HettyB

I have one of the little bird threaders and use it on all the machines I have. I have floaters in one eye so that little bird is very useful.

One trick that was taught to me at a HandiQuilter workshop to cut down on threading the needle - when changing threads, cut the thread near the spool, take off the spool, put new spool on spool holder, then tie the end of the new thread to the cut end of thread left in the machine with a simple knot, then from the needle, pull the thread away from you, pulling the new thread through all the loops, guides, tension disks - right through the eye of the needle. Voila, you are all threaded up and ready to go.

Macybaby

My biggest problem is not threading the needle, but putting the needle in. I just can't seem to see the hole well enough to get it lined up correctly. My husband is able to do the trick of putting pin in the needle hole to see if it's correct, but I struggle with it.

I hate changing the needle, and know I don't change it as often as I should because I have such a hard time getting it in correctly.

My Juki industrial also has round needles, but I can get my nose a lot closer and have better lighting, plus that one the hole goes left right instead of front back and that seems to be easier for me to line up.

Dina

I have no idea if this could help you, but I have a small mirror that I hold behind the foot of my sewing machine, so that I can see the other side and that helps me position the new needle. Each machine is different, so that may not do you any good.

Dina

lindaschipper

For threading a sewing machine I would suggest a really good magnifying glass. I agree that this little bird threader is cute, but mainly for hand dewing needles. If you try to use this little bird threader, you would have to approach the needle from the backside of it, so that when the "threader" is poked through you could loop the thread onto it and pull it into place.

Annaquilts

Can you pull the machine all the way to the right or left on the frame, bringing it closer, and thread that way from the side? Welcome!

Iceblossom

For some of us sadly a magnifying glass or readers is not enough correction and the lack of depth perception is key. For me, it just makes blurry stuff bigger but not clearer. I know it's hard to understand but I really can't tell where my thread is in relation to the needle, it's not just seeing the eye of the needle. I have to do a lot of things by feel in my normal life. As I progress with my vision loss I'm having to add in more and more "adaptive" techniques and looking into options I will have to use in the future as my vision continues to deteriorate.

I've always been a big fan of the right tool for the right job. I'm having more and more of a hard time reading rulers and will design blocks to finish at ruler sizes so I can trim them well. I have to use tape lines on my rulers or I make a lot of templates or what I call "snubs" (a snub is a template that shows where to cut off, versus a template that shows what you keep).

While I'm using the same needle on the long arm or my vintage machine, I did do the tie a little knot and draw the thread through. Doesn't help that much when you change needles as often as I do.

I don't know how much time I have left to quilt, I can't really see stitches any more. I have a terrible time if I have to take anything out, so I try to do it right or am prepared to do it again. Mostly I scrap quilt so I don't match thread colors anyway and I use a light tan and light grey threads so I can hope to see them. This past year I've had more and more problems working with black fabric, can't really see if it's lined up. I know my best work is behind me but I am intent on keeping on quilting as long as I can. I think I have about 5 more years so I'm not terribly worried if I have unfinished tops, I'm more worried that I have unfinished things I want to do.

Barb in Louisiana

For those of you who don't want to change sewing machine needles very often. Years ago I bought Titanium needles for my combo embroidery/sewing machine. These needles are amazing! They last forever! Mine are the Organ HAx130EB 80/12. I bought mine from All Brands in Baton Rouge, LA.

The only time I had any trouble with these needles was when I was doing some paper piecing with several layers of Batik fabrics and it just refused to sew all those layers together without skipping stitches. Finally had to go to a denim needle to get it done.

sewingpup

Try doing a search for "longarm needle alignment magnet" I got one of those and I use to get my needle in the right position....

Macybaby

Thanks sewingpup - that sure would solve my problem!

marjean36

I have a slight vision problem that comes with having birthdays I am told. I will take that as opposed to the alternative. I slide a finger behind the needle when threading so that the hole can be seen easier. A piece of white paper does a good job as well. Not sure that would help with your situation since I do not have the same problem. Hoping that you find a solution.