How to thread an embroidery needle

How To Thread An Embroidery Needle – Easiest Way

Have you ever asked a sewing expert, how you thread a needle step by step? It’s always a challenge to thread a needle with all those strands of embroidery floss when embroidery is involved. This can be done several ways without licking the thread-all without any effort. Let’s get started by learning how to master two methods for threading a needle without tangling the strands of embroidery floss.

Cross stitch and embroidery needles have larger eyes than sewing or quilting needles, so be sure to check those out before you give them a try. Multi-stranded threads require a needle with a large eye, so select a needle size that is appropriate for the thread thickness. All that’s left to do is thread your embroidery needle with your fresh cut of floss.

Key Takeaways

  • You can thread your embroidery needle in two ways, either by hand or by using a needle threader in step by step process.
  • There’s a quick hack for threading your embroidery thread in the embroidery machine that makes the threading very easy!
  • Keep a note of an additional technique and know about the basics of needles and thread for embroidery.

Thread your Embroidery Needle: By Hand

Thread your embroidery needle By hand
Thread your embroidery needle By hand

Choosing the right thread for your project is one of the most important aspects of creating an elegant and professional-looking design when it comes to embroidery. First, prepare your thread and needle.

Different types of thread will produce different results depending on the type of fabric, the design, and the overall look you’re trying to achieve.  If you’re working with a certain type of fabric, it’s always best to use the same thread type.

In order to ensure your design looks professional and clean, consult with a professional embroiderer or fabric store employee for guidance on choosing thread. The type of needle you use will be determined by the type of thread you are using.

  1. Cut the thread to the specified length, such as 100 cm. Handle the thread carefully to prevent tangles. When using ordinary sewing thread, prepare a needle with a small eye that matches the thread type. A 45-degree angle is ideal for getting into the eye with wet thread. It is important to push the thread gently into the needle.
  2. With the ends ready to be knotted, fold the same yarn lengthwise between them.
  3. Wrap your index finger around the thread after it has been attached to the needle.
  4. Push the roll against your fingertips until it loosens, forming a loose knot.
  5. Tie the knot by pulling it in the opposite direction. Your embroidery project can now begin once the knot has been completed and the thread has been prepared.

Thread your embroidery needle: By Needle Threader

Thread your embroidery needle By needle threader
Thread your embroidery needle By needle threader

A needle threader is a small tool that helps to thread a needle. It consists of a metal or plastic wire with a small hook at one end. The other end is inserted into the needle’s eye. The hook catches the thread and pulls it through the eye. Needle threads are very useful for people who have difficulty threading a needle by hand.

  1. Prepare the thread, threader, and needle. Then, cut the thread just like in the first method. In my example 100cm (40 inches)
  2. Insert the wire part of the threader into the needle eye.
  3. Grasp the thread that is attached to the threader, then guide the threader out of the needle’s eye.
  4. Remove the thread carefully. Once the threader is completely out of the eye of the needle, grab the end of the thread on the other side.
  5. Roll the thread that is already attached to the needle. You need to know that the yarn is divided into two, namely the very long side while the other is the short side. Hold the very long part and wrap the slightly shorter part around the needle. several times and finally insert the end of the thread in the gap provided.
  6. Finally, pull the thread and tighten it.

Easy Way to Threading an Embroidery Machine

Easy way to threading an embroidery machine
Easy way to threading an embroidery machine

It can vary depending on the make and model of the machine. However, the following are general steps that you can follow to thread your embroidery machine:

  1. To begin with, you need a spool of thread, and you need to make sure you place it on it correctly so that it goes down the center. You’re going to take the end and put it up through the first hole at the back and then you need to guide it through this hole, which most enthusiasts do not intend to go in. So you pull it through the whole way.
  2. Now you need to put it in the correct hole. All right, I’ll get a little closer to you here. This is really important, and it’s a good spot to look when your thread starts acting up to make sure it’s aught in here because that’s what gives it its life. There will be some tension along the way, so you’ll follow the arrow here and go down and then round this fourth spot here and you’ll go around again underneath the clip.
  3. Having it in the clip, we will follow those arrows again, going down this opening and then going back up this opening, and then putting our thread through this hole.
  4. When you put it back down, you’ll see a hole behind it. Pull it through, and make sure everything is aligned correctly.
  5. Here’s where you’re going to see your actual display and we’re picking what we’ll do. When you get to thread four, tell them to bring out the threaded needle and we’ll use our handy little tool. Can you put it in there without it? Some people don’t need it, and some do. This is what experts suggest you have to use. Take it in and put it behind there.
  6. Taking our little tool here, we’ll take the thread and clip it behind a little clip so that it’s secured, and then we’ll take the needle since we’ve already positioned it. Let’s slide the threader in there over this thread cutter because each one has its own, so it cuts the thread, and you can see that it is caught right there. Once we have pressed our machine again, you will see that the thread is in the hole, so that one has been threaded.

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Additional Technique to Easily Thread

Let’s take a quick look at how easy this is. Let’s take our thread so we are going to replace the number five thread here with the one we are going to attach to the holder and then cut the thread, leaving a little tail. Make sure the knot is tight enough and won’t come loose by looping this thread together. You will have to hold the thread down at number five and then you will pull it through so you can see that it is going through all the different routes and it doesn’t matter how thick it is, it still pulls through. You will see it loop around up and down and then come out at the bottom as it comes out.

