I am 60 years old and having always used the method your mother taught you, I've never understood how needle threaders work. I'm pretty sure my mother had some of the inexpensive ones in her sewing basket, but I'd never been shown how to use them. It's so obvious now, I'm laughing at myself that all these years they've seemed like such a mystery to me. While the folding & pinching method works in many cases I can now see that a needle threader needs to be in my needlework tool case. ETA: watching more of the video... I never realized the grooves at the eye of a needle were to help me guide the thread in! Oh my goodness. When I was learning to sew and embroider as a young girl there just weren't so many helps available. Loving your videos. Thank you!
I'm recuperating from illness so couldn't get out to get a new threader, having broken mine, but my day of embroidery has been saved by your folding the thread trick - thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I am now trying to thread 3 strands of embroidery thread into a needle trying to follow directions. I presently have a Dritz threader.
It depends on the thread and the needle -- bigger tapestry needles that's not an issue, but smaller needles (particularly if they're not tapestry needles), that'll be quite hard to thread three threads into it. So you may just need to change your needle to a wider eye one. 😊
Big fan of that third one. Try flipping it upside down from how Dana held it. It has a little notch you kind of hook your needle on so you don’t have to hold it. Works like a dream for all needles a good size for Aida, & I use the bigger end for large needles like I’d use for stitching in plastic canvas. Thanks for showing us all the options!
That is also my favorite one. I use it the same way you too and they last forever. I have a magnetic needle case that it holds on to so I've had the same one for about 8 years now. I had to replace it cause one of my kids lost my old. one
I am having a bad time with needle threaders. Useful to know that there is something reliable out there especially for those struggling with elderly eyes. Lovely tutorial full of tips. I am so glad you related the Grandma folding method I have fond memories of me teaching my grandaughter!! Stitching is good for all ages. On the silicone? I prefer bees wax of the best quality ... brilliant. Thanks
I was at a stitching convention and the lady next to me was using school glue stick for the end of her floss before threading it. I haven't used that technique but thought I would share. Nice tutorial.
That's a new one, I wonder why she does that, it would just make the floss harder to slide through the fabric as it'd be slightly sticky... Oh well, as long as she's happy. 🙂
Thank you very much for your very clear instructions, I can now thread my machine. I have been fighting to use the built-in machine threader on my Sew Mate 5400, but I cannot following the instructions so thank you very much.
Another trick I learned is to wrap the thread tightly around your left index finger then rub the eye of the needle parallel to the direction of the thread then as you rub the thread makes its way through the eye.
Thank you! For some reason my mind entirely blanked while trying to thread today. I threaded as normal once I pulled out my stuff, finished what I was doing and tied it off. Tried to thread again and I just absolutely couldn't. I spent a good ten minutes doing it every which way but just couldn't. I feel like I may have lost a little bit of sanity today.
Ahaha omg I've had days like that, where even basic tasks are impossible. And don't worry, hopefully your sanity will come back after the weekend, it's likely gone on a mini retreat without you... 😂
Chapstick is great for waxing the end of thread before threading a needle. If concerned about the wax, snip off that inch after threading the needle. Or, Bert's Bees lip balm is another option. Compact - easy to stash in kits, pockets, in the catchall beside your sewing machine and/or serger.
I just ordered the loran iran one! Can't wait to get it!! 🙂 But so the string/thread doesn't fall off or down, wouldn't it be easier to have the hook facing up so you can just well hook & scoop up the string/thread? Like hooking a warm on a fishing bating hook, the hook should face up so the worm doesn't fall down when you put it on it.
Great information about threaders. It would have been better if you used the small eyes to be helpful. Very easy to demonstrate with large eye when it would have been a better demonstration. Different threads pose the challenge, as I am learning it would have helped. Still looking, your information is excellent help.
