a great tip i discovered!

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06-16-2015, 05:36 AM

#21

luvstoquilt

Super Member

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: Yorkville, IL

Posts: 7,639

I am in a quilting group that began over 30 years ago. I am a new member of about 3 yrs. Sally, the originator, told me not to put the thread in my mouth to get it thru the needle's eye. She said to "Spit on the needle's eye". Guess what? It works like a charm!

06-16-2015, 05:37 AM

#22

lclang

Super Member

Join Date: Nov 2009

Posts: 2,061

Try using top stitch needles in your machine. The eye is about twice as big as usual.

06-16-2015, 06:09 AM

#23

scarlet14

Junior Member

Join Date: Sep 2009

Location: north central Kansas

Posts: 189

Try bees wax to stiffen the thread---also a product called Thread Heaven---love that stuff---thread doesn't tangle and slips through like silk--also dip the point of sewing machine needle in it---makes it glide through the fabric

06-16-2015, 06:23 AM

#24

maviskw

Super Member

Join Date: May 2012

Location: Central Wisconsin

Posts: 4,391

Quote:

Originally Posted by grma33

I tried dipping the end in fray check and letting it dry and was able to thread 12 with no threader!!!!! Gale

The Fray Check or bees wax are excellent ideas. So is the wetting the needle, not the thread; you don't even have to cut the thread unless it is quite fuzzy.

But Mary Fonz uses the grease on her nose. I saw her do that yesterday, but can't find the site now. She rubs the bridge of her nose with her thumb and pointer finger, then grasps the thread end to get some of the grease on it. Hilarious!

06-16-2015, 07:45 AM

#25

IBQUILTIN

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: North Fork Ca

Posts: 8,234

Way to go!!! Necessity is the mother of invention. lol

06-16-2015, 07:47 AM

#26

NJ Quilter

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: Central NJ

Posts: 5,570

Quote:

Originally Posted by feline fanatic

Good tip. FYI Roxanne size 11 hand quilting needles are as small as 12 but have a bigger eye like a 10. I love Roxanne needles and now am spoiled and won't use anything else. You may wish to give them a try as well.

I agree totally with this. I also find that with the Roxanne needles that it's really important to use their threader...works much better than the clover brand wire threaders.

06-16-2015, 08:29 AM

#27

madamekelly

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

Posts: 7,695

Quote:

Originally Posted by eparys

Very cool idea - I will have to remember that. I actually use old fashion beeswax (you know that silly disk that clover sells?).

Way cheaper to go online and buy "beeswax" than to buy the little clover holder. I just store mine in a baggie to keep the furkid fur off of it....lol! (I think I paid about $7.50 for s good size chunk)

06-16-2015, 09:32 AM

#28

MargeD

Power Poster

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: Lowell, MA

Posts: 14,083

Great tips - necessity truly is the Mother of invention. It's so frustrating to not be able to thread needles as easily as we used to. Maybe the eyes are being made smaller. Just a thought. LOL.

06-16-2015, 12:25 PM

#29

PghPat

Senior Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Pittsburgh PA - Leesburg FL

Posts: 537

The very best hint I have ever gotten was to clip the thread for a good end and use your finger to wet the hole of the needle - NOT the thread. The thread will go right thru the hole on the first try. Believe me I was NEVER able to thread a needle. This also works for the needle on the sewing machine.

let me know how you make out.