# Sew what? (Basic sewing query) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Tags:** arts-crafts\ **Created:** [June 7, 2024, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594 "2024-06-07T16:43:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![GailForce](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/dfb087/32.png) [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/1 "2024-06-07T16:43:22Z")
I don’t sew, but I do have a box of sewing stuff that I use for minor repairs from time to time. About 4/5ths of my sewing time is spent getting a thread into the needle, which is the single most frustrating thing I ever try to do. I poke a thread-end at a needle-hole for about twenty minutes and then, upon success, spend five minutes actually sewing. My questions are two: can anyone suggest any hints that might cut down on the time I find so frustrating? And has anyone ever seen pre-threaded needles for sale? The latter seems to me a very good idea: a few pre-threaded (and pre-knotted) needles, in a variety of colors and lengths would fulfill all of my sewing needs for the next three or four centuries. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/2 "2024-06-07T16:46:39Z")
I have a threader that consists of a fine wire in sort of a diamond shape, attached to a metal tab. You grasp the tab, then poke the pointy end of the wire “diamond” into the needle’s eye. Press, and it collapses enough to fit through the eye, t hen when you get it all the way through, it springs back open into the diamond shape. You poke the thread through this much larger opening, then pull it back through the needle. Here’s an example: [Dritz 3 Needle Threaders | OnlineFabricStore](https://www.onlinefabricstore.com/dritz-3-needle-threaders-.htm?msclkid=1377b946c8131d0b995fdf25f114a70a&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PMax%3A%20Microsoft%20Shop%20-%20Supplies&utm_term=2333232393847109&utm_content=Supplies) Hah - Wikipedia even has an article: [Needle threader - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Needle_threader) I saw another type of threader, where the part that goes through the eye of the needle is a hook, rather than the loop. Seems like that would require three hands. One to hold the threader, one to hold the needle, and one to hold the thread taut on the hook as you pull it back through. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/3 "2024-06-07T17:01:51Z")
Like any skill, it becomes easier with practice. Also, once you do get a needle threaded, you can often just leave it that way and use the same needle for multiple jobs. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/4 "2024-06-07T17:02:15Z")
Yep. Needle threader. You can also buy pre-threaded needles. ---
**Author:** ![GailForce](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/dfb087/32.png) [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/5 "2024-06-07T17:05:41Z")
Where do I buy them? Never saw one. This is great news! ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/6 "2024-06-07T17:10:20Z")
Amazon has them. Cheap, I just looked. Walmart. Target. Hobby Lobby. Michaels. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/7 "2024-06-07T17:19:32Z")
Here’s a reliable brand of prethreaded needle, from Joann’[s.com](http://s.com), a reliable site I use all the time. > **[SINGER 30ct Sew Quick Threaded Hand Sewing Needles | JOANN](https://www.joann.com/singer-30ct-sew-quick-threaded-hand-sewing-needles/19792134.html)** > > Shop SINGER 30ct Sew Quick Threaded Hand Sewing Needles at JOANN fabric and craft store online to stock up on the best supplies for your project. Explore the site today! IME, getting needles, etc from Amazon can be a poor bet. I’ve had too many clickbait sewing needles from Amazon that not only took weeks to be delivered but were of such poor quality that the needle metal failed the first time I tried to pull thread through cloth with it. Not worth returning, just tossed them and now buy only brand name sewing supplies from reliable and proven suppliers [likeJoanns.com](http://likeJoanns.com). ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/8 "2024-06-07T17:24:47Z")
A fine-wire needle threader such as Mama\_Zappa describes is indeed useful. Mostly I don’t use them because I get by with wetting the thread end (reduces the fuzziness that blocks needle-eye entry) and using my superpower-level near-vision acuity (side effect of being highly myopic). You may be simply not seeing the needle eye well enough to thread it effectively, in which case a hands-free magnifier (especially a lighted one) might be a game-changer for you. There are also lots of so-called [“self threading”](https://lordlibidan.com/self-threading-needles-are-they-worth-it/#:~:text=It%20should%20also%20be%20said,%3B%20V%2Dshaped%20and%20spiral) or “easy threading” hand sewing needles where you just slide the thread through a slot in the side of the needle eye, instead of having to poke it through the hole. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/9 "2024-06-07T17:30:21Z")
> [@GailForce](#): > > And has anyone ever seen pre-threaded needles for sale? For surgical sutures and fly fishing, sure. > [@GailForce](#): > > can anyone suggest any hints that might cut down on the time I find so frustrating? Threader. Otherwise, cut the thread off using _sharp_ shears, possibly even at an angle, to avoid an unraveling fuzzy end. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/10 "2024-06-07T17:31:40Z")
That same kit is $2.75 on Amazon. Has a coupon if you order soon. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/11 "2024-06-07T17:39:30Z")
I can’t thead needles anymore. My ol d oeople eyesight won’t allow. I agree a needle threader is the aswere. I didn’t know threaded needles were available. I struggle with my sewing machine _and_ Ì have shakey hands. Good luck with your projects. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/12 "2024-06-07T17:41:19Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > That same kit is $2.75 on Amazon. Very good, thank you. I couldn’t research that far because I’m in a meeting and supposed to be paying attention. You all are a lot more interesting😁 Singer Sew-Quik Threaded Hand Needle Kit [https://a.co/d/1lJW85m](https://a.co/d/1lJW85m) ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/13 "2024-06-07T21:48:04Z")
