I hand quilt. I do not put a not at the eye of the needle. I put about 4-6 stitches on needle at a time and pull the needle thru with needle nose plyers. It was recommended to only put 18" of thread on a needle at a time as the thread will become weak as it is continued to be pulled through. I do not listen to this rule! Ooops, oh well. But about every other time of pulling the needle through stitches I adjust the thread position at the eye so it does not weaken the thread at that spot with it continuing to be there.
I think you may just have to hold onto the threat at the eye so it does not pull out.
Kyia