Unfortunately with filming and keeping everything at a distance that could be captured by the camera (and not have my hands knock into the camera), demonstrating the smaller eyed needles would have been impossible which is why I didn't do it. Glad it was helpful anyway. 😊
Yes, those generic ones are so flimsy! I have so much trouble threading (eyes getting old) and i never knew what that little silver thing that in my sewing box fir 30 years is for! Or how to use it. With the help if TH-cam I’ve learned today. But I broke 2 of those threaders in the process! So let’s hope this video directs me to a sturdier threader 🧵
Hi Di! I show you how to thread for a variety of needles in the video, how I thread needles usually is by folding the floss over the needle eye like I demonstrate and explain in the video. 🙂
Looks like the clover embroidery threader may be the best for threading serger threads? I've been using the generic threaders, and they keep breaking :( also what type of needle would you recommend for threading serger threads?
Hi Christine! I have no clue, the last time I touched a serger I was about ten years old. I'm pretty sure the Dritz loop threaders I show in the tutorial actually are meant for sergers. 😊
Not sure, you'd have to try, it's been several years since I filmed this review and I rarely use my sewing machine now due to my injury. The Dritz ones are designed for sergers, they might have ones that are designed for regular sewing machine needles too. 😊
Hi, new sub who is very happy to have found you. You're vlogs are very well done and so HELPFUL I wish I could hug you! (I covet your long, strong nails that add charm to your demos.) Thank you for helping me have more success and fulfillment in my stitching and creativity!💜💙💚😊 Sue
Ahahah awww thanks very much Sue! I'm very lucky to have such strong nails (even though some viewers give me a hard time about them), I love having pretty nails. 🙂
Just make a slsop of paper a little smaller than the thickness of the eye of the needle and about and inch and half long. Make a loop and sllide in in the eye of the needle then slip the thread in the paper loop...viola its threaded with paper
Hi Larry! I have no idea, I've never even heard of that brand of machine. The Dritz looped one I show in the video might work, but I can't tell you for sure as I've never seen that machine. You could always ask the manufacturer directly, they likely would have some good suggestions. 🙂
Hi Donna! I showed four different types of needle threaders, you'll have to experiment and see what will work for you (as "smaller" is relative). You may also have to try the tips I show how to thread your needles by hand, that's what I still do for all my needles. 😊
Hi. I bought 2mm seed beads, sorry! not sure what the other size is that Beader's call them, I just know they are 2mm. But I cannot for the life of me, find needles that fit through the beads and that I can thread. I bought pony beading needles size 10/12. They go through the needle empty but they are Impossible to thread no matter what I try, including the thinnest needle threader I have can you please advise me what Needles to buy that have large eyes and will actually fit through the 2mm seed bead Thank you so much, a very frustrated newby to beading.
Hi Tricia! On my channel is another tutorial about different kinds of cross stitch needles, I'd check that one out. In that one I demonstrate wide-eye needles (or big eye needles), they're basically two slender pieces of metal welded together at the ends, so the entire needle is the "eye." If they don't fit through your beads with your beading floss (or whatever you're using), then nothing will, they're the skinniest needle you're going to get. 🙂
Hi Kerry! I did my best, it's really hard to look through the camera for things like threading as your depth perception gets thrown off, but hopefully you get the drift enough you can see the differences in the variety of needle threaders out there. 🙂
Sorry, a heavy duty what, needle threader or needle? I rarely use a needle threader myself, I do it by folding my floss over the eye then threading the needle. 🙂
one doesn't need any of these devises with a large tapestry needle. it is the small eye needle that everyone has trouble with. so far i have not seen a demonstration that helps with that.
