Self Threading Needles
 

Has anyone used the self threading needles to bury the ends of the thread when doing FMQ? I know that's the correct way to do it but you can also anchor the stitch by backstitching over the end. I've always backstitched because it's just easier and it looked alright. This time it doesn't look alright doing it that way and in fact looks really sloppy. I'm using the thread that has different shades of blue on one spool (for the life of me I can't think of the name of the thread) since I really wanted it to show up and doing the backstitching is making my quilt look so sloppy! I'm certain I'll be ripping out all of the quilting I've already done. So....has anyone used the self threading needles for the purpose of burying the knot in the layers of the quilt? If so what did you think about them? Is it worth spending the money on them?

there are 2 types of self-threading needles. i am disappointed with the side loading ones. i went back to the end loading ones. the side loading catch on the fabric. neither one, however, is great for sewing for long periods of time... i only have them for burying threads.

I didn't think they'd work very well for sewing either so never bought them. Then when I started on this latest quilt it make me think about them again. Could you send a picture of the type you have so I can get them ordered? Thanks! :)

I use self threading needles ...... with a top slit. They work great for burying threads.

I use the ones that you pull/push the thread down from the top. I bought a pkg. at my LQS but the last time I was in Walmart I noticed they had them. They were in the very limited fabric section with the other hand needles. I think they were $4.50 for a pkg? I have always used them to bury the thread ends in the quilt sandwich. I just don't like the look of stitching in place.

I've only used the side threading needles and I agree...doesn't work too well for sewing/binding, but they are wonderful for burying threads.

i use only the "Spiral Needle" I find the top slip needle to allow the thread to come loose. I understand WallMark has the spiral type but some have been disappointed in them. The "Spiral" brand appears to be better although they are more pricy.

I didn't really like the ones I used.

I started to rip out all of the quilting I've gotten done but decided to wait and see what I can save once I get the needles. The thought of ripping just makes me shiver. LOL!!

I have never tried the side loading needles - did see a TV ad for them last week.

I don't like the top loading needles - it could be the ones I got, or my thread, because every time I try to thread them the thread breaks on me.

I have the top loading one and I love them. I keep it by my machine in a pincushion and each time I have to end I bring the thread from the front to the back and knot it and then bury it. It is so much easier and quicker using these needles. I have not tried the spiral needles as they were mega expensive!

I hand quilt and sometimes I get a knot in the thread and have to cut it. Then I use the top threading needles. By the time the thread has been thru the fabric several times, it can be hard to thread thru a regular eye.
Mim

Yes as matter of fact just tried to order more they work great!!!

I have the same problem with the thread breaking when trying to use the self threading needles. I gave up and try to leave a little longer ends at the stops and starts so I can use my regular needles.

Thanks for info. I think I will mark them off my list.

I bring the bobbin thread to the top when I start machine quilting but how do you take the thread from the front to the back?

I had one and, for the life of me, couldn't find it when I had a hundred or so machine cut ends to bury. So, I dug out a tapestry needle, a dental floss threader and went to work. 1. Bury the needle so the eye is close to the thread ends. 2. Thread the floss threader through the eye-it goes in easily and 3. Place the big end around the cut ends and pull them through-if I feel like it I'll use a crochet hook to pull them through faster, then 4. Pull the floss threader with the cut ends-the needle is threaded and you can finish pushing it through to bury the ends. Worked great for me, but I'm still keeping an eye out for that needle. Hope it shows up some day.

I will have to try these. It is a pain to thread needles.

I have not used them but I am going to now.

I only use mine for burying the threads.......it makes it so much easier, especially if the thread is short.

For a while, I had trouble with the side loading needles catching on the fabric, or even in batting. Then I discovered that if you look, just before the eye enters the fabric, and make sure the smooth side of the eye is facing up, the opening doesn't catch anything. Usually I have to give the needle a little twist to get that smooth side up...don't know why.

Love Spiral Eye needles. I dropped mine once, when I only had one, and looked all over the floor for it with no luck. Gave up and ordered two, so I'd have a spare. Then I found the dropped one...in my shoe I was wearing!

When we divided everything that belonged to my Mother after she died in August, I took her sewing basket...there are 4 dozen self threading needles in it. I've never used them but gonna try them out at least once

I have used the top-loading self-threading needle and don't like it at all. It pulled my W&N batting out thru the back of my quilt each time I pulled the threads thru. Yucky as the quilt back was forest green! Had to go back and "swoop" the needle between the fabric and the batting in an attempt to pull the batting back inside the fabric. Too much work.

I have a question about 'cheater needles' used to bury threads in free motion quilting. I have the type with the slot on the top and find that they often shred the thread. So if anyone has some that don't do that, please tell me which brand they are.

I've been looking for the side-entry ones in stores but haven't found them. Found 'spiral needles' online -- $16 for two needles. Outrageous. Must be hand made out of platinum - no, even then they wouldn't be so expensive. I'm sure I saw a brand in stores years ago and they were priced like normal needles. Again, has anyone found them, and if so which brand and where?

thanks for your help - I always find the most useful information on this board,

Pam

I have used the top loading ones and like them fine for burying threads. The other thing I have used is a large eye embroidery needle. I do prefer burying my theads.

I tried the side opening for the easy to thread. Ecdge of needle opening got caught in fabric and would not pull thru. After 5 minutes of trying to stitch, put back in package and returned them for a full refund.

I find them too thick to stitch with, but wonderful for burying threads. I have the ones where you push the thread into the top.

I use the top slit ones for burying the tails. Sometimes the thread shreds when I am trying to load it, but I cut it off and try again. Usually works. I have used them to sew on a button or some minor stuff and they work okay I guess. Can't remember a big problem with them.

I use these, too, and like them a lot. I have not had good luck with the top loading ones. BUT these are only good for burying threads -- I had to really fight when I tried to do a bit of sewing with them.

I often use the self-threading needles to bury the threads-I find they work very well and are fairly inexpensive. I forget where I got them but I use the John James Easy Threading Eye Cross Stitch needles.

I use the top slit needles all the time for burying threads. I quilt for others, and I find the stitching back and forth to tack the thread leaves a lump - especially on quilts that have a lot of solid colours or light colours. By burying the threads, you can't see where I started and stopped.

Ditto! LOVE them! I also use them for my embroidery projects (hand embroidery) to weave the starting thread on the underside to make a nice, neat back to the project.

I spent $10 on the "As Seen on TV" ones and they are awful! I think they're plastic and dull and won't go thru one layer of fabric! Easy to thread? YES! But so what?! Can't do anything with it! Avoid those!

Instructor on Craftsy starts and ends with itty bitty stitches instead of back stitches. I've been trying that but can't really testify about it yet but she says she's been doing it for years and they don't come out.

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These are the looped needle threaders I use to thread my blind hem machine [on bad days].<o:p></o:p>
They are a then double wire needle that spreads apart then insert thread between the wires and thread your needle.<o:p></o:p>
I always called them beading needles; I first found them in a jewelry supply store.<o:p></o:p>
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Like mine:<o:p></o:p>
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/p...RODID=prd17573<o:p></o:p>
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Others:<o:p></o:p>
http://www.hancockfabrics.com/Big-Ey...VVviewprod.htm<o:p></o:p>
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I use the top slit needles when I accidentally have a thread break -- I take out half a dozen stitches and then bury the thread. i have enough troublr threading a needle with new thread -- used "frayed" thread is impossible on a size 10 needle.

Besides, I have to use a needle threader a lot. My eyes were never that good -- and with age (who me???) they haven't gotten any keener
Mim