This may sound nuts, but I swear it helps. Decrease the length of your thread and sew with the thread going the same direction as it comes off the spool. Most of us reel off a couple of arm lengths, cut and thread the needle with that end, then pull it a little ways through the needle, run our hands down to the other end and tie a knot. This will put the thread through the fabric in the opposite direction from the way it comes off the spool, and will increase your tangles. The other thing is we don't want to thread that needle so often so we hand sew with too much thread. So, here's what to do. Pull off only one pull, about 18-20 inches of thread, and snip if off from the spool. Now, take the OTHER end to thread the needle. Tie the knot in the longer end where you cut it from the spool. Trust me, try it.