I thread my needle, and then take the end and go around to the front of the eye and run it through again. Doesn't make a knot and you can use more of the thread without the end pulling out. You will need a needle with a larger eye, so I use John James "big-eye" needles. If you don't understand this, PM me with your phone number and I will be glad to call you and talk you through it.
Good Luck from another older hand quilter.
Roberta Marie