Beginner's How To Thread A Needle For Embroidery Guide

You thread a needle for embroidery by putting the end of the thread through the small hole at the top of the needle, which is called the eye. This guide will show you simple ways to do this and help you start your embroidery journey.

How To Thread A Needle For Embroidery
Image Source: i.ytimg.com

The First Simple Step: Getting Ready

Starting embroidery is fun. The first step is often threading your needle. It can seem tricky at first. But with a few simple tricks, it becomes easy. Let’s get your items ready.

Stuff You Need: A Simple List

You don’t need much to start. Here is a basic embroidery supplies list.

Embroidery thread (floss)
An embroidery needle
Small scissors
Maybe a needle threader

Pick Your Thread: Types of Floss

There are many embroidery floss types. Most people start with stranded cotton. It is made of six thin strands twisted together. You can use all six or separate them.

Stranded Cotton: This is the most common. It is shiny and comes in many colors. You can pull the strands apart.
Perle Cotton: This thread is not meant to be separated. It is a single, twisted strand. It looks a bit like a small rope. It comes in different thicknesses.
Other Threads: You can also use silk, wool, or metallic threads. These might feel different when you thread them. Metallic threads can be tricky.

Using different embroidery floss types changes how your finished work looks. Stranded cotton lets you pick how thick your stitch is by using more or fewer strands.

How Many Strands?

For beginners, try using two or three strands of stranded cotton. This is a good thickness for many projects. The number of strands you use affects how the eye of the needle you pick needs to be. More strands need a bigger eye.

Pick Your Needle: Sizes and Types

Needle sizes for embroidery are important. Needles have numbers. A higher number means a thinner needle. A lower number means a thicker needle.

Embroidery Needles (Sharp): These have a sharp point to go through fabric easily. They also have a long eye. This makes threading easier, especially with multiple strands. Common sizes are 1 to 10. Sizes 7 or 8 are good for beginners using two or three strands.
Tapestry Needles (Blunt): These needles have a blunt, or rounded, tip. They are used for cross stitch needle threading and needlepoint threading. These crafts use fabric with clear holes (like Aida cloth or canvas). The blunt tip pushes past the threads of the fabric without splitting them. Tapestry needles have a large eye. This is helpful because cross stitch and needlepoint often use more strands or thicker threads than surface embroidery. Common sizes are 18 to 28. Size 24 is common for cross stitch on 14-count Aida.

Choose your needle size based on the thread you are using and the fabric. A needle too thin for the thread will be hard to thread. A needle too thick might leave big holes in your fabric.

The Simple Way to Thread a Needle

Here are the basic steps for hand embroidery techniques threading. These steps work for most needles and threads.

Step 1: Cut Your Thread

Get your embroidery floss. Cut a piece that is about 18 inches long. This is about the length from your elbow to your fingertips. A piece too long can get tangled easily. It can also wear out as you pull it through the fabric many times. Keep your thread shorter when you are learning.

Step 2: Get the Thread End Ready

Look at the end of the thread you cut. It might look messy or fluffy. You need to make the end neat and small.

Option A: Wet It: Put the very end of the thread in your mouth just for a second. Wetting it makes the fibers stick together. This creates a fine point.
Option B: Twist It: If you don’t want to wet it, you can twist the end very tightly with your fingers. Twist it until it is a thin point.

Make sure only the very tip is prepared, maybe the last half inch.

Step 3: Hold Needle and Thread

Hold the needle in one hand. Hold the thread in your other hand. Many people hold the needle between their thumb and first finger. The eye of the needle should be pointing up or sideways, ready for the thread. Hold the prepared end of the thread tightly between your thumb and first finger of your other hand. The very tip of the thread should be sticking out just a tiny bit, maybe just 1/8th of an inch or less.

Step 4: Line It Up

Bring the tiny, stiff end of the thread right up to the eye of the needle. Look closely. Line up the thread end with the center of the hole.

Step 5: Push It Through

Gently but firmly push the small, pointed end of the thread into the needle’s eye. It’s like trying to push a tiny wire through a tiny hole.

Sometimes, it pops right through.
Sometimes, it bumps against the needle.
If it bumps, adjust the angle slightly. Try pushing again.
Make sure you are pushing the very tip. If the end is still fluffy, try wetting or twisting it again.

