Threading an embroidery needle is an important skill to learn for anyone who wants to do embroidery or any other type of hand sewing. It can be tricky initially, but it will become easier and quicker with practice. This article will go through the steps on How to thread embroidery needle.
What You Will Need:
- Embroidery needle
- Embroidery floss
- Scissors
5 Steps on a thread embroidery needle
Step 1: Cut Your Thread
First, cut an embroidery floss length of about 18 inches long. This length is a good starting point and will allow you to work with the thread without it tangling or getting knotted. You can adjust the length according to your preference as you become more experienced.
Step 2: Separate the Floss
Embroidery floss usually comes in skeins, which comprise six strands of thread. You only sometimes need all six strands for your embroidery project, so you need to separate the floss into the number of strands you want to use. To do this, gently pull one strand out of the skein until completely separated. Then, cut the strand from the skein.
Step 3: Prepare the Thread
After you have separated the thread, you need to prepare it for threading. Take the strand of thread you have just cut and hold it between your thumb and index finger. With your other hand, run the thread through your fingers to straighten it out and remove any kinks.
Step 4: Thread the Needle
Next, take the end of the thread and insert it through the eye of the needle. If you are having difficulty threading the needle, try these tips:
- Wet the end of the thread slightly to help it slide through the eye of the needle more easily.
- Use a needle threader. A needle threader is a small tool that helps you thread a needle by guiding the thread through the eye of the needle. To use a needle threader, simply insert the wire loop through the eye of the needle, then thread the end of the thread through the wire loop. Finally, pull the needle threader out of the eye of the needle, and the thread should be threaded.
Step 5: Knot the thread
After you have threaded the needle, you need to knot the end of the thread to prevent it from slipping through the fabric. There are a few ways to do this:
- Make a simple knot by tying the end of the thread into a small one. This is the easiest and quickest way to knot the thread, but it can be bulky and unsuitable for all embroidery projects.
- Make a double knot by taking the end of the thread and tying it into a knot, then tie another knot on top of it. This creates a more secure knot that is less likely to come undone.
- Use a waste knot by making a knot in the middle of the thread and leaving a short tail. Start your embroidery project by inserting the needle into the fabric at the starting point of your design, then work your stitches over the tail of the waste knot. When you finish your stitching, cut the tail of the waste knot and pull the knot out.
And that’s it! With these simple steps, you can easily thread an embroidery needle and start stitching your design. Remember to take your time and practice regularly to improve your technique.
Read more: how do embroidery machines work
What needle is best for embroidery?
The best needle for embroidery depends on the fabric and type of embroidery done. For general embroidery, a size 7 or 9 embroidery needle is recommended. For heavier fabrics or thicker threads, a larger needle may be necessary. A sharp tip is also important for precise stitching.
Do you tie the thread on a needle for embroidery?
Tying a knot at the end of the embroidery thread before inserting it into the needle is recommended. This helps to prevent the thread from slipping out of the needle while stitching. However, some embroidery techniques may require starting the thread without a knot, such as certain types of knotless netting.
How do I choose the right needle for embroidery?
To choose the right needle for embroidery, consider the type of fabric and the thickness of the embroidery thread. For delicate fabrics like silk, a smaller needle size such as 8 or 9 is appropriate, while for heavier fabrics such as canvas, a larger size needle such as 16 or 18 is recommended. A sharp needle is best for woven fabrics, while a ballpoint needle is better for knit fabrics. Also, choose a needle with a large enough eye to accommodate the thread you will use.