Since we began restoring machines we have become very needle savy and know there is a huge differnce in brands. We use every sale we can to get them for even a few pennies less as we go through so many. When we meet someone who may be suffering arthrites, stoke or any other imparment of fine motor skills we recommend self threading needles and large weight needles like a 100/16 or higher so the eye is easier to thread. Course admittedly I like the big eye too.