Secrets To How To Thread Needle For Embroidery The Right Way

How To Thread Needle For Embroidery
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Secrets To How To Thread Needle For Embroidery The Right Way

How do you thread an embroidery needle the right way? The easiest way to thread a needle, especially with embroidery floss, often involves a little trick or a handy tool like a needle threader. We will show you the best ways to thread your needle so you can get stitching faster and easier.

Getting ready to embroider means picking out your beautiful threads and sharp needles. But sometimes, getting the thread through the small eye of the needle feels like the hardest part. It can be frustrating! Learning good tricks makes a big difference.

Grasping the Basics: Needles and Thread

Before you thread, know your tools. You use different needles for embroidery. And you use different threads.

Embroidery needles have sharp points. They also have a bigger eye than sewing needles. This bigger eye helps you fit thicker thread, like embroidery floss, through it. Needles come in different sizes. A smaller number means a bigger needle. A size 7 needle is bigger than a size 9 needle. You pick the needle size based on your fabric and the thread you use.

Embroidery thread comes in many types. Cotton floss is the most common. It has six thin strands twisted together. You often separate these strands. Other thread types include silk, rayon, metallic, and wool. Each type threads a bit differently.

Why Threading Can Be Hard

Sometimes, threading is easy. Other times, it is very hard. Why is that?

Small Eye: Some needles just have tiny eyes. Even embroidery needles can have small eyes, especially the smaller size numbers.
Fluffy Thread: Embroidery floss can get fluffy at the end. This makes it hard to push through the eye.
Thick Thread: Using many strands of floss or a thick thread type is hard. It might not fit.
Bad Light: You need good light to see the small hole.
Tired Eyes: If your eyes are tired, seeing the eye is tough.
Damaged Thread End: If the thread end is bent, split, or frayed, it won’t go through.

Knowing these reasons helps you fix the problem.

The Simple Threading Method (No Tool Needed)

This is the way many people learn. It works for most threads.

Cut the End: Use sharp scissors. Cut the end of your thread at an angle. A sharp, clean cut is key. This makes a nice, clean point.
Wet the End (Optional): You can put the very tip of the thread in your mouth. Just a tiny bit. This makes the thread stiff. It becomes like a tiny wire. Do not soak it! Too wet makes it floppy.
Pinch the Thread: Hold the thread tight between your thumb and pointer finger. Pinch it very close to the end you cut. Hold it like you are pinching a mosquito. The thread should stand up straight from your fingers. Only a tiny bit of thread should stick out, maybe 1/8 inch (3 mm).
Bring Needle to Thread: Do not push the thread to the needle. Bring the needle to the thread. Hold the needle still. Move your hand with the pinched thread towards the needle’s eye.
Aim for the Eye: Push the small, stiff tip of the thread into the eye. Because you pinched it tight and held only a tiny bit out, it is easier to aim. It should pop right through.
Pull It Through: Once the tip is through, grab it on the other side. Pull about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) of thread through the eye. This gives you room to work.

This method works well for basic embroidery floss threading. It needs practice. But once you get it, it is fast.

Deciphering Embroidery Floss Threading

Embroidery floss is special. It has six strands. Most embroidery uses fewer than six strands. You often need to split the floss.

Splitting Embroidery Thread:

This sounds hard, but it is easy. Let’s say you need two strands for your design.

Cut the length of floss you need.
Hold one end of the floss in one hand.
With your other hand, pinch just the strands you do not want to use. For example, if you need two strands, pinch four strands.
Pull the two strands you do want to use straight up and away from the pinched strands. Pull them slow and steady. The strands will untwist and slide past each other.
It might look messy near the pinched hand, but the two strands you are pulling should come out clean.
Once separated, put the extra strands aside for another project.

Now you have your two strands. Keep them together. Hold the two strands as one piece of thread. Now, use the simple threading method described above. Cut the end clean. Pinch the two strands together tightly. Bring the needle eye to the pinched end.

Important Note: Always split the strands before you try to thread. Trying to split them once a few are threaded is very hard.

Using a Needle Threader Tool: Your Best Friend

A needle threader is a small tool that makes threading much easier. If you have difficulty threading needle, this tool is a game changer. There are a few types.

The Wire Loop Threader

This is the most common type. It looks like a flat piece of metal with a small, thin wire loop on one end.

Steps for Using a Wire Loop Threader:

Insert the Wire: Take the wire loop. Push the wire loop through the eye of the needle. Push it from the side you would normally thread. Push the wire until the whole loop is through the eye and sticking out the other side.
Put Thread Through Loop: Take the end of your thread. Push the thread through the wire loop. Make sure it goes all the way through the loop.
Pull Threader Back: Hold the needle steady in one hand. With the other hand, pull the needle threader back out of the needle eye. As you pull the threader out, the wire loop pulls the thread with it. The thread will be pulled right through the eye of the needle!
Remove Thread from Loop: The thread is now through the needle eye. Take the thread end out of the wire loop on the threader tool.
Pull Thread: Pull about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) of thread through the needle eye.

