Tuesdays Tip – threading the needle

no! don’t thread the needle, needle the thread! – that’s my catchphrase at classes…

When threading a needle, pull the end of the thread back between your finger and thumb so that you can no longer see it (watch as you pull it back though so you can see where you put it)

Whilst you are pinching it tight between that thumb and finger push the eye of the needle in between your thumb and finger.

Open and the end of your thread ‘hopefully’ has passed through the eye, grab the end and pull it further through.

By doing it this way all those little fibres are held nice and tightly together and cannot spread out in fear as they approach that big dark hole of the needle.

If it doesn't work after a couple of goes here are a few more things to try:

-turn the needle around (the eyes are punched out so there is a smooth side and a rough side to the eye)

-re cut the end using very sharp embroidery scissors

-cut it on an angle

-use a bit of spit! lick the thread…

but I am sure you will be much more successful this way.

 

remember – don't thread the needle – needle the  thread.

hugs and happy threading

Helen

Comments

[Kirsty]

I have threaded my needles this way for a very long time too - not a chance of ever going back to the one-eye-open-look-for-the-daylight-through-the-hole-tongue-poked-out-miss-by-a-mile method for me, no sir-ee.

[Tracee]

That method has worked a treat since I picked it up in your Perth workshop. No more missing again & again & again, squinting & swearing at the soon need to wear glasses while stitching! Thanks Helen. xx

[helen]

i'm a licker! my mum always did it and so do i!

[May Britt]

That is exactly what I tell the ladies in my classes too :)

[Roseanne]

Thanks for that beause I always have trouble threading my needle.

[Amanda]

I've ways threaded my needle this way and people can't understand why I never have trouble threading a needle it really annoys me watching people do it the hard way.