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!

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

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

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!

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

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.

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)

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.

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.

Thank you for sharing.