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How to Thread a Needle

A clear method for getting thread through the eye of a needle, with a needle threader as a backup for small eyes or tired hands.

Beginner5 minHand

What you will learn

Cut the end of the thread with sharp scissors at a slight angle. Do not bite it or tear it, because that frays the end and makes it hard to pass through the eye.
Hold the needle still between your thumb and first finger so the eye faces you. Hold a sheet of white paper behind it. The pale background makes the eye easier to see.
Pinch the thread between the thumb and first finger of your other hand, with only 1/4 in (6 mm) of thread showing. Move the thread to the eye, not the other way round. Keeping the needle still makes it easier to hit the eye.
Push the thread end through the eye. If it will not go, try the other side of the needle. Many needles have a slightly easier side.
Pull about 4 in (10 cm) of thread through the eye. The long end is the working thread. The short end is the tail.
To use a wire needle threader, push the thin wire diamond through the eye. Pass the thread end through the diamond, then pull the wire back out through the eye. The thread comes with it in a loop.
If the thread keeps splitting into strands, cut a fresh end. Fine silk-like thread and old cotton thread both fray easily. Squeezing the end flat between your fingernails before threading can help.

Thread the needle in good light.
Use a needle with a longer, bigger eye while you learn, such as an embroidery needle in size 5 or 6.
Needle threaders are cheap. Keep one in your sewing box.

The thread end splits or frays.

The end was cut with dull scissors or torn. Cut a new end at an angle with sharp scissors.

The threader wire bends or breaks.

It is very thin and was pushed at an angle or into an eye that is too small. Push it straight through, and use a bigger-eyed needle for thick thread.

The thread keeps slipping out after threading.

The tail is too short. Pull at least 4 in (10 cm) through before you start.