Every sewable project requires you to thread a needle, whether by hand or using a needle threader. Below are the steps and some tips to make threading a needle fast and easy.
Before we can thread the needle, we have to select compatible needle and thread. Start by selecting the thread first. Be sure to choose the type and color ideal for your project.
We recommend using Coats brand upholstery thread with our Build-A-Bryan sewable plush toys.
When selecting the needle, be sure to select the tip most compatible with the fabric you’re working on. Most often you’ll want a sharp point tip and this is true for Build-A-Bryan. Blunt point tips are create for sewing knit fabric. When purchasing needles, we already recommend purchasing needle kits with several sizes. We like Singer brand needles for their rigidity.
The eye of the needle should be larger than the diameter of the thread you’ve chosen. If you find your thread breaking when hand sewing, try using a larger sized needle.
Tips to Thread a Needle
- Stiffen the thread with a drop of water or saliva.
- Make the needle’s eye easier to see by putting white behind it for contrast (or black if using white thread.) Pin a white index card to your pin cushion for quick access.
- Avoid fraying by cutting the thread at a 45 degree angle and always using sharp scissors.
- Use a Needle Threader. Insert the bent-wire end of the needle threader into the needle’s eye. Then, push the thread through the larger eye of the threader before you pull the threader back through the needles eye.
- Use the right size needle. If your thread is oversized for the needle, it can fray. If it’s too small, you may find the thread breaking often.
- Use Tweezers to help hold the thread. Use any pair of tweezers capable of gripping the edge of the thread to assist in guiding the thread through the eye of the needle.
With those tips in mind, threading a needle should be quick and easy.
Steps to Thread a Needle:
- Select the proper size needle for the thread.
- Unravel as much thread as you need. Always try to have 2 or 3 times the needles length of thread left at the very end for easy knotting.
- Insert the end of the thread through the eye of the needle and pull it through to create a tail.
- Match the two ends of the tail up so they are equal.
- Place these two ends between your index finder and thumb in your left hand so that the thread is hanging towards your right hand.
- With your right hand, place the eye of the needle just below the tail in the same two fingers.
- With your right hand, take the tail thread and wrap it around the needle three times.
- Slide your left thumb and index finger up to grip onto the thread you wrapped around the needle. Hold this in place.
- With your right index finger and thumb, grip the needle and pull it to the right, let it slide out from your left fingers, while you continue to hold the thread in place with your left thumb and index finger.
- Pull the needle to the right. You’ll feel the thread knotting up between your left fingers until a knot is created. Pull the knot tight and cut the excess thread if any at the knot.