9 Ways to Thread a Needle
 Are you having trouble threading your needles? I know the feeling. My eyesight isn't what it used to be, either.
So, I set out to find easier ways to thread a needle. My attempts were successful. Here are some clever ways to win the battle of needle and thread.
- 1. Place White Paper or Fabric Behind the Needle's Eye.
- It's amazing how much more visible the eye becomes. Keep a scrap of white fabric or paper near your sewing area for this purpose.
- 2. Cut the End of the Thread at an Angle.
- This works better than cutting the thread straight across. A cut thread passes through the needle better than a frayed thread.
- 3. Run Your Thread Through Beeswax or Chapstick.
- This stiffens the thread, so it glides through the needle with ease. I always use this technique when I'm threading a needle. It works!
- 4. Use a Needle Threader.
- I know, it sounds so obvious, but these really work. You might already have one installed on your sewing machine and not even know it. Don't laugh. This actually happened to a friend of mine.
If you're not sure, check your sewing machine manual. You can also buy an inexpensive needle threader. There are several types, and you can find them at fabric stores, quilting shops and even in grocery stores!
- 5. Magnifying Glasses
- Magnifying glasses always come in handy if you want to thread a needle. But, did you know that they're made in several styles? For example, you can buy a hands-free magnifier that sits on your tabletop.
Or, how about the visor-type magnifier that you wear on your head? They even make magnifying lenses that fit over your regular glasses!
- 6. Tweezers
- Sometimes all you need is a pair of long-bent handle tweezers. If you have a serger, you probably already have a pair. Tweezers hold your thread as you glide it through the needle.
- 7. Make a Fold at the End of Your Thread.
- Crease the fold with your fingers. Slide the creased thread through the eye of your needle. Easy as pie!
- 8. Enlist the Help of Younger Eyes!
- Seek help from someone who's blessed with good eyesight. Maybe a son, a daughter or a grandchild?
- 9. Use a Needle that Matches the Thread Size.
- Thread should glide through the needle's eye. If the eye is too small, the thread will fray or break. If you feel any tension or resistance, your needle and thread aren't matched correctly.
The next time you want to thread a needle, try one of these tips. After all, the name of the game is to sew as much as possible!
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