Every sewing project Trusted Source Embroiderers' Guild members stick needle in over ‘fait accompli' changes | Craft | The Guardian Bitter internal row breaks out over plans to make the stitching society profitable www.theguardian.com starts with threading a needle. Threading a needle is the art of passing a thread through the needle’s eye. You may need to thread a needle for different purposes, like quilting works, embroidery, hand stitches, or even machine sewing.
Surprisingly, you may find out that the simple task of threading a needle can be a challenge for those that are not familiar with the concept. Here is all you need to know about how to thread a needle.
As a beginner, you’ll quickly discover that threading a needle is not as easy as it seems. The needle eye is small, and the thread can easily fall off and frustrate your attempts. It wouldn’t matter if you intend to thread the needle for hand stitching, quilting, or sewing machine without adequate skill and technique; you are likely to get frustrated.
However, if you follow the tips below on how to thread a needle easily, you will soon become a master of your skill.
The first step is to pick your needle and thread. There are different sizes of needles, so you need to make sure you choose the right needle for the thread. If your needle is too small, the needle eye will be too small for your thread, which means the thread will not easily pass.
On the other hand, if the needle is bigger than the thread, the thread will be too loose for the purpose you are trying to achieve. This is why you should always find the right needle size for the thread in your needle kit.
There are different methods you can apply to thread your needle. You can pass the thread through the needle eye. You can also push the needle eye into the thread or simply use a threader. The method you use greatly depends on the types of thread or needle you are working with.
You don’t need to worry about the particular technique you choose; whatever method you use will get the job done smoothly.
Single threads need a lot of patience to work with than double threads. This is because they are so frail and tiny, therefore difficult to pass through a needle.
To insert a single thread, first, spool out enough thread for your work, then hold the edge of the thread in between the thumb and index finger of your right hand, and hold the needle with your thumb and index finger in your left hand. Ensure you are holding the needle close to the needle eye. That way, you put more focus on the needle eye.
Re-cutting the edge of your thread with scissors will make the tip tinier and sharper. It could also help if you lick the edge a little to help it have some weight. If you are working with a sewing machine, you would need sharp tips more because you are likely to be working with a smaller needle eye.
You should also get a little white paper. This will contrast against the needle and would help you focus on the needle eye.
Carefully push the thread tip through the needle eye. Once you observe that the thread had passed through the eye, you call help pull the yarn out on the other side of the eye with your left thumb and index. And voila! You have successfully passed your single thread.
Double threading a needle is easier. You just have to double the thread. You must know how long the thread you are going to use or estimate it. Whatever length it is, you will spool a double of it. For instance, if you will be working with a 2 feet long thread, you will have to spool 4 feet length of thread.
According to user reviews online, one of the best needles to use for double threading is the Self-threading Needle from Elcprocy. It comes with a needle threader and a needle case that makes threading easier.
The next step will be to fold the thread into two equal parts. Start from the middle and fold. You can hold the double thread in place by applying a little beeswax to it. This will ensure the double threads are not separating while you are sewing.
Push the tips of the thread into the needle. At this stage, you have to exercise a lot of patience if the thread tips must enter the needle eye at the same time. You can also pass the folded part of the thread through the needle eye. This could be faster and easier too. Pull out the thread at the other end of the needle as soon as it’s out and secure it with a knot.
Securing a knot on the thread ensures that the thread stays in the needle while you are sewing. To secure your knot for a single thread, you’ll be using your thumb and your middle finger. In the case of a double thread, you will hold the double tips and wrap around the edge of your middle finger to create a sloop. Hold the rest of the thread with your thumb to keep it in place while you secure the knot.
Ensure you have a tight knot by rolling the loop more than once in between your middle finger. By doing this, your loop is thicker and stronger. You can now knot the loop. Be careful not to allow the loop to slip from your finger during this process. Then pass the other end of the thread, the side with the needle through the loop, and tighten.
You can repeat the process a second time for a thicker, firmer knot.
Thread and needle works are delicate, but they can become easy once you get the hang of it. Following the guide above and frequently practicing will get you threading the needle seamlessly in no time. Before you know it, you’d be able to double thread a needle, and successfully secure a strong, tight knot.
With a good knowledge of how to thread your needle, sewing or repairing clothes wouldn’t be a problem any longer. In fact, you can get a sewing kit, so you can have access to a lot of different needle sizes and shapes that will help with your showings.
