They also make really pointy tweezers for just this purpose. Some people buy a tool (that can get pricy) called a Stiletto, it is used in the same manner that Renee has said she uses the wooden skewer. I would opt for the skewer. lol If my kids got ahold of it I would only be out a few cents instead of 20-30 bucks! Normally however I just feed it along until the last possible second before my fingers get sucked into the needle. So far so good. One of these days it will get me though. I am sure of it. lol