Sometimes a thread gets a mind of its own and tests your patience while you’re trying to pass it through a sewing machine’s needle.
Beginners and sewists with weak eyesight find this task relatively more challenging.
Don’t even get me started on the issue if you’re trying to insert a limp thread into the eye of the needle.
Unfortunately, you cannot proceed without getting over this step.
There isn’t a straightforward formula that could tell you how to thread a sewing machine needle easily and quickly.
But, that doesn’t mean we don’t have some tricks and tips saved up our sleeves to help you get through this seemingly challenging part with the least hassle.
How to Thread a Sewing Machine Needle Easily
Below are some steps that helped me learn to thread a sewing machine needle easily.
Now, I can do with even my eyes closed. If you also find the task difficult, here’s what you need to do to make it a breeze for you.
Needle’s Position
The position of the needle will make all the difference. Always thread the needle when it is in up position. If you have a computerized sewing machine, press the “Up” button to raise the needle.
Alternatively, rotating the handwheel to the right or pressing the foot pedal will direct the needle upward in a manual, vintage sewing machine.
Turn the Machine Off
Turn the sewing machine off after elevating the needle to avoid injuries.
You might unknowingly touch start the machine while threading the needle. This unintentional action can lead to oops and ouch moments.
Illuminate the Needle Area
Turning the machine off will also stop the built-in light from illuminating the stitching area, but you can use an alternative method.
Use a flashlight or a table lamp to illuminate the workspace. Set it at such an angle that doesn’t cast shadows in that region.
White Backdrop
Place a white paper behind the needle. The white backdrop will make the needle eye more prominent, making it easier for you to guide the thread in the right direction.
You can use this technique while threading a handheld sewing needle as well.
Remove or Lower the Presser Foot
You can either fully lower the presser foot or remove it to give your fingers more wiggling space. Resultantly, your fingers will easily reach the needle’s eye.
This approach is best for people with comparatively chubby hands.
Prepare the Thread’s End
Passing a thread having a frayed or limp end through the needle’s eye is nearly impossible, not to mention hell frustrating.
I cannot even explain how much it tested my patience when I was passing the thread through a really tiny eye without wearing glasses.
The key to successfully threading the needle in the first attempt lies in the slick and stiff thread’s end.
First, you need to chop off the fuzzy end of the thread with a sharp scissor. Cut it at a 45-degree angle to make the end pointy.
Next, either lick the limp end or use water to stiffen it. Stiffening makes poor quality threads stronger.
Thread by Hand
You can hold the thread between fingers and guide it through the eye after preparing its end. But, that would require perfect vision and steady hands.
Place a finger behind the needle’s eye so that you know exactly where to insert the thread. Hold the thread as close to the end as possible to gain complete control over it.
Now, push it through the needle’s slit. Easy, right?
Needle Threading Tool
You can opt for a needle threading tool if threading the needle by hand seems challenging. There are several needle threading tools available in the market.
A needle threader has a large loop through which one can easily pass a thread.
Afterwards, you can squish that wired loop to let it smoothly travel through even a tiny needle eye. Remember, when using a needle threader, insert the thread into the eye from the back or left side of the presser foot.
That will let you pull the thread’s end through the eye without trouble. Now, gently remove the needle threader from the needle’s loop.
People sometimes use a tweezer as well for the task to avoid purchasing a separate needle threader. The tweezer should have bent and slanted edges to maintain a firm grip on the thread.
Another tip is to take the needle out of its socket. Then, slip the thread in its slit.
Built-in Needle Threader or Automatic Needle Threader
The latest sewing machines come with a built-in threader or an automatic needle threader. They’re costlier than those older models, but those few bucks bring a lot of ease.
In the case of a built-in needle threader, the hook that comes out of the needle’s eye makes the threading process easier.
Unfortunately, the built-in needle threader easily breaks if not handled with gentle hands. Also, this feature isn’t suitable for thick threads, thin needles, and twin needles. In these circumstances, you have to resort back to your grandmother’s way of using your hand.
In the case of an automatic needle threader, it either has a pulldown lever or a push button that does all the work. This feature is helpful for embroidery projects as you have to change thread colours frequently.
Use the Needle According to the Thread’s Thickness
Check the size of the needle eye is according to the thickness of the thread. What happens when you ignore this factor? Failure and wastage of time.
A needle having a tiny eye will not allow entry to the thicker thread. You will only end up with a shredded end. In short, large eye needle for thicker carpet type thread, whereas small eye for fine bobbin thread.
Conclusion
Hopefully, now threading a sewing machine needle won’t seem as tricky and frustrating a task to you as it was before reading these tricks and tips.
It will take some time to become proficient in it, but it isn’t impossible. Follow the guidelines to master the technique soon to avoid problems related to improper threading.
