Crafter's Know-How | THREADING A SEWING NEEDLE (PROPERLY)

The struggle is real.

Guiding that loose thread through that tiny eye is just ridiculous.

But not impossible!

I mean, most of the time I can't even see the damn hole, but our mothers and their mothers and their mothers and the occasional father have been sewing for centuries and somehow they managed to thread that damn needle!

Thankfully. Because I am not in favor of running around butt naked.

Imagine if it were so! Grocery shopping in fern skirts. Long days at the office in sea shell bras. Edgy moss jackets for a night out! (Which I suppose would be quite advanced actually.)

I don't know about you, but I'd rather poke my fingers a few too many times and get to wear a pair of jeans than have to sacrifice my entire wardrobe.

Good-bye Dior.

Good-bye Coco.

Luckily, over the years I've learned a trick or two about properly and effectively threading a sewing needle.

Years of practice are one thing, yes. But there are also a few tips that can make the whole process a tad more enjoyable. Manageable. Tolerable.

But that wasn't always the case, I'll admit.

Frayed ends were a much-too-frequent companion in my early sewing years. And I can't even recall how many needle threaders have had to give their lives because of me. And maybe it's a good thing we're not keeping count.

So while this is a totally basic skill, it's also the very first step in any sewing project without which you probably won't get very far.

So if you are or ever have been one of those struggling individuals, this is for you!

6 TIPS ON PROPERLY THREADING A SEWING NEEDLE

Tip 1: Start by choosing an appropriate needle for your thread. Make sure the opening of the needle, the eye, is large enough for the thread of your choosing. Then cut the thread at a forty-five degree angle using sharp scissors. Even though you might not be able to see the angle particularly well depending on the thickness of the thread, it will help guide the thread through the eye.

Tip 2: When you're struggling with unravelling thread, the first thing to do is stiffen the ends. You can use beeswax or a very thin coat of clear nail polish for this.

Tip 3: Many people try to stiffen the thread with saliva. Instead, try a bit of moisture on your index finger behind the needle. The thread will cling to your finger like a magnet making it easier to guide the thread in the desired direction.

Tip 4: This is probably my best trick. Rather than drawing the thread through the eye of the needle, guide the eye towards and over the thread. To do so, pinch the thread between your thumb and index finger as close to the tip of the thread as possible. Your fingertips will support the thread and keep it from bending. Then bring the needle towards the thread with your other hand pushing it between your fingertips (keeping them pinched) and right over the thread. With just a little practice, this really never fails.

Tip 5: If you are having trouble seeing the eye of the needle properly, put a sheet of white paper or cardboard behind the needle to eliminate a distracting background from your sight.

Tip 6: If you find it difficult to hold the thread between your fingers calmly, consider using tweezers for support.

Happy sewing!