rusty quilter

My Bernina came with one that is about 4 inches long and the machine needle just slides into it...maybe their website has one you can order separately??

blahel

If you dont want to spend any money then maybe you could get a piece of styrofoam (the stuff tvs etc come packaged in to protect them) cut a small piece off and insert needle into it which should then make it easier to hold while inserting the needle.

jemma

i have a piece of plastic designed for helping sew over thick seams it has a D shaped hole in it that holds the needle with the flat side to the back that way i can not put it inthe wrong way also it makes sure i put it in all the way----no name on it --try pfaff or janome----
punchwithjudy.com

mic-pa

I have hemostats and use them for a lot of things in my sewing room. They hold the needle quite well, but I like the idea of using a piece of styrofoam.

romanojg

If you have a Viking dealer around you, you are in luck. They have a gray gadget made just for this purpose. It even has a straight side so that the needle fits in it correctly. You hold it by the handle and insert the needle and screw it down. They include it in all of their machines and also with the cutwork needles so you won't cut yourself. It works really great.

susie-susie-susie

I use my hemostat for many things. It locks closed so your hands are free. It is great for puling a needle through thick fabric as well as holding things. They aren't very expensive.
Sue

gollytwo

You could also try flat edged tweezers.

Gladygirl

Thanks for all the ideas---if I can't get the darn needle in where it belongs now it won't be for lack of trying all these things. Think I even have a hemostat around here somewhere--why didn't I think of some of these ideas instead of cussing that needle the other day. Oh, Well!!!!

barny

I have hemostats too. If you know someone in the medical field. They can get you one.

Bevsie

Hi

I have a tool that does just that, holds the needle for insertion and the other end helps flip the bobbin out of the case for you.
I got it at my embroidery retreat in our gift bags, but you can get one from Nancy's Notions, called Bobbin Puller with Needle Inserter item CNBP $7.99
I love mine, use it all the time just because its easier and I never fear I'll drop the needle.

Hope this helps!

Bev