How To…

In this edition of How To… I’m responding to a question I get asked at workshops…

“Do you have any tips for threading my needle and tying a knot?”

My first tip is to buy a good quality needle, I always say that you can buy inexpensive threads and fabric but don’t skimp on your needles. A good quality needle from companies like John James or Prym have an eye that is cleanly punched out of the metal which makes threading your needle so much easier.

Threading the Needle…

People often ask if they should lick the end of the their thread too. The scientific answer is no, as eventually the moisture in saliva will actually make the thread plump up and get thicker. I always lick the end of my thread, even when working with fishing wire that doesn’t get fluffy. If the end of your thread becomes too fluffy and thick, simply snip away the end of the thread.

I always find it easier to thread my needle with a pale background behind my hands. I have a white desk in the studio but you can use a piece of white paper or pale fabric. This makes it easier to see the eye of the needle and the end of the thread. If you would like to try a needle threader, I don’t recommend the cheap sliver ones as they break easily. I use a vintage needle threader from my collection but you can buy some better quality threaders from companies like Clover.

Remember…

Be mindful of buying gadgets that cost lots of money to help you thread a needle. The more you practice threading a needle the easier it will become. I like to give my workshop participants a size 20 chenille needle that has a large eye for thicker threads and a sharp point. You can find out more about needles in a previous Tools of the Trade blog post.

Tying a Knot…

Once you have threaded your needle you can tie a knot in the end of your thread. Some techniques like couture embroidery doesn’t use a knot on the thread but for most home sewing projects a small knot will be the best way to secure the thread.