got it inside.
- The needle should be slid along the thread. Fit the double thread over the needle after removing it from the wire loop’s groove. Continue to move it forward until the folded end is cleared. Pinch the thread’s ends together tightly at the exact moment.
- To make threading the needle easier, place the threader on a tabletop or your lap and use your hands to hold the needle in place. You don’t want the needle to come loose from the thread.
- Pull out the thread’s loose end. To get the thread out of the wire loop the same way you put it in, gently tug on it. If necessary, use your fingers to tighten up the frayed end. The needle’s eye should now be clear of the thread. Having threaded the needle, you can lengthen the thread by unwinding the spool.
- Be sure to secure the thread with a knot around the needle’s eye. Tie up the loose end if you’re only going to be using one thread. After that, you can resume stitching as normal. If you want to be sure the knot will hold, tie it off two or three times. Snip the thread from the spool when you’re done. While you’re stitching, this will help clear the way for the extra material.
- Stronger stitches are achieved by keeping the thread folded. When working with a double thread, you can extend the length of the thread by tugging the loose end back on itself.
- Once you’ve completed your stitching, tie off the thread. Using twice as much thread makes for a stronger seam, which is ideal for reinforcing objects like ripped garments, broken buttons, pillows, and stuffed animals that take a lot of abuse. When working with thin or worn thread, doubling up your thread is a great idea.
- Don’t give up until you’ve mastered the skill. It takes numerous attempts to get used to a needle threader. If your first few tries are uncomfortable, don’t get discouraged. In just a few shots, you’ll have the threading technique down pat. Even experienced needle and thread crafters can drastically reduce the time it takes to complete a project by using a needle threader.
