Rhonda K

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

pennyhal2

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

Peckish

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?

quiltedsunshine

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

Gemm

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... :-)

mmunchkins

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.

pennyhal2

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.

Tartan

My eyes, teeth and body are reaching their expiration date soon, I think.

Peckish

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?

Yiaya

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.