What am I doing wrong?
 

I am doing some quilting on my domestic machine. I want to bury the ends of my threads. I bought a pack of those easy thread needles, the ones where you pull the thread through the end. Every time I try to pull the thread through, the thread breaks. I have watched Leah Day videos, and she doesn't have any problems. I've done several searches on this board.What am I doing wrong. I am open to any suggestions, including tips for burying threads.

will watch thread. trying to learn how to do this.

Is it possible the needle has a burr in the eye? Did you try with a different needle in the pack?

I don't bury threads unless it is for a juryed show quilt or I am hand quilting. I take several teeny tiny stitches and snip my thread at the surface of the quilt. Those teeny tiny ones don't come out.

There are several different types of these needles. there's the one's with a "V" in the top, ones with a slit in the side and the ones that have a spiral. I have never been successful with the ones with the "V" cotton thread always seems to break. I got the ones from JoAnn's, with the slit in the side of the eye. I think they were $10 for 8 or 10 needles. They work OK, but do make a large hole which goes away if you rub it, or launder it. The spiral ones are supposed to be wonderful, but should be for the price:
http://www.spiraleyeneedles.com/Needles.html

Are you talking about the spiral eye needles? If so, Pam Turner's website has a video on how to use the needle. Left hand side of the page, half way down.
http://www.spiraleyeneedles.com/

When I bury threads, I use a larger eyed needle as I can't see the hole for nothin'. The needle is real thin and 1 7/8" long. Don't know the brand, and is not a hand-stitching needle.

On my last stitch, I do back stitch. I cut the threads leaving about 8" strands from top and bobbin threads. I just keep sewing and bury the threads when I have enough room to maneuver the quilt for burying the threads. I take the top thread and pull up slightly to bring the bottom thread through the quilt. With needle eye end, I pull the bottom thread to the top, then make a quilters knot close to the quilt. Pull up the threads together and snip the ends so they are even. Thread both threads. Next I put the needle through the hole made by both threads and make one stitch along the seam line. Guide the needle along the seam in the batting layer, bringing up the needle and thread along the seam line. Back stitch one and guide the needle through to the batting to the side of the seam line and go as far as the needle will go. The needle of course needs to come back up through the front of the quilt. Pull the threads a little taut and snip. But not too close to the fabric to prevent cutting into the fabric.

There are many tutorials online for burying threads in different ways. This is how I learned and it works for me.

I highly recommend the officialy Spiral Eye needle. There is a knock off made in China that am told is not as good as the original. Am told you can get 4-5 or so at the box stores for about $10. but they are not finished like the official (if you can call it that) Spiral Eye. So for me the additional cost of the official is worth it. I use the #8. The time saved in threading is worth the extra $$ to me. Thread doesn't break - at least I havn't found it so and the needle doesn't come unthreaded like the "v" type does.

I never use easy thread needles anymore because 1) the thread broke constantly and 2) the needle broke constantly. I think the slit they make weakens the needle significantly. I always felt like I should be wearing safety glasses when using those!

Thanks for the help. I've watched several tutorial, but there's nothing better than advice from those who have "been there and done that". Thanks

I got this thing that looks like a tiny crochet hook that is made especially for burying threads. I have only used it once but it was easier than the needles which I used in the past. It is called a soft touch thread pic.

I guess I'll be the dissenting voice here. I use Fons and Porter's self-threading needles. The ones with a 'V'. I also frequently use Aurifil 50wt thread, which is a thin 2ply thread, for quilting and I have not had any problems with the thread or needles breaking. Here is what I have learned: You must have a fairly decent size thread tail so that you are not pulling down hard on the thread. With a longer piece of thread it is easier to slide the needle onto the thread. Also, I always use the largest size in the pack that helps minimize breakage as well.

I also have a Soft Touch thread pick but I haven't tried it yet. I'm looking forward to trying it out.