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Thread: Help! I'm getting old and so is my sewing machine!

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  1. 06-11-2015, 04:22 PM #1
    clevermom3kids
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    Help! I'm getting old and so is my sewing machine!

    Hi all! I've had great eyesight my whole life and now that I'm getting older it ain't so any more! My cry for help relates to wanting to take my vintage singer 185K (a 3/4 size gal) to a class but it doesn't come with a self threading needle like the new computerized machines do, and my reading glasses aren't cutting it (or threading it, as it were!) Anyway, my question is, what have any of you found helpful in threading a needle on a sewing machine versus just a hand needle which can be dealt with via a needle threader gizmo. Is there anything out there for threading machine needles? I'm a gadget gal, so would be happy to go out there and get something if it exists and I know where to find it! Thanks!
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  2. 06-11-2015, 04:27 PM #2
    Tartan
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    I am not aware of a gadget for threading a sewing machine needle. They do have lighted magnifying glasses that you can get at Walmart that might help.
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  3. 06-12-2015, 01:40 PM #3
    quiltedsunshine
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    There are "handicap needles" that have a slit in the side. So all you have to do is slide the thread down the side, and it goes into the eye. The Schmetz handicap needles will work in your machine.
    Annette in Utah
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  4. 06-13-2015, 06:36 AM #4
    maviskw
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    Quote Originally Posted by quiltedsunshine View Post
    There are "handicap needles" that have a slit in the side. So all you have to do is slide the thread down the side, and it goes into the eye. The Schmetz handicap needles will work in your machine.
    I have some of these. They really work great for "burying" threads after FMQ. Put the needle in where you want it to go into your quilt. Slip the threads into the needle just before it disappears into the quilt. The thread ends can be as short as an inch and you can still do this.

    QUOTE: I was told in a class once to wet the sewing machine needle, not the thread. So I lick my thumb and pointer finger, slide them over the needle, and then thread it. I do have an automatic threader on my machine, but sometimes it gets bent and won't work. Then I lick my fingers. -- from juliea9967

    Blind people sew. And they need to know how to thread the sewing machine needle themselves. I found a needle threader for blind people at the health fair that is held at our church every year. The county health department runs it. I bought a threader for me and another for my son-in-law who sews. He hated threading the needle of the machine.
    Mavita - Square dancer and One Room School Teacher
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  5. 06-13-2015, 08:27 AM #5
    purplefiend
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    I use the white Clover hand needle threader for threading my machine needles.
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  6. 06-11-2015, 04:28 PM #6
    ManiacQuilter2
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    I have the needle threader that came with my Bernina. I would think that any gadget made for threading hand sewing needles would work on your sewing machine needle. I am referring to the gadget with the thin wire that you pull the thread thru the needle eye.
    A Good Friend, like an old quilt, is both a Treasure and a Comfort
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  7. 06-11-2015, 04:34 PM #7
    Neesie
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    Quote Originally Posted by ManiacQuilter2 View Post
    I have the needle threader that came with my Bernina. I would think that any gadget made for threading hand sewing needles would work on your sewing machine needle. I am referring to the gadget with the thin wire that you pull the thread thru the needle eye.
    This is what I was thinking, as well. There's no reason it can't be used on a machine needle.
    Neesie


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  8. 06-11-2015, 04:32 PM #8
    MarLeClair
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    I use magnifying glasses with a light on them to applique. I think they would help you with threading the needle. Look on Amazon.
    Marilyn
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  9. 06-11-2015, 05:27 PM #9
    GailG
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    I have a needle threader gizmo on my machine but I just don't get along with it. This is what i do. I use a swatch of white fabric (actually a piece of 1/2 in. wide elastic) and hold it behind the eye of the needle. With that white behind the needle, the eye is very easy to see.
    One step at a time, always forward.
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  10. 06-11-2015, 07:47 PM #10
    krafty14
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    Quote Originally Posted by GailG View Post
    I use a swatch of white fabric (actually a piece of 1/2 in. wide elastic) and hold it behind the eye of the needle. With that white behind the needle, the eye is very easy to see.
    This is exactly what I do. Sometimes I just put my finger behind the needle and it helps. The problem with the wire loop is that you still have to find the eye!!! Ann
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