How to Sew.

Step 2: Threading the needle!

Basically, there are two ways to do this.

One thread or doubled thread. I learned doubled, and that's how I do everything now. Many people also sew using a single thread so I'll teach both ways!

You'll want to trim the end of the thread that will be put through the eye with very sharp scissors. This will give it a clean edge and help you ease it through the eye of the needle.

If you have problems with this, you can buy a needle threader. They can be quite useful for those with bad eyes or shaky hands. :)

Now you'll decide whether to do double or single threaded.

Single threaded: pull the thread through the eye so that the needle is a few inches from the end. You can then cut the length of thread that you like. You will knot the longer single thread however you like and begin sewing.

Make sure you're holding the shorter bit of thread close to the needle while sewing - otherwise, it will slip through the eye and you'll have to keep rethreading it!

Double threaded: pull the thread through the eye and double it up. The end that's threaded through the eye will meet up with the thread from the spool. This way you'll have two tail ends. You'll knot these together and then sew with the doubled up thread.

I find this way easier, but it's really up to you!

If you're confused about how to knot the thread, see below:
I find it is easiest to wind the end of the thread around one of my fingers so that it forms a loop. You can then slip that loop off your finger and pull the end through. I usually do this twice so I know the knot will stay!

The last pictures will show this process. :D

Comments

[nutellamonster]

Here's a hint from my gran (always good, those) for threading needles: If you can't get the end through the needle's eye (maybe it isn't cut sharp enough or has frayed from all the luckless tries before), make a very short loop with the end of the thread you want to put through the eye. Then insert the needle's eye-end into this loop and pull it towards the closed end of the loop, holding the thread ends firmly with your other hand. Pinch the closed loop-end (maybe even with wet fingers) around the needle's eye end. Most of the times, that end is a little flattened from stamping the eye in during the needle-making process. So, pinching the loop here sort of "irons" the thread into a somewhat flattened, but rather precise point, or V-shape. Now just use the tip of that V to thread the needle. I use this "technique" almost everytime I thread a needle. I hope I have described it understandably and usefully...

[jessyratfink]

 That is such a good idea! I think I'll try that next time I'm sewing really late at night and getting frustrated. :D

Do you mind if I copy and paste/give you credit in the main ible?

[nutellamonster]

Sorry I'm so late with my answer - I don't mind at all, go ahead by all means - Granny's tricks should be preserved!! :-)