Someone told me it was the NEEDLE that had different sides-
Here's the quote:
Here are a few tips to thread a needle:
1. Stretch the thread between your hands to flatten the thread and remove stretch and then use a sharp scissor to make a clean angled cut on the end of the thread.
2. Moisten the tip of the thread (usually by licking it). You can also try moistening the eye of the needle.
3. Flatten the tread tip. Some people do so between their teeth, others use their thumb and index finger.
4. Hold the thread between the thumb and index fingertip of your dominant hand with only a small amount of tread visible (about 1/8”) and the flat side vertical.
5. Hold the needle with the other hand so the eye is turned toward you and you can see into the eye.
6. Slide the tip of the thread into the eye of the needle. Or slide the needle onto the thread. Try it both ways and see which works better for you. A white background helps.
You may find beading needles a little easier to thread than sharps, because the longer needle also has a slightly longer eye. If you do find threading needles difficult to master, there is an ultrafine needle-threading tool available that works with needles up to size 13 and thin threads. Regular needle threaders are too large. Keep practicing and it will get easier.
More Tips:
- Why is the needle sometimes easier to thread from one side than from the other? It is a trade secret that needles have two different sides. The eye of the needle is created by stamping a hole through the needle shaft. Even in the best English-made steel needles, this results in a hole that is smoother on one side than the other. So if you are having trouble, flip it over and try the other side.
and the link
http://beautyinthebead.com/how-to-he...ading-needles/
It makes some sense as machine needles can only go in one way, so one side wouldn't have to be as finished as another unless you use round needles.
The other trick is an old saying when you are trying to throw a rock through a small area:
Mention the Minister.