Step 6: Pull It

Once a little bit of the thread pops out the other side of the needle’s eye, you’re almost done. Use your fingers to grab the end that came through the eye. Pull the thread through the eye. Pull about 4 to 6 inches of thread through. This gives you a ‘tail’ to work with.

That’s it! Your needle is threaded.

Other Ways to Thread a Needle

The basic push method works well. But sometimes, the eye is small or the thread is fluffy. Here are a few more methods, including using a needle threader.

The Pinch Method (Best for Small Eyes)

This method works great for small needles.

Prepare the thread end (wet or twist).
Hold the thread end between your thumb and first finger. Pinch it very tightly. Pinch so tight that the thread end is flat and only a tiny bit shows above your fingers. It should look like a thin, flat ribbon of thread.
Hold the needle in your other hand. Bring the eye of the needle down onto the pinched thread.
Push the eye down onto the thread. Keep pushing the needle down. The goal is to make the eye scoop up that tiny, flat thread end.
It might pop through. If not, move the needle slightly and try again. This method uses the needle to find the thread, not the other way around.

The Fold Method

This method is good for slightly thicker threads or bigger eyes.

Prepare the thread end.
Fold the very end of the thread back on itself. Make a small loop, like a tiny hairpin shape.
Pinch the folded end tightly between your fingers.
Push the pinched, folded end through the eye of the needle. The fold might be easier to push through than a single frayed end.

Using a Needle Threader

A needle threader is a small, helpful tool. It usually has a thin wire loop or a flat piece of metal with a hook. This tool is great for using a needle threader when the eye is small or your eyesight is not perfect.

Pick up your needle threader.
Put the wire loop or metal hook of the threader through the eye of the needle. Push it all the way through so the loop or hook is on the other side of the needle.
Take your embroidery thread. Put the end of the thread through the loop or hook of the threader.
Now, pull the threader back through the needle’s eye. As you pull the threader out, it pulls the thread with it. The thread is now through the needle’s eye.
Pull the thread free from the threader’s loop/hook. Pull a tail of thread through the needle.

Needle threaders can be delicate. The wire loops can break if you use them with thread that is too thick for the needle eye. Pick a threader with a loop size that seems right for your needle.

Using Wax

Some people use beeswax or thread conditioner. You can run the thread through a piece of wax. This coats the thread and makes it stiffer and less likely to fray.

Cut your thread.
Run the length of the thread over a piece of wax.
Gently pull the thread through your fingers. This warms the wax and smooths it onto the thread.
The waxed end will be stiff and easy to push through the needle eye.

This also helps prevent knots and tangles while you sew.

Getting Started with Your Fabric

Once your needle is threaded, you’re ready to start sewing. But first, you need to secure the thread to your fabric. This means making sure it doesn’t pull out as you stitch.

Starting Your Stitch: `Knotting Embroidery Thread`

For beginners, the easiest way to start is by knotting embroidery thread.

After threading your needle, hold both ends of the thread together.
Tie a simple knot at the very end of the longer piece of thread. A simple overhand knot works fine. Make it close to the end. You can even tie a double knot to make it bigger if your fabric has loose weave.
Now, push your needle up through the back of your fabric. Pull the thread through until the knot rests against the back of the fabric. It stops the thread from pulling all the way through.

This is a simple way to start. However, many experienced stitchers avoid knots. Knots can make bumps on the back of your work. They can sometimes pull through loose fabric.

Starting Without a Knot: `Securing Embroidery Thread`

A neater way to start is securing embroidery thread without a knot. This is a bit trickier but worth learning.

Thread your needle. Do not tie a knot at the end of the thread.
Bring the needle up through the fabric from the back, but leave a tail of thread (about 1-2 inches) hanging on the back.
Make your first few stitches. As you stitch, make sure the tail of thread on the back of the fabric is caught under these stitches.
After 3-4 stitches, the tail is held down by the stitches. You can then trim the extra tail close to the fabric.

This hides the start of your thread neatly under your stitches on the back. It takes practice but is a good embroidery beginner tip to learn early.

Tips for `Embroidery Beginner Tips`

Learning embroidery takes time. Here are some extra embroidery beginner tips related to threading and getting started.

