Oh...goodness....I didn't realize you meant "needle". I have an auto-threader (total life saver) and mine is a snap to thread. I'm sorry....that sucks. Good idea on painting end. Isn't there a gadget you can slip in the eye to insert the thread into a bigger hole area? Like those needle threaders for hand sewing? We'll both be working on applique tomorrow....those are the only blocks left for me to do in section 1...except a churndash. I'll do that one after dinner tonight. Finished all the drunkards paths and double DP today....time consuming... Here they are....