Also, use embroidery needles of the same general size as the plain needles. They have a longer hole and are _much_ easier to thread. [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFk6nsjtXvehgNSpb7Y31-Zy2LZlis8lhqVyWAvDHjpErOYbblE1wKWUzYi2whB5oQG8b_tTtgGR2s_wcv7svbZmRBwiNhn4ly-eicHogoovW5OPWBWMAUjvxQl1zQgtOWgR6GsIlG_U/s640/how_to_choose_embroidery_needle_2.jpg) ](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFk6nsjtXvehgNSpb7Y31-Zy2LZlis8lhqVyWAvDHjpErOYbblE1wKWUzYi2whB5oQG8b_tTtgGR2s_wcv7svbZmRBwiNhn4ly-eicHogoovW5OPWBWMAUjvxQl1zQgtOWgR6GsIlG_U/s640/how_to_choose_embroidery_needle_2.jpg) [![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59aea5f1f43b556d928200b3/1598539342894-4QM22MMON4P7X2QAYF0N/5+types+of+hand+embroidery+needles?format=1500w) ](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59aea5f1f43b556d928200b3/1598539342894-4QM22MMON4P7X2QAYF0N/5+types+of+hand+embroidery+needles?format=1500w) ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/14 "2024-06-07T22:12:00Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Mostly I don’t use them because I get by with wetting the thread end (reduces the fuzziness that blocks needle-eye entry) and using my superpower-level near-vision acuity (side effect of being highly myopic). Ah - I’d forgotten about the easy-thread needles. The ones my mother had were, IIRC, designed so that the eye area was actually “open” (imagine a V, but where the bottom of the V is where the metal is actually split). Something like this: [COLONIAL Self-Threading Needles - Walmart.com](https://www.walmart.com/ip/COLONIAL-Self-Threading-Needles/169659648?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1854&adid=22222222222000000000&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=10352200394&wl4=pla-1103028060075&wl5=&wl6=&wl7=&wl10=Walmart&wl11=Online&wl12=169659648_10000001924&wl14=easy%20thread%20needles&veh=sem&gclid=408cbfa5fba11e1dcab4d9c67f794150&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=408cbfa5fba11e1dcab4d9c67f794150) You’d basically lay the thread across the V, and pull down so that it went between the two halves of the V. > [@Kimstu](#): > > Mostly I don’t use them because I get by with wetting the thread end (reduces the fuzziness that blocks needle-eye entry) and using my superpower-level near-vision acuity (side effect of being highly myopic). > > You may be simply As we age, sadly, many of us have a lot more trouble with seeing something that small. I could manage anyway, for a while - I’d take off my glasses, and could see fine details fairly well - but since I got my cataracts fixed, my near vision is crap. Anything like threading a needle will require strong light and magnification. But in general, yeah, do your best to start with non-fuzzy thread, including cutting it off if need be. I would also usually moisten the thread to keep any fuzzies stuck in place. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/15 "2024-06-07T22:41:34Z")
I remember years ago some relatives had a plastic gizmo for needle threading. You inserted the needle upside down into a tube, placed the thread in a slot on the side of the tube. Pressed a lever that pushed an arc shaped piece of metal against the thread, thru an opening into a tube, thru the eye and out the other side of the tube. Let the lever go, grab the thread and pulled the needle out. with thread now attached. (Sometimes you had to jiggle the needle if the metal didn’t automatically force it into alignment and go thru.) I looked at the first several pages on threaders on Amazon and didn’t see anything like this but they have similar in purpose devices. ---
**Author:** ![mnemosyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c4cdca/32.png) [@mnemosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mnemosyne)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/16 "2024-06-07T23:41:31Z")
Huh. That’s how those work! I have a couple of those needle threaders that came in various little repair kits, but never knew and never bothered to find out how it worked. I also sew very, very rarely and usually can thread a needle after a few tries. Learn something new every day! Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/17 "2024-06-07T23:50:23Z")
My old Granny used to make me thread needles for her. She was a prolific hand quilter in her younger days. By the time I was threading needles for her\*, not so much. A baby quilt once a year or so. It always amazed me how tiny she stitched but couldn’t thread a needle to save her life. \*I would sit on the floor and she would give me 25-30 needles and a spool of thread. She had a certain length of thread, for me to cut and thread. No knot on the end. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/18 "2024-06-07T23:58:14Z")
I would cut it with small scissors. Also, my myopia makes me a whiz at seeing to thread needles too. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2024, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/19 "2024-06-08T00:13:21Z")
I have some curtains that need a bit of redesign ( along with about 40 other diy projects). I need to use a sewing machine and needle threading is why it gets pushed to the bottom of the list. ---
**Author:** ![vbob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vbob/32/4439_2.png) [@vbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vbob)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2024, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594/20 "2024-06-08T00:18:57Z")
> [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > I’m in a meeting and supposed to be paying attention. Taking notes with your knitting needles, Mm. Defarge? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sew-what-basic-sewing-query/1002594.md?page=2)