Needle Threaders

Needle Threaders are humble tools. Often they don’t cost very much. They can be easy-to-use or endlessly frustrating. If you buy the right kind they will make your stitching life easier.

We’re all familiar with the simple wire sewing needle threader, above. It has a thin wire bent into a diamond shape. The wire is flexible so it squeezes when it goes through the needle’s eye. Often given away, usually these threaders are not very sturdy. They are made for thin threads and needles with small eyes. They will not hold up to needlepoint threads. There are various varieties of these that make threading small-eyed needles easier (I like the lit ones), but they are not for large-eyed needles.

Only use these threaders for beading threads.

These days I find loop threaders available many places. Often they are hand-made with beaded ends. The wire in these threaders appears to be beading wire (used for jewelry) and it is very soft. I have had no luck using these threaders for beading or needlework thread; the wire is too soft and slick. I avoid them.

I have used needlework threaders for many years. These threaders are stiffer with either wire that is permanently bent into shape, above top, or holes stamped into the metal, above bottom. Because to opening is permanent, they have the strength to stand up to thick threads used in needlework. With the ones with holes there are two ends with two sizes of holes. Use thr biggest one that will go through your needle’s eye.

Both are made by many companies. These days though, the bent wire ones are hard to find.

Hook threaders are both the best and the worst threaders made for needlework threads. Several companies make them. The best are from Puffin & Co, top of page. The hook is big enough for thicker threads but not so big it won’t go through smaller needles. The magnetic back makes it easy to keep close by and the decoration adds charm to your stitching.

Another hook threader is made by LoRan, above. It has two sizes of hook, one on each end. I have never had a problem with these threaders when bought from LoRan. The worst threader I have ever used was an imitation LoRan threader. The sides had not been smoothed, so they stood up and the threader would not go through a 22 needle. It also had a rough edge to the hook, cutting the thread.

DMC makes a hybrid threader, that has three threaders in one plastic case. The middle top has a diamond-wire threader. The sides have two sizes of hooks. If you do a variety of tasks and want only one threader, this is a great choice.

Use the right kind of threader and your stitching becomes much faster.