Well actually that's exactly why I bought all of these needle threaders, purely for this demonstration to show you what's out there for smaller needles. And yes, some people do need threaders for bigger tapestry needles, if you're using thicker thread or wool, or have sight or mobility issues... I can't demonstrate with a smaller eye needle - the camera won't pick up the detail and you won't see anything. Pretty sure I explained that in the video, and at the very least you can see what may or may not work with your needles. Everyone has a different collection of needles and different sizes, the point was to show you what's out there so you can see what may work, and you too don't have to spend $40 on threaders just to try them all out. 😊
Can you use any of these threaders for a teeny tiny embroidery needle with multiple strands? Which one? Or which one would you recommend? Please someone respond lol I’ve been trying to thread my needle for days, the first one gets stuck with all the thread and won’t go through and the loran won’t fit through my needle at all. I just want to thread my fucking needle and enjoy embroidery already, I love it but I can’t do it without a threader I’m too fucking blind! Lol thanks and sorry for the rant
You'll have to test some out Amanda, I can't tell you that unfortunately as it would depend on how many strands, which needle, which threader, etc (too many variables). The best way to thread a needle with multiple strands is how I show in the video, by folding your floss over the eye of the needle then pushing the eye over the folded lump of floss. If you need reading glasses or a magnifying light to see better, get that. Most needle threaders are fine with multiple strands, but if your needle eye is too small it's not going to work (or it will just break the threader). You can also try using a bigger needle, that might be easier to thread (particularly if you're wanting to use a needle threader, there does have to be that bit of extra space to allow for the floss plus the threader to pass through the eye of the needle). Hope that helps! 🙂
It's a demonstration to show you the options -- you'll have to try out ones you think might work for the needles you use (and how many strands you're using) yourself. 🙂
Or you could not be a rude troll and focus on the content provided to you FOR FREE (and some of the tutorials take me a full day or longer to set up, film, and edit). This one I spent around $40 on tools I didn't really need myself purely to create a useful tutorial that would help many stitchers. If you're so focussed on my nails, then go to another freaking channel, what exactly would you like me to do years after the tutorial was filmed anyway.... Oh and PS - I was hurt and disabled in my military service, every day I suffer from chronic pain. Even sitting upright for long to film these tutorials is painful, but I do it to help people. So maybe a manicure isn't exactly high on my life priority list (and I have over 80 tutorials on my channel, you do the math at $50 per manicure). If you don't like a tutorial for the whatever reason, go to another channel, leaving a rude comment says more about you than the quality of the content I'm providing for free.
I am 60 years old and having always used the method your mother taught you, I've never understood how needle threaders work. I'm pretty sure my mother had some of the inexpensive ones in her sewing basket, but I'd never been shown how to use them. It's so obvious now, I'm laughing at myself that all these years they've seemed like such a mystery to me. While the folding & pinching method works in many cases I can now see that a needle threader needs to be in my needlework tool case. ETA: watching more of the video... I never realized the grooves at the eye of a needle were to help me guide the thread in! Oh my goodness. When I was learning to sew and embroider as a young girl there just weren't so many helps available. Loving your videos. Thank you!
You're very welcome, glad it was helpful for you! 🙂
Excellent info. Found this by searching for the best needle threader and this was so complete! Thanks!
You are so welcome, glad it was helpful! 😊
I'm recuperating from illness so couldn't get out to get a new threader, having broken mine, but my day of embroidery has been saved by your folding the thread trick - thank you so much!
So glad it helped Sorcha! Sorry you're not well, but it's definitely good to have a few different techniques and tricks up your sleeve eh 😀
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I am now trying to thread 3 strands of embroidery thread into a needle trying to follow directions. I presently have a Dritz threader.
It depends on the thread and the needle -- bigger tapestry needles that's not an issue, but smaller needles (particularly if they're not tapestry needles), that'll be quite hard to thread three threads into it. So you may just need to change your needle to a wider eye one. 😊
Big fan of that third one. Try flipping it upside down from how Dana held it. It has a little notch you kind of hook your needle on so you don’t have to hold it. Works like a dream for all needles a good size for Aida, & I use the bigger end for large needles like I’d use for stitching in plastic canvas. Thanks for showing us all the options!
You're very welcome Kris, and once I get settled in my new place I'm going to try out the little notchy thingie.... 😂😘
That is also my favorite one. I use it the same way you too and they last forever. I have a magnetic needle case that it holds on to so I've had the same one for about 8 years now. I had to replace it cause one of my kids lost my old. one
I am having a bad time with needle threaders. Useful to know that there is something reliable out there especially for those struggling with elderly eyes. Lovely tutorial full of tips. I am so glad you related the Grandma folding method I have fond memories of me teaching my grandaughter!! Stitching is good for all ages. On the silicone? I prefer bees wax of the best quality ... brilliant. Thanks
Glad to help Lynn! 🙂
I was at a stitching convention and the lady next to me was using school glue stick for the end of her floss before threading it. I haven't used that technique but thought I would share. Nice tutorial.
