How to Thread a Needle

Threading a needle involves cutting the thread to a manageable length and then passing the end of the thread through the eye of the needle.

Cut the Thread

It’s generally easier to sew using thread that’s no longer than 18–20″. You can cut the thread shorter if you wish, but any shorter than 6″ is difficult to work with. When the thread on your needle dips below 6″, it’s time to cut and thread a new strand. Cutting the thread at a 45˚ angle makes it easier to thread.

Thread the Needle

If you have a steady hand and good close vision, the easiest way to thread a needle is to moisten the tip of the thread with your tongue and then poke the end through the eye of the needle. If threading by hand is difficult for you, use a needle threader, a little tool with a wire loop made of very thin filament at one end. Follow these steps:

1. Pass the wire loop through the eye of the needle.
2. Drop the end of the thread down through the loop.
3. Draw the loop back out of the eye and pull the thread out of the needle threader’s loop.

Once the needle is threaded, you’ll have a long and short tail emerging from either end of the needle’s eye. Tie a small knot at the end of the long tail. To produce stitches with extra strength, make the two ends of thread even and knot them together so that your sewing thread is doubled.