So about those needle threaders you see above. That's my current collection. At the top is my old favorite, the Clover Double Needle Threader. See on the right end? Yeah, pretty unusable now, and as you see on the left end, its time of usefulness could be limited.
So I recently purchased the other two. The red one is the CottageCutz 2-in-1 Needle Threader. See what happened the first time I used it? Oops. Totally user-error, as I raised my presser foot when I shouldn't have. But still. Needle threaders are kinda fragile. And then there's the one on the left, which is the Creative Notions Needle Threader I got from Nancy's Notions. It seems sturdy enough, and after reading the instructions, I thought I had it figured out, but it doesn't
So a random bit of info I discovered recently was to moisten the needle - not the end of the thread - before you try to slide the thread through the needle's eye. The thread is attracted to the moisture and slips into the needle's eye a little easier. (credit: @trashn2tees) It doesn't work for me every time, but sometimes! But as a backup, I need those needle threaders, and if you have one that works great for you, I'd love to hear about it.
I have a wonderful needle threader on my machine. But for hand sewing, I've had to go to the side threading Sench needles. I can thread those in the dark, though I don't know why I would need to!
ReplyDeleteI put something white behind the needles eye, that way I can see it better.
ReplyDeleteKATRIN W.
It is so frustrating. Thankfully, my machine threads itself, but I find going with a 14 or 16 needle helps me if I need to hand thread.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried using a magnifying glass?
ReplyDeleteI used to know it was time to quit sewing when I could not get the needle threaded. If I still used that criteria I would not get any sewing done at all now.
ReplyDeleteYou can spray some hairspray on you fingers and rub the thread at the end. The thread goes through the needle tip magically. Good luck! In a class they said the way thread is wound, the first part off the spool should be the one that goes through the needle.
ReplyDeleteHere's what I usually do to thread the sewing machine needle:
ReplyDeleteWith needle up and presser foot down:
Cut the end of the thread so it's blunt and moisten it (lick finger, pinch thread.)
Hold thread between both index fingers with about a quarter inch sticking out and pointed toward the needle.
Aim for the eye or where it should be; it might take a few tries.
Carefully release index fingers when thread is in the eye.
I'm not sure exactly why this works for me. I suspect the combination of steadier fingers and short, blunt, damp thread. Often I cannot see the eye and this method still works! LOL
Thanks for everyone's solutions as I have not tried some of them yet! And the older I get the harder it is to see close up...even with glasses!
ReplyDeleteClover is my favorite but I buy 3 at a time because they wear out (but at least they don't break on the first use like some others!)
ReplyDeleteI still use the old threader. The embossed plate of aluminum with the wires at the end. I do okay. My machine threads itself, when I am threading the needle, I do like Cattinka said and put something white behind the needle and I always have my Ott light on in back as well. I sure do understand though. I went from really good eyesight to glasses after fifty.. Ack!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate! Turned 50 in February. I have not tried the multitude of threaders, however hubby got me this cool hand held square magnifying glass with a light. Works amazing as I can see to thread the way I always have.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate Debbie!! Thankfully my machine has a good threader or I probably would have chucked it at the wall by this time!! I don't have any solution for you....just know you are not alone!
ReplyDeleteFrom Karola:
ReplyDeleteFor handsewing I use the clover-needle threader https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9aPst_oYQY
What works for both hand-and machine-sewing:
Moisten the eye of the needle with saliva and cut the thread. Leave the thread dry.
Greetings from Germany
I had a bunch of threaders, lighted magnifying glasses and the like for threading needles. They are all gathering dust since I have finally upgraded all my light bulbs. There isn't a yellow light casting bulb left. I have upgraded all to daylight quality and 100 w equivalent. Some are CFl bulbs but the real cat's meow are the LED bulbs. None are specialty lamps, eg OTT, but regular screw in sockets from years past. The bulbs are regularly coming down in price and so worth the extra cents in comparison to the price we pay for machines.
ReplyDeleteI have horrible eyesight (corrected with glasses) and just get really really really really close to the needle to thread it. Some day this fancy method won't work and I thank your readers for giving me lots of ideas when that time comes!
ReplyDeleteThe white one that pushes the thread is just like the one that came with my 1970 Bernina! It is really a challenge to use, so I get the metal loop ones two or three at a time and use those until they get too bent.
ReplyDelete