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The first consists of a thin, flat, pliable piece of metal. One end looks a bit like a light bulb in silhouette. A very thin wire "loop" twists into an elongated diamond shape. The idea is to push the wire through the needle, thread the strands of floss through the wire and then gently pull the wire back out through the needle, pulling the thread with it. Be careful. This one breaks easily.
See my how-to video on needle threading to get the full experience.
A more robust style of needle threader consists of a flat, stiff, thicker piece of metal. The main body may come in different shapes, but the threading portion typically has two small, U-shaped "hooks," one smaller than the other.
Since these hooks are just extensions of the flat, stiff body, I find it a lot easier to thread this through the needle's eye than the pliable wire discussed above. I have never broken one, and the overall size of this tool makes it much easier to keep track of. A word of caution: different brands and styles have different "hook" sizes. Make sure that the one you purchase fits easily through the eyes of the needles you'll be using.
atherine Recommends the second, sturdier needle threader. With the first, I often had as much trouble threading the wire through the needle eye as I had with threading the floss alone. If that was not enough, I often broke the wire when pulling it and the floss through the eye.
What about "mechanical" or "automatic" needle threaders? I've had some success using them with standard sewing thread, but embroidery floss just doesn't behave the same as thread. For me, they were inconvenient, awkward, unpredictable and ultimately, just too much trouble. If you are inclined to try one of these devices, let us know how you like them!
You can get my favorite LoRan Needle Threader For Large Eye Needles at Joann's online. (A new window or tab will open so you won't lose your place here.)
"Oh no! I forgot to bring my threader!
What can I do?" Hmmm.
It happens to all of us, but here's a way to thread your needle without straining your eyes and your nerves. It uses a small slip of paper to get the floss through the needle.
Away from home? Snip off the corner of a grocery receipt, deposit slip, magazine or envelope. (How's that for needle accessories) The paper will be folded, so it can't be too thick.
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| Step 1. Cut a slip of paper narrower than the eye of the needle. | Step 2. Place the floss ends on one half of the paper. |
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| Step 3. Fold the paper over the floss. Crease the paper. | Step 4. Thread the paper (floss inside) through the needle eye. |
Now, I know this little slip of paper isn't very durable. You won't be adding it to the needle accessories in your stitching bag, but it will do in a pinch. When it wears out, clip another one!
Another needle accessory that you might consider having, a common thimble usually consists of a metal cap that fits over the middle finger. Most of us hold the cross stitch needle between the thumb and forefinger of our dominant hand, using the middle finger to push the needle through the cloth. A thimble protects the end of that finger from getting sore.
These thimbles can also be made of plastic in sizes ranging from 6 (smallest) to 12 (largest). The thimble should fit snugly enough to keep from falling off but loose enough not to pinch. Some stitchers use another finger, so get whatever size fits the finger you use most. If you're unsure about the size, ask a clerk to open a package so you can try them on.
In popular craft magazines where you see other needle accessories, you will see thimbles offered in other varieties. Usually made of supple but durable material such as leather, they fit over the tip or fit over the entire finger. I have never used them, so let us know what works (or doesn't work) for you.
atherine Recommends I seldom use a thimble when I embroider. In fact, I seldom use one with any kind of sewing. The nature of the counted cross stitch craft most often calls for your needle to slide easily into a pre-made opening (as with Aida cloth).
On the rare occasion when I have to put pressure on the needle to push into the fabric (like when stitching over areas already cross stitched), it usually doesn't require large areas being stitched, so I don't find it necessary to use them. Anything on my fingers feels a little awkward, so I prefer to have my normal dexterity, unhindered by a tool I so infrequently need.
That said, I have known people that always use thimbles. Ultimately, the right choice for you . . . is the right choice. You can see a variety of thimbles at Joann's online, from the metal Leather Nimble Thimble With Metal Tip-Small Size to the Leather Nimble Thimble
that conforms to the shape of the finger and leaves an opening for the fingernail. This one gets great reviews!
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