Good Light Helps: Make sure you have a bright light when you thread your needle. This helps you see the tiny eye and thread end better.
Cut Cleanly: Use sharp scissors to cut your thread. A clean cut gives you a sharp end that is easier to thread. Scissors for fabric or thread work best.
Match Needle to Thread: Always pick a needle with an eye big enough for the thread you are using. Trying to force too much thread through a small eye is frustrating. It can also damage the thread or the needle.
Don’t Use Too Much Thread: Keep your thread length reasonable (around 18 inches). Long threads tangle. They also get worn out from passing through the fabric and the needle eye repeatedly. This wear can make the thread fuzzy and hard to work with.
Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t get mad if you can’t thread it on the first try. It takes practice. Try different methods. Find the one that works best for you.
Use a Hoop: An embroidery hoop keeps your fabric tight. This makes it easier to stitch. It also makes it easier to manage the fabric while you thread and secure your thread.
Learn Basic Stitches: Once you can thread your needle, learn a few simple hand embroidery techniques. The running stitch, backstitch, and satin stitch are great ones to start with.

Threading for Different Techniques

Threading is mostly the same for different kinds of needlework. But there are small differences for cross stitch needle threading and needlepoint threading.

`Cross Stitch Needle Threading`

Cross stitch uses blunt needles (tapestry needles). These needles have a large eye.

Choose a tapestry needle size suitable for your fabric and thread count. Common sizes are 24 or 26.
Decide how many strands of floss you need. Most cross stitch uses two strands.
Cut your thread (about 18-24 inches).
Prepare the thread end (wet or twist).
The large eye of the tapestry needle makes the basic push method easy. You can also use a needle threader, as tapestry needle eyes are large enough for the threader wire.
For starting cross stitch, many people use the “loop start” method instead of a knot. Fold the number of strands you need in half. Thread the cut ends through the needle, leaving the loop at the other end. When you start stitching, bring the needle up, then down, and pass the needle through the loop on the back to secure the thread. This is another way of securing embroidery thread without a knot.

`Needlepoint Threading`

Needlepoint also uses blunt tapestry needles. The fabric is a stiff canvas with open holes.

Choose a tapestry needle size that fits the canvas holes and the thread thickness.
Needlepoint often uses thicker threads or many strands of floss to cover the canvas completely. Thread the needle with the required thickness.
Prepare the thread end.
Use the basic push method or a needle threader. The large eye of the tapestry needle helps.
Knotting embroidery thread is sometimes used in needlepoint because the canvas holes are large. But you can also bury the thread end under your stitches on the back, similar to the knotless method for embroidery.

Whether you are doing standard embroidery, cross stitch, or needlepoint, the act of getting the thread through the needle eye is very similar. The main difference is the needle type (sharp vs. blunt) and often the number of thread strands used.

Troubleshooting Threading Problems

Sometimes things don’t go smoothly. Here are fixes for common issues.

Thread End Fraying: If the thread end keeps getting fluffy, cut it again with sharp scissors. Wetting it or twisting it tighter might help. Using wax is also very good for preventing fraying.
Can’t See The Eye: Make sure you have enough light. Use a magnifying glass if you need one. Try a needle threader.
Thread Too Thick for Needle: The thread won’t fit. You must use a needle with a bigger eye. Or use fewer strands of thread.
Thread Keeps Slipping Out: Make sure you have pulled enough thread through the eye to create a tail (4-6 inches). If the eye is very smooth, some threads slip easily. Putting a tiny bit of wax on the thread near the eye might add grip. Or try a needle with a slightly smaller eye if your thread isn’t too thick for it.
Needle Eye Feels Rough: If the eye is not smooth inside, it can catch and fray the thread. Try a different needle. Good quality needles have smooth eyes.

Moving Past Threading

Once you can thread your needle easily, you are ready for the fun part! You can start learning hand embroidery techniques.

Start Simple: Learn basic stitches like the running stitch, backstitch, and straight stitch.
Practice on Scraps: Don’t start on a big project right away. Practice stitches on a small piece of fabric. This helps you get a feel for tension and stitch length.
Learn to Finish: Learn how to end your thread neatly (securing embroidery thread without a knot is good for this) and how to finish the back of your work.

Threading is just the beginning. It’s a small but needed step to unlock the world of embroidery.

Keeping Your Supplies Nice

Taking care of your needles and thread helps with threading.