That's a new one, I wonder why she does that, it would just make the floss harder to slide through the fabric as it'd be slightly sticky... Oh well, as long as she's happy. 🙂
@@peacockandfigshe probably cuts that end off after she threads her needle
I wanted to buy one on amazon and hesitated because I wasn't certain of which one to buy, then I click on TH-cam and here is this video. Thank you!
Haha you're very welcome Cerrone! Good timing eh! 🙂
thank you so much. I always used the old fashioned one. Didn't know there are so many other kinds that are easier to use and sturdier
You're very welcome Sara, I'm glad the video helped! 🙂
Thank you very much for your very clear instructions, I can now thread my machine. I have been fighting to use the built-in machine threader on my Sew Mate 5400, but I cannot following the instructions so thank you very much.
You're very welcome Fran, glad it helped! 🙂
Another trick I learned is to wrap the thread tightly around your left index finger then rub the eye of the needle parallel to the direction of the thread then as you rub the thread makes its way through the eye.
I've tried that a few times, for some reason I can't get it to ever work. If you can do it that way, that's awesome. 🙂
Thank you! For some reason my mind entirely blanked while trying to thread today. I threaded as normal once I pulled out my stuff, finished what I was doing and tied it off. Tried to thread again and I just absolutely couldn't. I spent a good ten minutes doing it every which way but just couldn't. I feel like I may have lost a little bit of sanity today.
Ahaha omg I've had days like that, where even basic tasks are impossible. And don't worry, hopefully your sanity will come back after the weekend, it's likely gone on a mini retreat without you... 😂
Thanks for the tip on looped needle threaders. Just what I need for my serger. Will be ordering, today.
Awesome, glad to hear it! 🙂
Chapstick is great for waxing the end of thread before threading a needle. If concerned about the wax, snip off that inch after threading the needle. Or, Bert's Bees lip balm is another option. Compact - easy to stash in kits, pockets, in the catchall beside your sewing machine and/or serger.
Good idea, especially if you're going to snip it off, then there aren't any fragrances or colourings that may start to affect the floss later. 🙂
I just ordered the loran iran one! Can't wait to get it!! 🙂 But so the string/thread doesn't fall off or down, wouldn't it be easier to have the hook facing up so you can just well hook & scoop up the string/thread? Like hooking a warm on a fishing bating hook, the hook should face up so the worm doesn't fall down when you put it on it.
Yep, you can hold it however you like, how you described would work really well. 🙂
@@peacockandfig You definitely used it upside down. Between the hook and the main body of the threader there's a notch where you can rest the needle.
Great information about threaders. It would have been better if you used the small eyes to be helpful. Very easy to demonstrate with large eye when it would have been a better demonstration. Different threads pose the challenge, as I am learning it would have helped. Still looking, your information is excellent help.
Unfortunately with filming and keeping everything at a distance that could be captured by the camera (and not have my hands knock into the camera), demonstrating the smaller eyed needles would have been impossible which is why I didn't do it. Glad it was helpful anyway. 😊
Yes, those generic ones are so flimsy! I have so much trouble threading (eyes getting old) and i never knew what that little silver thing that in my sewing box fir 30 years is for! Or how to use it. With the help if TH-cam I’ve learned today. But I broke 2 of those threaders in the process! So let’s hope this video directs me to a sturdier threader 🧵
Oh no! Yeah, those silver ones are barely useful at all, I hope you can try out some of the others and find one that'll work for you! 🙂
Thank you so much! I was baffled by all the choices, and I knew the old fashioned wire one would be inferior. This was extremely helpful.
