Here's a trick I learned a lonnnnng time ago, when you want to thread a needle with thread that is a bit bigger than the eye (I love a big eyed SHARP needle upholsterery needle, but I use the straight ones...curved ones don't work well with my fingers) cut a 1 1/2 or 2 inch length of heavy scotch tape. twist the end of the thread/yarn you're using a bit and place it in the middle of one half of the tape(parallel to the edge of the tape). Make sure to have a little spot of just tape between the fold and the thread/yarn. Then carefully fold the tape over the yarn/thread on the other half. Be careful not to get any crimps in the tape. Cut the end into a somewhat arrow shape and then flush with the yarn. The tape, yarn/thread will slip right on through the eye of the needle. when you get it pulled through the eye to the length you desire just snip off the piece with the tape.