I have tried and tried to thread one of these suckers, but the eye is so small that my thread frays as I try to stick it through.

I've tried different threads, not just handquilting thread. Nothing goes thru this hole.

wet the needle

Don't wet your thread, try licking the eye of the needle. When you put your thread up to the eye the saliva will pull the thread right on through.

That's one tip I have never heard before. I will definitely be giving it a try - thanks :-)

I use a needle threader with mine.

Cut your thread diagonally, not even. Hold the thread very short between your left hand thumb and forefinger so you barely see the thread's end and guide the needle's eye with your right hand over the thread. It's much easier to control the needle than the thread.

I put on some chapstick and pull the thread through my lips. It gives the thread some body and usually works the first time.

which needle threader do you use? I find that I can get a threader through the small eyes of a John James needles but can't pull it back through the eye with thread -- I always break the needle threader. I've tried many and none that I've used work. Thanks!

I think I would invest in some different needles!!! To me that would be a waste of my time.

I use the cheapie tin needle threader. Maybe you are pulling too hard?