Threading needles
 

Maybe I need new glasses, but threading needles has always been difficult. My sewing machines has a automatic needle threader that actually works. However, a friend brought over a new sewing machine for me to figure out how to make it work,and the needle threader just doesn't do the job. I was thinking that maybe there might be out there needles that actually have a larger hole but aren't just larger/thicker. Does anyone know if such a thing exists? Or. have a hint to make threading the needled easier?

Place a small piece of white paper behind the needle...the eye shows up much better.

With my vision issues I have a really hard time threading needles of any sort. What works best for me are the "bird" ones like the one shown in this video. There are some other makers but these are easily found at sewing shops or of course on Amazon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiWm...nel=123Dreamit

They have a little hook much like on many machine needle threaders. I can easily feel my way into the needle and catch the thread on the hook. They also fit in my hands nicely and I can typically find them easily when I drop them!

The needle threader has a very fine wire to catch and pull the thread through, if it is 'off' a bit or broken it won't work. Ask me how I know this. I use jeans needles with a larger eye as I have the same problem.

Some sewing machines come with a magnifying glass option.
If not available for your machine, I would get a pair of magnifying glasses.

Agree ... the needle threader wire can be bent very easily.

Also, if you have moved the needle from its "home" position, the threader will not do it's job.

I use a hummingbird threader a LOT. it works great and is cute as well.

Try a topstitch needle. The hole is supposed to be bigger.

The best auto needle threader I have ever used was on my Singer Quantum. It beats the new high end models in the shops now. One push and the needle was threaded. I never had to worry about the type of thread or the size of needle. It just worked and felt like pushing a feather. So I know a good quality threader can be made for a machine.

I watched a youTube video on some sewing tips a few months ago, primarily for using vintage machines. One of the tips in it was to cut the thread on a diagonal for threading a needle. I was having a hard time threading my machines since they are both vintage Singers and don't have an automatic threader (my reading vision is also not the best). I was skeptical at first, but it does work for me, not only for threading a machine but also a sewing needle. Sometimes I have to cut the thread several times because the thread frays a bit, but eventually I get the machine threaded.

Shari

I use a small magnifying glass with a light on it to help thread the needle.

Thanks for the ideas! I'll see what works for my machine.

Which sewing machine is it? We might be able to help.

I have a Brother 1500 with a needle threader, I've run into a lot of frustrated 1500 owners who hate the needle threader, they can't get it to work. But it turns out they just don't understand how it works. Once I show them and walk them through it, they're delighted because it's so easy. Maybe that's the case with this machine?

I agree about the humming bird threader. It's great! Also a top-stitch needle has a bigger eye, so is easier to thread.

I'd love to know the trick of the Brother 1500 needle threader, Peckish - I still haven't figured it out because I don't actually NEED it yet but I have a feeling it won't be long before I'll be wanting it... :-)

I think I am all right all the way until you let go of the thread and the threader. I CANNOT coordinate them both. I used to be able to use it, but it had been several years since I did it successfully.

Got the hummingbird threader...and then learned that it was not for threading the needle in the sewing machine!!! I'm a slow learner I guess. A friend dropped off a sewing machine he thought that I could use. I told him I'd pass it on to a gal we both know. I was Bought jeans needles for that machine and that was easy to thread. The machine had a "needle threader" but it is useless. The only machine that I've had experience with that had a needle threader that actually works every time is my Babylock.

Besides, I already had nine...and each one does something better than the others...that's my excuse for having so many machines. I have a friend who has 32.

I agree with Munchkins - the Topstitch needles have a larger eye.

I haven't found a decent video on YouTube. Are you on FB? There is a great group there called "Brother Pq1500SL and Baby Lock Accomplish /Jane Sewing Machines", there is a very clear and helpful video posted in the group.

Why do you need to let go of the threader? I usually hold on to the tail of the thread until the threader pulls it through, *then* I let go of the threader. Maybe your machine is different?

I put the thread right up on the top part of the needle and use the grove as a slide. Slips right in. Took a bit to become accustomed to it but now I don’t really even look for the eye.

That's the one I use. Works great.

I got a sewing machine needle threader through Bonnie Hunter's Amazon affiliate store but I can't find it anymore. You may have better luck: https://www.amazon.com/shop/quiltvillefriends

Which machines do you have that you are trying the hummingbird threader with? Do they thread from front to back? Do they have snap on presser feet? I thought I saw a picture that showed the hummingbird needle threader for sewing machine that threaded from front to back, but can't find it now. It looked like it showed the presser bar without a foot so that you could come in from the back.

I couldn't find a quiltville needle threader. I'm wondering if it was one like https://www.amazon.com/Dritz-Machine.../dp/B0054P8UGC I got one and really liked it but had a tendency to bend the metal hook part and I like that it has a needle inserter on the other end. My sister gave me some like https://www.amazon.com/Dritz-252-Loo...n%2C173&sr=1-9 and they work well for the most part, but will not work on really fine sewing machine needles (size 10 or smaller).

Thanks for the info! Will try top stitch needles too. If it is smaller in diameter than a jeans needle, that would be good.

I need to try this method. Thanks for the link.

Thanks! Enjoyed the video, but now I need a circle attachment!

My domestic machine has a wonderful threader that works well but my longarm and my serger drive these old eyes crazy. I learned early on that old fashion beeswax was my friend - Run the 3-4 " of the thread end through the beeswax a few times then snip off the very tip at an angle. The thread is straight and semi stiff and I can usually get the needle threaded on the first try.

Small needles don’t work on automatic needle threaders. Try a larger size.

The larger size worked! Thanks!

I am 83 and have Macular degeneration, the (worst) wet kind. Under the care of a retina specialist, I am still able to thread my sewing machine needles (5 different machines; four w/auto threaders that don't consistently work). I have used the following needle threaders for decades and am still able to thread my own machines with the following device. In fact, when I teach, I include one of these in my gift to fellow sewists who later tell me it was the most useful notion in their sewing room. As for myself, I keep at least four in reserve as eventually, I'll manage to get the small wire caught on something and pull it out from the handle. SUMMARILY: I WOULDN'T BE WITHOUT IT.

Here are a few sources with current pricing for the PERFECT SEW UNIVERSAL NEEDLE THREADER AND NEEDLE INSERTER:


Etsy at $7.64 (Threader wire is shown on the lefrt, but it inserts into the needle while holding in your left hand so thread hook is down where the thread hooks under it and pulls back through the needle.)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1138554...17e84dde6dcab5

$6.95 at Sewing Machines Plus

https://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/7...e17c754cb97a79

$6.99 at Sewing Parts Online

https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/ne...77341f&index=1

Yours to fall in love with. Hope this helps. ~Jo

Hi I'm in my 80's and still have 20/20 vision and can thread a needle without much light.My machines have fantastic needle threaders and I trend to use them all the time.