A Needle Threader for Thicker Threads

Someone on Facebook recommends this needle threader from Clover for wool threads.  Looks like they are using tapestry wool, the sort that comes from Ehrman kits.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=27035255362763347&set=gm.1658430968714474&idorvanity=1012025060021738

Apparently this is called the Clover Antique Yarn Threader.  Shop around.  These tools vary greatly in price.  This one cost from less than $8 to $18, depending on the vendor.

https://www.amazon.com/Clover-3114-Antique-Yarn-Threader/dp/B000GBT9JG/ref=asc_df_B000GBT9JG?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80058400531633&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=91304&hvtargid=pla-4583657885298860&psc=1&msclkid=768302f639d21703df2768d61c7bd57e

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 3, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Quick Threading Needle

McClain Sewing has a tool to help you get your needle through thicker materials in just the right spot.  I'm not 100% sure how it works but it looks worth exploring if you have trouble getting your needle in just the right place.

https://www.mcclainsewing.com/products/quick-threading-needle?st=

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 5, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needle Threading Tips

If you have trouble threading your needle, Poppy Monk's got a series of tips that might help.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/needlepoint-tips-threading-your-needle

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 8, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Use a Needle Threader: The Movie

KC Needlepoint has a short video on learning to use a needle threader.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/make-threading-your-needle-easy

I prefer the wire loop threaders myself but I use more silk and cotton flosses as well as thin metallics than anything else.  Everyone will have a different preference according to what you normally stitch with and how flexible your fingers are.  KC Needlepoint has a nice selection on their website.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/threaders

If you do choose a wire loop threader, I suggest you put a drop of Super Glue on the threader where the wires go into the threaders.  This makes them harder to yank out as you use the threader.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 31, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threading the Needle

If you are ever away from home without a needle threader, you can use a piece of paper to thread your needle as this video from Instagram shows.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CoXYCT5MLWD/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 7, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Scissors and Needle Threaders

Mary Corbet is going to start selling needle threaders and scissors in her online shop.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2022/09/tool-talk-sweet-threaders-swell-scissors.html

Neither is a brand or type I've seen before.  The stainless steel scissors have smooth (sea foam handles) or serrated blades (green handles), perfect for cutting metal threads or doing precision cuts.  They are made by Karen Kay Buckley and come in 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch and 7 1/2 inch lengths.  There is also a curved and serrated blade type (red handles).  I think Mary will only offer the four inch sizes but I'm not certain.  Ms. Buckley is a quilter and lives in Pennsylvania.

https://www.karenkaybuckley.com/store.php?cat=5

The needle threaders are very smooth stainless steel and come in three sizes and a variety of patterns.  They are made by a Canadian company.

https://www.kirikipress.com/collections/needle-threaders

Thanks for offering these, Mary!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 9, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fancy Wire Needle Threader/Magnets

This Etsy shop has something really different--fancy wire needle threaders that double as needle minders.  Note that the magnets are an added feature, so you can get a needle threader without the magnet if you prefer.  

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatCantBrookeDo?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1209038525&section_id=37824182

I think it's nice to have a fancy threader that doubles as a needle minder, especially if you are in the market for a Dancing Avocado needle minder/magnet!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 20, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Quilter's Threader For Beading

While exploring Nancy Eha's beading site this week, I noticed she recommends these needle threaders.  She says they fit the eyes of tiny beading needles well.

https://beadcreative.com/shop/supplies/threader/

These are marketed for quilting but they will fit beading needles nicely.  Just remember, beading needles in general have sharp tips, unlike the tapestry needles we normally use.  Shop around.  Prices do vary for this brand online.  If you have a local shop catering to quilters, check there to see what they have.

I like wire loop needle threaders (I use the ones with the metal base and highly recommend that you put a drop of Super Glue on the base where the wires connect which prolongs their life) and use them exclusively to thread my needles.  

https://www.maxiaids.com/wire-loop-needle-threader-pkg-of-10

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

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and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 7, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bohin Has a New Needle Threader

Bohin has released a new wire needle threader with an intricate rose gold base that allows for tassels to be added.

https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2020/10/bohin-customizable-needle-threader.html

If you like wire threaders (they are my favorite type) you'll want to check these out.  I suspect they'd make a great gift for a stitching friend, too, especially if you made a tassel in their favorite colors.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 15, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Automatic Needle Threader

If you've ever hurt your arm and have to thread your needles one-handed, you'll be interested in this.  However, the video shows a regular sewing needle.  I don't think this will work with beading needles, or probably even anything smaller than a size 20 or 22.
https://thetrendingdeal.net/pages/automatic-needle-threader-dod?fbclid=IwAR3K8tEPyo2efpRz8BtMcIoVgrg397SYGY_WiI4aiwn8xv_aWzF3ix50qwk

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 16, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Hummingbird Needle Threader

