Which end of thread?
10-06-2013, 12:01 PM
#13
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,587
I thread with the end that was last cut off the spool. I leave a short tail once threaded through the eye then proceed to pull the desired length from the spool and snip. Knot that end. Don't usually have any issues regardless of thread brand/type. I do find, when hand quilting, using a thread condition like Thread Heaven, helps tremendously. Not so much on regular sewing thread though.
10-06-2013, 12:38 PM
#15
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Nawth o' Boston
Posts: 1,879
10-06-2013, 02:35 PM
#17
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Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 11
I have a little story about this subject. A few years ago I was with a group of quilters and garment makers who had been invited to visit a thread manufacturer in Germany. Various heads of departments gave their speech about the manufacturing process. I was itchy to ask the question about which end to thread the needle. So I finally got to ask. His answer was " makes no difference". One in our party was a very high profile quilter, teacher, Internet star etc. when we herd his answer she blurted out. " you just took a lot of my expertise away from me"
10-06-2013, 02:48 PM
#18
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,165
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:
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.
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.
10-06-2013, 07:17 PM
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Manhattan, Kansas
Posts: 2,160
I have a little story about this subject. A few years ago I was with a group of quilters and garment makers who had been invited to visit a thread manufacturer in Germany. Various heads of departments gave their speech about the manufacturing process. I was itchy to ask the question about which end to thread the needle. So I finally got to ask. His answer was " makes no difference". One in our party was a very high profile quilter, teacher, Internet star etc. when we herd his answer she blurted out. " you just took a lot of my expertise away from me"
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