Sometimes you just can’t seem to get that thread through the eye of the needle, and you don’t have a needle theader handy. That’s ok, if you have some paper, you’ll be right!
To thread a needle with paper, cut a very narrow strip, about 5cm/2 inches long. It needs to be narrow enough to fit through the eye of the needle. Then fold the paper in half, insert the end of the thread into the little paper “pocket” so that the thread end sits inside, towards the fold.
Hold the folded paper (with thread inside), and feed the folded edge through the eye. It gives a “sharp” edge to thread through the eye, taking the thread with it.
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
Yvette
Thats a good tip, as I never use a needle threader, the cheap ones I have had (which come in those multi packs of needles) always break. That reminds me, speaking of needles, today I was in a needlework shop and wanted to buy the tapestry needles you recommend in your Hardanger book. Size 24, but as they seem to get pricier and pricier, I wanted to know if you can tell us which brand you like best (if thats OK, I mean as long as its not advertising).
I’m enjoying making the square sampler right now
regards
Julie in Australia, where its a public holiday weekend so of course it has been raining non-stop all afternoon! Today I went to an interesting needlework tools meeting where we discussed packets of needles (old ones!!). In the middle it started hailing with hailstones twice the size of golf balls and 2 windows broke!
Hi Julie,
I don’t have favourite brands of needles. I just use whatever my local shop has! I don’t go for the expensive brands – just the cheap ones such as Hemline or Birch. I find that they work fine for me. The eye size does change between brands, but I’ve never had a problem with threading, thank fully!
I read in the Sydney Morning Herald that Melbourne had big storms. I hope that you’re ok!