Beading needles can be a big problem for needlepointers. There’s the length thing and the sharp point thing. If you manage to solve these problems with blunt point needles (John James makes them), you will get stuck, once again, on my biggest problem — threading.
You can’t use the same stiff-wire or large hook threaders you use for tapestry needles — they’re too big.
Until Puffin & Co’s Micro Threader came out, I had little choice other than to use traditional fine wire sewing needle threaders. Yes, they are cheap, but that’s because they are flimsy. I once ruined five threaders trying to thread the same thread in the same needle.
It’s very frustrating.
Puffin & Co. comes to our rescue with their clever micro needle threader. Patterned after their needle threader, it has a very tiny hook at the end. It has the charming and useful decorative metal end that makes it easy to hold. It also has the Rare Earth magnet on the back that makes it easy to attach to your stitching.
Unless you are storing it in some kind of needle or bead case, be sure to keep the metal disk and sturdy plastic envelope that came with it. These make it MUCH easier to find. It is small and so can be easily lost without this.
I was skeptical about how well this would work. The larger threaders are great, but would this work as well with those small eyes.
The answer is a resounding YES!. I was able to thread the beading needle the first time and with a thicker thread than I would normally use. This was in spite of poor lighting and tired eyes.
I’ve added it to my case for beading needles and won’t even attempt to thread one with any other tool.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Good to know! I usually thread my needles – all kinds – by wrapping the thread/floss around the eye, lift up and slide the loop through the eye……works well with single or multiple threads as well as ribbon and wool. Beading needles can be a pain in the finger tip for sure and appreciate you sharing this!