If you’re looking to start embroidering, you’ll need to know how to thread a needle. This guide will show you how to do it quickly and easily.
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TIPS FOR THREADING A NEEDLE
Threading a needle is an essential skill for any embroidery project. While it can be tricky at times, with a little practice, it can become hassle-free. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Needle choice: The type of needle you choose for your embroidery project depends on what type of embroidery you’re doing. Each type of needle has a different eye size and shape, some of them being easier to thread than others.
- Thread choice: Choose a thread that is about the same thickness as the needle. This will help make the task a little easier.
- Needle threaders: Get yourself a needle threader. This small tool will help you put the thread through the eye of a needle quickly and easily.
HOW TO THREAD A NEEDLE FOR EMBROIDERY
There are a few different ways that you can thread a needle for embroidery. One way is to use a needle threader. Another way is to try and work it through the eye of a needle without any tools.
Let’s have a look at both methods and see how to easily thread a needle, all without moistening the thread.
1. USING A NEEDLE THREADER
The easiest way to thread a needle for embroidery is to use a needle threader. This small tool has a small wire on the end that helps you thread the needle.
To use a basic needle threader, insert the wire loop through the eye of the needle.
Place the end of the embroidery floss through the wire loop on the needle threader.
Using the needle threader, now pull the embroidery floss through the eye of the needle. If you are working with all six strands of stranded cotton, work gently not to damage the wire loop of the threader.
2. WITHOUT A NEEDLE THREADER
When threading a needle without any tools, it’s common practice to moisten the embroidery floss to try and work it through the eye of a needle. While this can work well, it’s not really good practice, especially when stitching something for a client.
Leaving aside the gross element, another big problem of licking the floss before threading a needle is when working knotty stitches. A soggy thread will give you headaches when stitching bullion knots, french knots, or any knotty stitches.
To thread a needle without any tools, you’ll first have to cut the thread using sharp embroidery scissors.
Then, hold the floss between your thumb and index finger very close to its end. You should barely be able to see the thread.
Hold the needle eye facing in the right direction and push the floss through the needle, then pull the thread through the needle.
What I find useful is to pinch the middle of the floss just before trying to thread the needle, or if you still struggle you can try moistening the end with a bit of beeswax or thread conditioner.
Whatever method you prefer, following this guide will help you thread a needle quickly and easily. There are better ways to go around the “classic” moistening method, especially recommended when working on commercial projects.
Now you’re ready to start stitching! Remember that you can download free patterns from the Free Pattern Library. To access it just fill out the form below and I will send you an email with your password.
SIMILAR HAND EMBROIDERY PROJECTS
- How to Split Embroidery Floss
- How to Create a Stitch Color Palette from a Photo
- How to Embroider Letters
- How to Bind an Embroidery Hoop
- How to Make an Embroidery Hoop Cover
- Hand Embroidery Supplies Essential for Beginners
Do you like lettering embroidery projects? Come over to our Facebook Group and tell us all about it!
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