This tool is very helpful, especially for small needle eyes or fluffy threads. Wire loops can break after a lot of use. Keep a few handy.

The Blade Threader

This type is usually attached to a sewing machine or is part of a sewing kit. It has a small hook or blade that flips through the eye.

Steps for Using a Blade Threader (General Idea):

Position the needle under the blade.
Push the thread through a slot near the blade.
Push a lever or button. The blade moves through the eye, grabs the thread, and pulls it back through the eye.

These vary by design, so check the specific instructions for yours. But the idea is the same: a tool goes through the eye, grabs the thread, and pulls it back.

Using needle threader tool properly saves time and stops frustration. It is often considered the easiest way to thread needle, especially for people who have trouble seeing the eye or handling the thread.

How to Thread Thick Thread

Sometimes you use thread that is thicker than standard floss. This could be:

All six strands of embroidery floss
Pearl cotton (a single, non-divisible thread)
Tapestry wool
Thick specialty threads

How to thread thick thread needs a slightly different approach sometimes.

Choose the Right Needle: This is key! Make sure your needle has a large enough eye for the thread. A size 18 tapestry needle has a huge eye perfect for wool or all six strands of floss. Do not try to force thick thread into a small needle eye. You will damage the thread and the needle.
Cut and Stiffen: Just like with floss, cut the end clean. For really thick threads, wetting might not help as much. You can try a special thread stiffener or beeswax. Run the last inch of the thread over beeswax or through a stiffener. This makes the end hard and pointed.
Use a Needle Threader: A good, strong needle threader is best for thick threads. The wire loop needs to be big and strong enough to pull the thicker thread. Push the threader loop through the large needle eye. Push the thick thread end through the loop. Pull the threader back.

Trying to thread thick thread without a threader can be very hard. The thread takes up most of the space in the eye. There is no room for error. Using needle threader tool is highly recommended here.

Other Helpful Tips for Threading Embroidery Needle

Here are more tips to make threading embroidery needle easier:

Good Light: Always work in bright light. Natural light is best, but a good lamp works too. A magnifying lamp can be a great help if you have trouble seeing small details.
Dark Background: Hold the needle eye against something dark. A piece of dark fabric or even your dark clothing can make the shiny eye opening easier to see.
Needle Size Matters: Do not use a tiny needle with thick thread. Use a needle with an eye that is clearly larger than the thread you want to put through it.
Keep Thread End Clean: If the end of your thread gets frayed or bent while you are trying to thread, cut it off and start again with a fresh cut.
Thread Wax: Running your thread through beeswax or thread conditioner can help. It makes the thread smoother and less likely to fray. It also helps keep multiple strands together when you are not splitting embroidery thread.
Angle the Cut: Remember to cut the thread end at a sharp angle. This creates a thin point.
Don’t Rush: Take your time. If you are getting frustrated, take a break. Frustration makes threading harder.

Thread Types and Needle Choices: Making the Match

Different embroidery thread types work best with certain needle sizes. Matching them helps with threading and makes stitching easier.

Here is a simple table showing common thread types and suggested needle sizes:

Embroidery Thread Type	Common Use	Strands Used (Typical)	Suggested Needle Size (Embroidery)	Notes
6-Strand Cotton Floss	Cross Stitch, Art Em	1 to 6	22 (6 strands) to 26 (1-2 strands)	Match needle size to number of strands.
Pearl Cotton (Size 8)	Surface Embroidery	1 (non-divisible)	24	Thicker than 2-3 strands of floss.
Pearl Cotton (Size 5)	Surface Embroidery	1 (non-divisible)	22	Thicker thread, needs bigger eye.
Pearl Cotton (Size 3)	Surface Embroidery	1 (non-divisible)	18 to 20	Very thick, use large eye needle.
Metallic Thread	Accents, Sparkle	Varies	22 to 26	Can be tricky; use short lengths, threader.
Silk Thread (Filament)	Fine Detail	Varies	26 to 28	Slippery; good light helps.
Crewel Yarn / Fine Wool Yarn	Crewelwork	1	Crewel Needle (larger eye)	Needs a needle with a long, large eye.
Tapestry Wool	Tapestry, Needlept	1	Tapestry Needle (size 18-20)	Very thick; use large blunt needles.

Choosing the right needle helps prevent difficulty threading needle. If you are using 3 strands of cotton floss, a size 24 needle is a good starting point. If you are using all 6 strands, jump up to a size 22. Trying to cram 6 strands into a size 24 is hard.

When Threading Becomes a Struggle

Sometimes, even with tools and tips, threading feels impossible. This is when you have difficulty threading needle.

Check Your Setup: Is your light good? Are you holding the needle steady? Is the thread end cut cleanly? Go back to the basics.
Try a Different Needle: Maybe the eye on that specific needle is rough or too small. Try another needle of the same size. Or try a slightly larger size needle.
Check Your Thread: Is the thread end frayed? Has it been used before and is now weak? Cut a new piece of thread.
Use Your Threader: If you are not using a needle threader, grab one. They are inexpensive and make a big difference.
Rest Your Eyes: If you have been stitching or working for a long time, your eyes might be tired. Take a break. Look away from your work.

