Oh my yes, there is a FAR BETTER WAY: Use a "self threading" (some people call them handicap needles) Insert the needle into your fabric and then using a pair of hemostats (your nurse friend will have one or know where you can get a pair), pull the thread end into the needle and then pull the needle through. This buries the thread and I've never had a thread end come out!! Learned this from a quilt judge and have used this method ever since. Yes, this is the BETTER WAY!!