Buzz
Every sewing project, whether big or small, usually begins with threading the needle. To make this step easier, choose a needle large enough to accommodate your thread, and trim the end of the thread so it won't get stuck in the needle's eye. Once the thread is through the needle, you can tie a simple knot. And that's it—you're ready to start sewing!
Steps
Thread the Needle with a Single Strand of Thread
Choose a Needle that Matches the Thickness of Your Thread. Once you've picked the right thread for your project, select a needle with an eye wide enough to thread the thread through. The eye of the needle should not be smaller than the thread, or it will be difficult to thread the needle.
- Also, take note of the needle's point. A sharp needle is ideal for piercing fabric easily, while a blunt needle (called a 'dull' needle) works better for sewing through knit fabrics.
- Consider purchasing a set of needles in different sizes so that you can find one that works perfectly for your project.
Did you know? The hole where you thread the needle is called the eye of the needle.
Cut a thread approximately 30 cm long and trim the end of the thread. Cut a piece of thread long enough for your project. Then, use scissors to trim the end of the thread before threading it through the eye of the needle. Make a clean, decisive cut to prevent the thread from fraying.
- You might find it helpful to moisten the end of the thread to keep the fibers together.
Thread the needle by passing the end of the thread through the needle's eye. Hold the needle between your thumb and forefinger, and use the thumb and forefinger of your other hand to grasp the thread's end. Then, push the thread's end through the eye of the needle.
- Try a different approach if needed. For example, you might find it easier to hold the thread firmly with one hand and push the needle through the thread with the other hand.
Alternative method: You can fold the thread's end back to form a small loop. Then, push this tiny loop through the eye of the needle.
Consider using a needle threader if you're working with a very small needle.
If you're struggling to thread the needle, especially when using a tiny needle, consider buying a needle threader from a craft store. Hold the thick end of the threader and slide the metal loop through the needle's eye. Then, thread the thread through the metal loop before pulling the loop back through the needle's eye.
- Needle threaders are especially helpful if you frequently deal with threads that tend to fray when you try to thread the needle.
Pull the thread through the needle's eye to create a tail. Hold the end of the thread that has passed through the needle's eye and pull it through for at least 5 cm. This helps prevent the thread from slipping back through the needle's eye.
- The length of thread pulled through is up to you, as long as it feels comfortable for handling.
Thread a Double Strand of Thread Through the Needle
Cut a piece of thread at least 60 cm long. You may cut it longer depending on how much thread you need for your task. Keep in mind that you'll fold the thread in half, so pull out twice the amount you'll need.
- For example, if you're darning a sock, pull out 100 cm of thread, which you'll fold to make a 50 cm double strand.
Fold the thread in half and hold the ends together. Pinch both ends of the thread between your thumb and forefinger, which will double the thread and create a double strand.
Tip: Working with a needle and thread is much easier in a well-lit space. You may want to sit near a desk lamp for optimal lighting.
Pass both ends of the thread through the needle's eye. Imagine you're threading a needle as usual, but ensure both ends of the thread go through the eye. Then, hold the two ends of the thread between your thumb and forefinger and pull the thread through until the looped end (the noose) is about 10 cm away from the needle's eye.
Pass the needle through the loop to create a knot. Push the needle through the loop and continue pulling the thread so that the loop forms a knot at the base of the needle. Pull the thread a bit harder to form a small knot near the needle's eye. Then, you will tie a knot at the end of the thread.
- Creating a small knot at the base of the needle will prevent the needle from sliding back through the double thread while you sew.
Tying a Knot
Wrap the thread around your middle finger. Use your thumb to hold the thread's end steady on your middle finger. Then, wrap the thread around your middle finger to form a complete circle around it.
- If using double thread, hold both strands together and wrap them both around your finger.
Tip: To create more friction and make knotting easier, lick your thumb and middle finger or dip them in water before you start wrapping the thread.
Roll the thread 2-3 times to create a layered knot. Hold the thread between your thumb and index finger. Then slowly roll your index finger towards the base of your thumb.
- The thread will wind into several layers between your fingers, making it thicker.
Press the thread firmly after rolling it between your fingers. Instead of letting the thread slip away from your fingers, press it tightly between your thumb and middle finger.
Pull the thread tightly to form a knot. Use both fingers to hold the thread tightly, while using the other hand to pull the thread in the opposite direction. This action will cause the thread's end to twist into a knot.
Alternative method: If you want a neater knot, especially when using thicker thread, you can pass the thread end through the loop created around your finger. Pass the thread end through the loop once more and pull to form a double knot.
Tip
- To thread a sewing machine needle, it's best to read the machine's user manual. Most sewing machines require you to pull the thread from the top of the machine before threading it through the front of the needle.
Things you will need
- Needle
- Thread
- Sharp scissors
- Needle threading tool (optional)
