I recommend using "Tacky Finger" or some such product. You get it at the office3 supply. It is for using when counting paper or money. I have used bees wax and the Thread Heaven. One day I couldn't find either but I had the tacky finger stuff. I use it on my needle hand to keep the needle from slipping. It worked great. Less tangling now than before, in fact sometimes no tangle at all.
I highly recommmend it.