Difficulty threading needle happens to everyone sometimes. Do not get discouraged. Use the tools and tips you have learned.

The Easiest Way to Thread Needle?

For most people, the easiest way to thread needle involves a needle threader. Especially the simple wire loop one.

Why is it the easiest?

It makes the “target” (the wire loop) much bigger than the needle eye.
It pulls the thread through quickly.
It works for most thread types and needle sizes.
It is simple to use.

While the simple pinch method is also easy once you practice, the threader removes a lot of the visual strain and fumbling.

If you are struggling, get a pack of simple wire loop needle threaders. They are a small investment for much less frustration. Keep one in every project bag.

Step-by-Step: Threading Embroidery Floss (Summary)

Let’s put it all together for threading cotton embroidery floss, strand by strand.

Get Supplies: Needle (right size for strands), embroidery floss, sharp scissors, maybe a needle threader.
Decide Strands: Figure out how many strands you need (1 to 6).
Cut Floss: Cut the length you need from the skein.
Split Strands: If using fewer than 6 strands, splitting embroidery thread is next. Hold one end, pinch the strands you don’t want, pull the ones you do want out slowly and steadily.
Prep the End: Take the 1-6 strands you will use. Hold them together as one. Cut the end cleanly with sharp scissors at an angle. Maybe moisten the very tip slightly.
Choose Method:
- Simple Way: Pinch the thread end tightly between finger and thumb, leaving a tiny bit showing. Bring the eye of the needle to the pinched thread end. Push the thread into the eye.
- With Threader: Push the wire loop of the needle threader through the needle eye. Push the thread end through the wire loop. Pull the threader back through the eye.
Pull Through: Pull about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) of thread through the needle eye.
Tie a Knot (Optional): Tie a knot at the longer end of the thread if your project needs one.

That is the whole process for embroidery floss threading. It seems like many steps, but it is very fast once you practice.

Keeping Thread Tidy While Stitching

Once your needle is threaded, you have a long piece of thread. How much thread should you use?

Do not use super long pieces. Thread longer than your arm span can tangle easily.
Around 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) is a good length for most embroidery. It is long enough to stitch a bit but not so long it tangles all the time.

When you pull the thread through the fabric, be careful not to twist it too much. This can cause knots. Let your needle hang free sometimes. This lets the thread untwist.

Re-threading Mid-Project

Your thread will run out eventually. You will need to re-thread. The process is the same as the first time. Remove the old thread from the needle. Cut a new piece. Follow the steps for threading embroidery needle again.

If you were using split floss, make sure you remember how many strands you were using! You will need to split your new piece of floss the same way.

Wrapping Up: Smooth Stitching Starts Here

Learning how to thread your needle well is a basic skill, but a very important one. It stops frustration and lets you enjoy your stitching more. Remember to:

Use the right needle size for your thread.
Cut your thread ends clean and sharp.
Consider a needle threader, especially for tricky threads or small eyes. It is often the easiest way to thread needle.
Split your embroidery floss threading before you thread it.
Use good light and hold the needle against a dark background.
Don’t force thick thread into a small eye. Learn how to thread thick thread using larger needles and threaders.

With these secrets and tips, you can say goodbye to threading struggles and hello to more time enjoying your beautiful embroidery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best needle size for embroidery floss?
A: It depends on how many strands of floss you use. For 1-2 strands, a size 25 or 26 needle is good. For 3-4 strands, size 23 or 24. For 5-6 strands, size 20 or 22. Bigger needles have smaller numbers.

Q: My thread keeps fraying when I try to thread it. What should I do?
A: Use sharper scissors to cut the end. Make sure you are cutting at a sharp angle. You can also moisten the tip slightly or use beeswax/thread conditioner on the last inch of the thread to make it stiffer.

Q: Can I use a sewing machine needle threader for hand embroidery needles?
A: Sometimes, if the hand embroidery needle eye is large enough for the sewing machine threader’s hook or blade. But dedicated hand needle threaders (like the wire loop ones) are usually more versatile for various hand needle sizes.

Q: Is there a trick to threading metallic thread?
A: Yes, metallic thread can be slippery and prone to kinking. Use shorter lengths (12-15 inches). Use a needle threader. Some people use a special needle designed for metallic threads. Thread conditioner can also help.

Q: My wire loop threader broke. What else can I use?
A: Wire loop threaders do break. You can try the simple pinch method (holding the thread tight and bringing the needle to it). Or look for other types of threaders, although the wire loop is the most common for hand embroidery. Keep several on hand.

Q: How many strands of embroidery floss should I use?
A: This depends on the project and the look you want. Fewer strands (1-2) give fine detail. More strands (4-6) give thicker lines and fill areas faster. Check your pattern instructions if you are using one.

Q: I have trouble seeing the eye. Any tips?
A: Use strong, direct light. Hold the needle against a dark background. A magnifying glass or magnifying lamp is a great help if seeing the small eye is a constant issue. A needle threader is also highly recommended as it makes the target much larger.