The Sewing Place

Machine Talk => Machine Accessories => Topic started by: sewingj on January 17, 2020, 09:04:37 AM

Title: can anyone recommend a sewing machine needle threader?
Post by: sewingj on January 17, 2020, 09:04:37 AM
My own sewing machine has a needle threader and I`d be lost without it.  A friend was recently complaining that she is finding it harder and harder to thread her sewing machine needles and I wondered if there is a gadget which would help her.
I have already got something similiar to this:-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0739WMY5J/ref=psdc_3063881031_t1_B00K0EKY9S

and I couldn`t make it work at all!
Title: Re: can anyone recommend a sewing machine needle threader?
Post by: Ellabella on January 17, 2020, 09:47:06 AM
I’ve got the one pictured @sewingj and couldn’t get on with it at all, until I saw a video somewhere of the correct method and now use it all the time.

The trick is to press it against the needle well above the eye and slide it gently down. When you reach the eye the little metal blade pushes the thread through the eye and bobs your uncle.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: can anyone recommend a sewing machine needle threader?
Post by: Marniesews on January 17, 2020, 12:13:10 PM
Yes, I have that one and used to use it a lot but my eyes seem to have improved, with regards to threading anyway, and I find myself having just threading it manually without thinking these days.

The first one I bought spme years ago was branded as Janome at cost me a staggering £14 on a sewing course but I've bought more on ebay, some less than £2, which look and perform identically. The only issue I had with it was on my coverstitch where it didn't push the needle high enough into the machine. I just filed down the holder on the threader to less than half the original size and it works fine with that too now.
Title: Re: can anyone recommend a sewing machine needle threader?
Post by: KayK on January 17, 2020, 13:09:52 PM
I sometimes use one of those seriously cheap and basic one for threading hand needles - work a treat for pennies!  I have even been known to twist two ends of piece of thing fuse wire together to make a loop!
Title: Re: can anyone recommend a sewing machine needle threader?
Post by: Rhapso on February 05, 2020, 20:23:13 PM
I have a box full of assorted needle threading aids in every shape and size, but none of which work for me. Neither can I use the automatic threaders on my overlocker or coverstitch machine.

But not all is lost, because I find that a strong light close by, eg an LED, a nice clean cut at the end of the thread and a bright white sliver of paper to hold behind the eye of the needle does the job. I am right handed but I thread a needle better with my left hand, would you believe. With my OT hat on I think the skill may have to do with muscle memory.
Title: Re: can anyone recommend a sewing machine needle threader?
Post by: Kwaaked on February 06, 2020, 09:09:54 AM
I use the cheap silver ones with heads.  I can get 100 under $2, and buy several packs at a time, usually when I place an order on Ali Express because I do go through a lot of them.  They also have plastic handled ones for a little more.

While they don't last forever, they're cheap enough that I can have some at every machine and in my hand kit(s).

Title: Re: can anyone recommend a sewing machine needle threader?
Post by: So Chic on February 17, 2020, 15:40:15 PM
My machine has a needle threader but I wish there was one on my overlocker and coverstitch machines.
Title: Re: can anyone recommend a sewing machine needle threader?
Post by: Surest1tch on March 02, 2020, 15:40:23 PM
I've forgotten how many needle threaders I've tried and not been able to get on with. I do have cataracts forming and have to wear glasses when I'm sewing/reading etc but even with the glasses I still struggle to see the eye. In the end I've had to buy a magnifying glass that hooks round your neck to leave your hands free but some days I still struggle  :S
Title: Re: can anyone recommend a sewing machine needle threader?
Post by: Lilian on March 02, 2020, 22:03:36 PM
My own sewing machine has a needle threader and I`d be lost without it.  A friend was recently complaining that she is finding it harder and harder to thread her sewing machine needles and I wondered if there is a gadget which would help her.
I have already got something similiar to this:-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0739WMY5J/ref=psdc_3063881031_t1_B00K0EKY9S

and I couldn`t make it work at all!

I also use these and can thread a needle almost without looking  :)
Title: Re: can anyone recommend a sewing machine needle threader?
Post by: Sara-S on March 12, 2020, 13:55:06 PM
I have that type of threader with my little Janome. It works as well as anything, though it tends to take me a couple of tries to get a needle threaded.  My other 2 machines have automatic threaders. At this point, I wouldn’t buy a machine without one.
Title: Re: can anyone recommend a sewing machine needle threader?
Post by: Carolesocks on May 31, 2020, 11:39:11 AM
My Janome machine has one.  Brilliant!
Title: Re: can anyone recommend a sewing machine needle threader?
Post by: Sheilago on May 31, 2020, 20:08:20 PM
My Janome one has a threader, but it has not worked since the last time I changed a needle. Most annoying! I’ve tried to fix it, but can’t see why it doesn’t work, although I was never really sure how it worked in the first place.
I now have to have a bright light and cut the end of the thread with sharp scissors to make it easier to do. 
Title: Re: can anyone recommend a sewing machine needle threader?
Post by: Sewot on August 14, 2020, 00:44:05 AM
Yes I can!
Thats if you can get hold of one.
The old all metal Singer needle threader.
They have a tiny hook at the end of them so before buying make sure the hook has not snapped of.
There is a little hole at the other end so you can tie a loop of string to it and attach it somewhere so it is always handy.
Pete