Store Needles Safely: Keep needles in a needle case or pincushion. This stops them from getting lost or bent. A bent needle is harder to thread and stitch with.
Store Floss Neatly: Floss can tangle easily. Use floss bobbins or storage boxes to keep colors separate and tidy. Untangled floss is much easier to cut and thread.
Keep Fabric Clean: Work with clean hands. Dirt or oils can get on your fabric and thread, making it harder to work with.

Simple care for your embroidery supplies list items makes the whole process smoother, including threading.

Finishing Your Thread

When you reach the end of your thread, you need to finish it off so your stitches don’t come undone. This is similar to securing embroidery thread at the start, but on the back of your work.

On the back of your fabric, run the needle and remaining thread under a few of your finished stitches.
Try to run it under stitches of the same color so the thread doesn’t show through the front.
Pull the thread through, but don’t pull too tight.
Trim the thread close to the fabric.

This way, the end is held securely under your stitches on the back. It’s a neat finish without a knot.

Trying Different Thread Types

As you get more practice with threading, you might want to try different embroidery floss types.

Metallic Thread: This can be very pretty, but it can be hard to thread and can fray easily. Using a needle threader and shorter lengths of thread is often helpful. Some metallic threads are easier to use than others.
Silk Thread: This is fine and has a beautiful shine. It can be a bit slippery. Wax can help make it easier to handle and thread.
Wool Thread: This is thicker and fuzzier. You will need a needle with a larger eye, like a tapestry needle or a chenille needle (a sharp needle with a large eye). Wool is less likely to fray at the end than cotton.

Experimenting with different threads can add new textures and looks to your hand embroidery techniques. Each type might feel a little different when you thread it.

Table of Needles and Threads

Here is a simple table to help you pick your needle based on your thread and technique.

Needle Type	Point	Eye Size	Common Uses	Good For Threading?
Embroidery (Crewel)	Sharp	Long	Surface embroidery, outlines	Good, long eye helps
Tapestry	Blunt	Large	`Cross stitch needle threading`, `needlepoint threading`	Very good, large eye helps
Chenille	Sharp	Large	Thicker threads, ribbon embroidery	Good, large eye helps
Sharps	Sharp	Small	General sewing, very fine embroidery	Harder, smaller eye

Choosing the right tools from your embroidery supplies list makes all the difference in how easy it is to thread and stitch.

Final Steps Before Stitching

Before you make that first stitch after threading:

Check your fabric in the hoop. Is it tight like a drum? This makes stitches even.
Make sure your thread length is good. Not too long.
Double-check you used the right number of strands.
Decide if you are knotting embroidery thread or securing embroidery thread without a knot. Prepare your start method.

With the needle threaded and thread ready, you are fully prepared to begin your embroidery project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions beginners ask about threading.

H5 Why is my thread end fluffy and hard to thread?

This happens because the fibers separate. Use sharp scissors to cut the end cleanly. Wetting the end or twisting it tightly makes the fibers stick together. Wax also helps make the end firm.

H5 What is the easiest way to thread a needle?

Using a needle threader is often the easiest way, especially for small needles. The pinch method is also very effective once you get the hang of it.

H5 How much thread should I put through the eye?

Pull about 4 to 6 inches of thread through the eye. This gives you a tail. This tail should be long enough so the thread does not easily slip back out while you stitch.

H5 My thread keeps coming out of the needle while I sew. Why?

The tail you pulled through might be too short. Pull a longer tail (6 inches is good). Also, some very slippery threads might slip more. If you are using a large eye needle, sometimes thread can work its way back. Ensure you are not pulling the thread all the way to the end while stitching. Leaving enough length threaded is key.

H5 Do I need a knot to start embroidery?

No, you don’t need a knot. Knotting embroidery thread is easy for beginners. But securing embroidery thread by stitching over the tail on the back is a neater way that many people prefer.

H5 What is the difference between `cross stitch needle threading` and regular embroidery threading?

The main difference is the needle. Cross stitch uses blunt tapestry needles with large eyes. Regular embroidery uses sharp needles, often with long eyes but sometimes smaller. The large eye of tapestry needles makes threading often easier. The methods are the same (pushing thread through eye).

Threading a needle is a basic skill for hand embroidery techniques. It just takes a little practice. Soon, you will be able to do it quickly and easily. Happy stitching!