I got on pretty well with knotting the other end of the thread but still got the occasional knot. I went for a rummage in my mum's beading supplies and discovered that she had some thread heaven! Hurrah! So now I am in thread heaven! It just glides through so smoothly now! Awesome!
Thank you so much to all of you for your advice and tips, you've made hand sewing relaxing for me again!