How to Thread an Embroidery Needle?
Threading a needle is not as easy as it seems. In fact, it is probably one of the hardest things from threading.
Luckily, you can always learn how to thread an embroidery needle with the right guide. Here, we want to help you with that.
We’re going to show you different ways to thread your embroidery needle for a smoother experience before starting any threading job.
And to make this guide even better – we’re going to help you with a few extra tips to consider. So, are you looking to start threading right away? Then follow this guide and thread those needles like a pro!
Threading Your Needle with Floss
The first method we’re going to show you includes threading your needle with floss.
Because floss is one of the most usual types of threads, and it works differently than cotton thread, we had to explain it first.
Here’s how to proceed:
1. The Classical Way
To teach you the process of threading a needle for embroidery, we need to start with the classical method. This is what you’ve probably tried before, but haven’t been successful at.
Follow these steps:
- Start by cutting an embroidery floss thread.
- Try putting it through the needle. Let one side dangling on the side.
- Now tie a knot on the long part of the floss thread
This method will make it easy to unfold and repeat the threading if something goes wrong. But because you have a dangling thread on the side, the needle will be thicker, so it may end up opening wide holes on the fabric.
Because floss has more strands than other types of thread (6 in total vs. 4 or less), we recommend only doing this if you’re threading with thick and resistant fabrics.
2. The Splitting Way
Let’s say you still want to use floss for the job, but the classical method doesn’t make it. Well, you can always split the floss and make it thinner.
Do this;
- Cut the floss thread you’re going to use. Then split the strands in half. You should be left with three strands per piece of thread.
- Now grab three strands and put them through the needle.
- Place the other three strands in one of the ends of the thread that went through the needle and tie them up together.
- The thread will not be longer and ready for some threading. Once you’re doing embroidering, you will need to cut the floss thread.
This method allows you to use floss thread but in a thinner way. You won´t have to worry about opening holes in fabric or letting overly-thick threads.
Another advantage is that you can experiment with thicknesses as well. You may end up with two-strand threads or with five-strand threads instead.
Threading Regular Thread
Beginners tend to struggle at threading needle for embroidery. This is common and happens to almost every threading novice.
But you’ll be happy to know that regular thread also has its tricks and methods. If you follow the following ones, you’ll find an excellent way to thread any needle correctly:
1. The Classical Way
The most popular way to thread a needle is to hold it close to the end, tie it, and then put it through the needle. It is an efficient and easy way to do so – taking little time or effort.
Here’s how:
- Hold the needle as close to the end as possible, letting less than half of an inch remaining.
- Now tie or make the end as thin as possible—some people like rolling it with their fingers, other people like licking it.
- Once the thread goes through the needle, you can tie a knot on its end. This will wrap it up and prevent it from loosening.
This is the traditional way because it is the easiest and most secure method to follow. However, you may need several knots in some cases, or the thread may loosen up.
2. The Hand-Sewing Knot Way
Are you working with a knotting thread? Then you may want to learn how to thread and knot embroidery needle or pen.
This method is ideal for small threads that can’t be used without a knot.
Follow this:
- Start by making a loop with the thread. The loop should go as if you were making a regular knot.
- Halfway through the loop, start pinching the thread where the thread crosses. This will secure the loop.
- Now position one of the ends of the threads on the loop and pass it through. Pull it all the way, and you’re done.
This will make it easy-
3. The Single Threaded Way
If you’re doing delicate work and you’re using the single-threading method for embroidering, then you may want some help tying it to your needle.
Here’s how to proceed:
- Cut part of the thread you want to use, at least the size of your forearm.
- Then grab one of the ends and push it through the needle. You should pull it at least 3 to 5 inches through.
- Then knot both of the ends (opposite ones) together and make a knot. Do this by using the standard loop knot.
- This will secure the thread so you can start embroidering.
Because single thread tends to be thin, you won’t have any problem getting it through the needle. Still, be sure to make a standard knot that doesn’t get too thick so you can make the delicate threading smoother.
4. The Double Threaded Way
In case you don’t care that much about being delicate, then you can always use the double-threading embroidering method.
In this case, you will have to use a slightly thicker thread to make the needle easier to work with.
Here’s how it happens:
- Grab two strands of thread and cut them at about double your forearm length.
- Now grab one of the ends and pass it through the needle.
- While the thread hangs, tie the other thread to the one that went through the needle.
- Then make a knot with the threads, placing them together and securing them with your finger after making a circle (as in method 2).
- Then secure the knot, and you’re ready to start embroidering.
The thicker double thread will be easier to use than a single thin thread.
Extra Tips to Consider
So you’re looking to start making the most beautiful embroidery designs, but threading the needle feels harder than it seems. Well, these tips may help you out:
Make Sharp Cuts
First and foremost – never cut the thread loosely. Use the sharpest scissors instead. When the thread gets all hairy, it is harder to tie it up to the needle. But with a sharp cut, this won’t happen.
Use a Needle Threader
Threading tools can make the whole process a lot easier. And a needle threader is the perfect thing for that. It is a cheap and easy-to-find tool that will save you tons of time and effort.
Stiffen the Thread
Use beeswax, saliva, or hairspray to straighten and stiffen the thread. This will make it a lot easier to put through the needle.
Use the Right Needle
Nothing will set you up for an easy threading time than the right needle. If you’re using a thick thread, then use a needle with a wide hole, and so on.
Thread Your Embroidery Needle Now!
Don’t let a thick thread and a thin needle set you back again. Try these methods now and start your embroidery projects right away without wasting any second or pinch of effort.