You're very welcome Karin, glad it helped! 🙂
Would be interested to see how you thread for cross stitch i.e. two strands into a smaller eye than the one in this video. thanks
Hi Di! I show you how to thread for a variety of needles in the video, how I thread needles usually is by folding the floss over the needle eye like I demonstrate and explain in the video. 🙂
@@peacockandfig I just find it very hard when using 2 strands of DMC much easier when only using 1 strand. Thank you for your reply
you only showed using such a wide needle which not used in cross stitching
i use 24 and having hard time
This is a wonderful helpful needle! ❤
Glad you enjoyed it Alexa! 🙂
@@peacockandfig ❤❤ bless you!
Im very excited to se the video about needles.
Thanks very much! I'm still working on it, and make sure you're subscribed so you'll get a notification when I upload it to TH-cam. 🙂
Looks like the clover embroidery threader may be the best for threading serger threads? I've been using the generic threaders, and they keep breaking :( also what type of needle would you recommend for threading serger threads?
Hi Christine! I have no clue, the last time I touched a serger I was about ten years old. I'm pretty sure the Dritz loop threaders I show in the tutorial actually are meant for sergers. 😊
Sorry, do you think the third (the metal hook) one is small enough for a sewing machine needle?
Not sure, you'd have to try, it's been several years since I filmed this review and I rarely use my sewing machine now due to my injury. The Dritz ones are designed for sergers, they might have ones that are designed for regular sewing machine needles too. 😊
@@peacockandfig thank you for answering! And I hope you get better!
can you use that clover for size 26 needle for cross stitching ? looks too thick but i still have difficulty using koran w 26 needle and 2 strands
I don't know Rhonda, all my needles are all mixed up so I don't know what size anything is anymore. You may need to use one of the finer threaders. 🙂
Hi, new sub who is very happy to have found you. You're vlogs are very well done and so HELPFUL I wish I could hug you! (I covet your long, strong nails that add charm to your demos.) Thank you for helping me have more success and fulfillment in my stitching and creativity!💜💙💚😊 Sue
Ahahah awww thanks very much Sue! I'm very lucky to have such strong nails (even though some viewers give me a hard time about them), I love having pretty nails. 🙂
Just make a slsop of paper a little smaller than the thickness of the eye of the needle and about and inch and half long. Make a loop and sllide in in the eye of the needle then slip the thread in the paper loop...viola its threaded with paper
Yep that works too, but they're not as permanent and sturdy as a needle threader. 😊
I need to purchase one for a Necchi sewing machine. Any suggestions?
Hi Larry! I have no idea, I've never even heard of that brand of machine. The Dritz looped one I show in the video might work, but I can't tell you for sure as I've never seen that machine. You could always ask the manufacturer directly, they likely would have some good suggestions. 🙂
But what to use for smaller eyes of a needle
Hi Donna! I showed four different types of needle threaders, you'll have to experiment and see what will work for you (as "smaller" is relative). You may also have to try the tips I show how to thread your needles by hand, that's what I still do for all my needles. 😊
I m 63 yes old and use to thread needle with no help now even son Has trouble with threading.
Hi. I bought 2mm seed beads, sorry! not sure what the other size is that Beader's call them, I just know they are 2mm. But I cannot for the life of me, find needles that fit through the beads and that I can thread. I bought pony beading needles size 10/12. They go through the needle empty but they are Impossible to thread no matter what I try, including the thinnest needle threader I have can you please advise me what Needles to buy that have large eyes and will actually fit through the 2mm seed bead Thank you so much, a very frustrated newby to beading.
Hi Tricia! On my channel is another tutorial about different kinds of cross stitch needles, I'd check that one out. In that one I demonstrate wide-eye needles (or big eye needles), they're basically two slender pieces of metal welded together at the ends, so the entire needle is the "eye." If they don't fit through your beads with your beading floss (or whatever you're using), then nothing will, they're the skinniest needle you're going to get. 🙂
Thank you very much for the very prompt reply. I will check out your channel and your other videos Thanks again. Tricia :)
Very handy thank you. You could do to move your camera down a little so that it's possible to see how you thread them =)
Hi Kerry! I did my best, it's really hard to look through the camera for things like threading as your depth perception gets thrown off, but hopefully you get the drift enough you can see the differences in the variety of needle threaders out there. 🙂
Yup =)
I Like the look of the Clover one. I do a lot of cross stitching with 2 thread and threading needles really slows me down.