Mary Corbet has a review of the Hummingbird Needle Threader.  It combines a needle threader capable of threading a size 28 needle with a tiny thread cutter in the body of a blue plastic bird that you can wear on a chain or dangle from a scissors fob.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2020/02/hummingbird-needle-threader.html

It's made by Dritz and is available in a lot of fabrics and crafts stores.  It appears to also come in green.  Note that 123Stitch says it is too large for threading beading needles.
https://www.123stitch.com/item/Dritz-Hummingbird-Needle-Threader/DRITZ-270

If you aren't in the USA, this video shows a different packaging that might help you track it down as it is distributed by N. Jefferson, Ltd. in Canada.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SlDyAN4VGY

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 12, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mary Corbet Reviews a Lighted Needle Threader UPDATED

Mary Corbet has a fun review up of a needle threader that comes with a little light.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2019/09/lighted-needle-threaders.html

It's called the SE SN-LT24-4 Assorted Color Illuminated Needle Threader. You can see the video Mary mentioned here.
https://www.sciplus.com/lighted-needle-threaders-58719-p

UPDATE:  Paula found these on Amazon to use while she recovered from carpel tunnel issues.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2980140168667642&set=p.2980140168667642&type=3&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 25, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Why Didn't I Think of This?

This Etsy shop sells needle minders with an attached needle threader. Why I didn't think of this!?
https://www.etsy.com/listing/592462700/needle-threader-and-needle-minder?ref=shop_home_active_3&frs=1

I suppose if you use a needle threader constantly this will be inconvenient to take off the canvas constantly but it's a good idea for the occasional user.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
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and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 22, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tiny Needle Threaders for Tiny Needles UPDATED

Mary Corbet is working on 48 count silk gauze and hunting for a needle threader that works well with size 10 beading needles.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/10/micro-needle-threader.html

I've seen Puffin and Company's micro threader and it is really tiny.  However, I use an old fashioned wire needle threader, the kind that has a stamped tin base.
https://www.stitchpiecenpurl.com/needle-threader.htm

I buy a package whenever I find them (they are getting harder to find) and open it right away, laying the threaders out on the kitchen counter on a sheet of waxed paper.  Then I put a drop of super glue on the base where the wires attach and let them all dry.  I rarely pulled the wires out now when threading up my beading needles, whether for beading or stitching on silk gauze, since.

UPDATE:  Sara Leigh highly recommends the Colonial Needle Ultra Fine Needle Threader. Here is what it looks like-
http://www.alchemyandice.com/ultra-fine-needle-threader-for-13-needles-x1.html

Needle in a Haystack in California stocks them, as well as a wide range of other types of needle threaders.  Scroll down past all the needles to the bottom of the page to see them.
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Accessories/Needles.html

Written by Jane/Chilly
Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 3, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Tools

This week shops have highlighted new tools they sell and I thought you might be interested. The first item is a storage box that Homestead sells. It has little dividers that can be moved around to make room for whatever you want inside.  This is called the Poke-a-Dot Organizer and Homestead can special order black instead of clear plastic if you prefer a solid color.
https://www.homesteadneedlearts.com/catalog/uncategorized/poke-a-dot-organizer/

Silver Needle has two new styles of needle threader and they are both cute.  The lady bug needle threader has a small light to help you see the needle's eye as you thread up.  The bird is smaller and  has the wire threader which is covered with a plastic "beak" when not in use.  The bird also has a tiny thread cutter.  These are useful and fun and because they are inexpensive, they would make nice gifts for other stitchers you know.
https://www.thesilverneedle.com/gadgets3.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 3, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Automatic Needle Threader

Thanks to Park Avenue Needlepoint, I have a video of a needle threader that might be of interest to folks who love gadgets.  I am not sure it'll work with the very tiny eyes of beading needles or with a thick thread, but it is an interesting tool and probably useful for those with arthritic hands or eye issues.  It doesn't work one-handed, though.
https://www.quiltssupply.com/products/automatic-needle-threader-device-1?variant=36237082890

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 6, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Here's Something You Don't See Every Day

Here's something you don't see every day--a needle threader with a light!
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/18HM37

This is perfect for those who have trouble with tiny needle eyes, particularly beading needles.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Another Smart Cookie: Needle Threader

Obviously all this Christmas fun is bringing out the smarts in stitchers.  Check out what Lisa did to keep track of her needle threader--she stuck a magnet on it!  Very clever!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153956674076333&set=gm.1228370163906806&type=3&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 11, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Another Way to Thread a Needle

Mary Corbet mentioned this needle threading tutorial  by Luzine Happel which you might like to try if you can't ever find a needle threader when you need one and the traditional method just isn't working for you.
https://www.luzine-happel.de/?p=6777&lang=en

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 9, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Magnetic Micro Threaders

I just realized that Puffin and Co. has new micro needle threaders which will thread most beading needle eyes. This link shows the cute regular magnetic threaders and then the tiny ones below. There are lots of their products on this page, though, in case you want to browse more of what they offer.
http://www.thesilverneedle.com/puffincompany.html 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 28, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.