Also, running your thread across a beeswax or any cheap candle can make threading so much easier. A piece of beeswax for this purpose is available for not much, and you only need an ounce or two is enough to last you many years. I keep ir in a baggie to avoid threads, dust, pet hair etc. from sticking to it. It lives in the drawer of my sewing desk. Handy for hand or machine needles.