Yeah I liked that one too, it's really sturdy. 🙂
What stops you just using a heavy duty one all the time?
Sorry, a heavy duty what, needle threader or needle? I rarely use a needle threader myself, I do it by folding my floss over the eye then threading the needle. 🙂
Thank you, lovely :) Great tutorials and reviews, I'm so glad sharing helps us all make better choices and learn new skill. #MuchLove & #Blessings. Xx
I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos Linette! Happy stitching! :)
thats fine for big eye needles but try a beading tiny needle they dont work
Of course not, no threader works for regular beading needles. Just switch the beading needle you're using. 😊
one doesn't need any of these devises with a large tapestry needle. it is the small eye needle that everyone has trouble with. so far i have not seen a demonstration that helps with that.
Well actually that's exactly why I bought all of these needle threaders, purely for this demonstration to show you what's out there for smaller needles. And yes, some people do need threaders for bigger tapestry needles, if you're using thicker thread or wool, or have sight or mobility issues... I can't demonstrate with a smaller eye needle - the camera won't pick up the detail and you won't see anything. Pretty sure I explained that in the video, and at the very least you can see what may or may not work with your needles. Everyone has a different collection of needles and different sizes, the point was to show you what's out there so you can see what may work, and you too don't have to spend $40 on threaders just to try them all out. 😊
Can you use any of these threaders for a teeny tiny embroidery needle with multiple strands? Which one? Or which one would you recommend? Please someone respond lol I’ve been trying to thread my needle for days, the first one gets stuck with all the thread and won’t go through and the loran won’t fit through my needle at all. I just want to thread my fucking needle and enjoy embroidery already, I love it but I can’t do it without a threader I’m too fucking blind! Lol thanks and sorry for the rant
You'll have to test some out Amanda, I can't tell you that unfortunately as it would depend on how many strands, which needle, which threader, etc (too many variables). The best way to thread a needle with multiple strands is how I show in the video, by folding your floss over the eye of the needle then pushing the eye over the folded lump of floss. If you need reading glasses or a magnifying light to see better, get that. Most needle threaders are fine with multiple strands, but if your needle eye is too small it's not going to work (or it will just break the threader). You can also try using a bigger needle, that might be easier to thread (particularly if you're wanting to use a needle threader, there does have to be that bit of extra space to allow for the floss plus the threader to pass through the eye of the needle). Hope that helps! 🙂
Thanks! LOVE UKULELE ATLANTA HOLLY
Haha thanks Holly! :)
Why use a needle with a big eye, wouldn’t need a threader with that
It's for demonstration Patricia, and yes you might if you're using a specialty thread like Japan Threads. 🙂
but you just trying big needles
It's a demonstration to show you the options -- you'll have to try out ones you think might work for the needles you use (and how many strands you're using) yourself. 🙂
Please please please get a manicure if your big long nails are going to be front and center in a video. #commonsense
Or you could not be a rude troll and focus on the content provided to you FOR FREE (and some of the tutorials take me a full day or longer to set up, film, and edit). This one I spent around $40 on tools I didn't really need myself purely to create a useful tutorial that would help many stitchers. If you're so focussed on my nails, then go to another freaking channel, what exactly would you like me to do years after the tutorial was filmed anyway.... Oh and PS - I was hurt and disabled in my military service, every day I suffer from chronic pain. Even sitting upright for long to film these tutorials is painful, but I do it to help people. So maybe a manicure isn't exactly high on my life priority list (and I have over 80 tutorials on my channel, you do the math at $50 per manicure). If you don't like a tutorial for the whatever reason, go to another channel, leaving a rude comment says more about you than the quality of the content I'm providing for free.
I have to agree. They are quite ugly