Just threaded did you see how fast that was like seriously we could rewind and tell you how long that actually took like nothing don’t leave that thread up there so we do still have to go to our machine here and bring out our needle threader loop that around cut it and voila how easy is that so if you’re able and really you should always be able to unless you like are on the machine and run out of your thread completely um this is the easiest quickest best way to do it and it really takes no time at all.

Types of Threads for Embroidery

Knowing these threads would help you select the right one for your projects to get the desired results.

1.Hand-Woven Embroidery Threads

Types of threads for embroidery
Types of threads for embroidery

Stranded embroidery cotton

Embroidery threads like these are the most common. The product is available in a number of colors, each with a different color code. There are different color codes for different brands. The popular brands are Anchor and DMC. Embroidery floss is also known as stranded embroidery cotton. It consists of six strands that can be separated to adjust thread thickness as needed for embroidery. In comparison, needlepoint uses all six strands of embroidery floss instead of one.

Perle cotton

In hand embroidery, these are probably the next most popular threads. Each brand’s color code indicates its specific color. They too come in several colors. Surface embroidery and needlepoint are common uses for them.

Threads cannot be separated. Size numbers are given for each thickness, but they come in different thicknesses. The size number decreases as the thread thickness increases. It is approximately 6 strands of embroidery floss to make size #3 Perle cotton and 1 strand of embroidery floss to make size #12.  

Wool

The use of knitting wool in needlepoint, cross-stitching, and crewel embroidery is common. Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the wool. With 0 being the thinnest, it is called Lace. In the process of moving up, one number at a time, the number reaches 7, which is the thickest of all, known as Jumbo.

There are 1-3 plies of 0-weight yarn. There are three plays in Persian Yarn, which can be separated to adjust thickness. Yarns for Crewel Embroidery are similar to one-ply Persian yarns. Unlike 3-ply Persian Yarn, tapestry yarn can’t be separated, but it’s similar in thickness, so it’s good for needlepoint.

Metallic

When it comes to metallic threads, they can be difficult to work with. Besides tangles and snagging easily, it also wears easily. The following tips will help you cut shorter lengths of thread each time. You can stitch with fewer strands if you use fewer threads. As the thread passes through the fabric, a big needle will definitely reduce friction. You can take this wild thread by dampening it lightly or using a thread conditioner. When working with this thread, patience is essential. This should not be used on fabrics that are frequently washed or undergo heavy washing.      

Silk

There are many colors and spools of silk thread available. In order to achieve the required thickness, the thread must be layered. Needle painting and fine embroidery are great uses for silk thread. Due to its thinness, it can be used to couch down thicker threads.

2.Machine Embroidery Thread

Here are the most common threads used for machine:

Machine embroidery thread
Machine embroidery thread

Polyester embroidery thread

A good reason for the popularity of polyester thread in the industry is that it is durable. In addition to being strong, durable, and colorfast, it can also withstand chlorine bleach. Your embroidery will look and feel more professional when you use polyester thread. Colors are available in this thread, which runs smoothly.

It is great for embroidery on general clothing, especially outdoor clothing, and children’s garments. Polyester will withstand the cleaning process when children make messes, but we all know they’re mess-free little angels. A thread that constantly breaks is the last thing any embroidery machine wants. You can use polyester thread in your projects without worrying about damaging your machine. It is not recommended to use polyester thread for all your projects.

Rayon embroidery thread

The incredible color selection and high sheen of rayon thread make it a popular choice, even more than polyester. When compared to polyester, its only weakness is its strength. The breaking point of polyester is much higher than that of rayon. For this reason, it is important to test different rayon thread brands on your machine to see how they perform with stitch-intensive designs. When stitched at high speeds, rayon thread generally performs well. Intricate work or work that involves freestanding lace is more suitable for this type of fabric than polyester.

4 Different Types of Needles for Embroidery

There are various needles available in the market. Getting a quick brief about them would help you to pick the right one for your project.

Different types of needles for embroidery
Different types of needles for embroidery

Tapestry needle

A tapestry needle is generally used for cross stitch and counted thread embroidery, as it has a blunt point and a large eye. Generally, they are numbered 13-28, with 28 being the finest. Whip stitches are done by going below the thread rather than through the fabric. With Aida or Binca fabric, these can be used by children.

Milliner needles

In the millinery trade, milliner needles are commonly used for embroidery. A Bullion needle has a thin shaft, which is the same thickness as the eye. These needles are great for decorative stitches such as French knots and Bullion stitches. There are 10 sizes to choose from, but no.5 is generally my go-to.

Beading needles

There is no needle thin enough to pick up and travel through the tiniest of beads, making beading needles the thinnest of all. Their eyes are extremely small and their long body bends out of shape very easily. They are also very sharp. Made from the finest steel wire, they are available in sizes 10-15.

Chenille needle

A chenille needle is similar to a tapestry needle except that its point is sharp instead of blunt. The eye of these needles is easier on the wool thread and they come in sizes 13-28 like tapestry needles. It is useful when embroidered with metallic threads and ribbons.

FAQs

Should I knot my embroidery thread?

Use a knot to start embroidery stitches on sturdy and not see-through embroidery fabric. For beginners, it’s a quick and simple way because you don’t have to worry about the tail of the thread slipping through the fabric.

What tension is best for embroidery?

When doing machine embroidery, the tension dial should be set somewhere between 2 to 6.

Do you tie both ends of the embroidery thread?

Snip one end of your 2 strands together – with clean ends, the needle will thread more easily! Using the longer end of the thread, tie two small knots.

Final Thoughts

Since threading an embroidery needle can seem like a small and simple task. But it is quite difficult creating beautiful and neat embroidery designs. Throughout this article there are details and techniques discussed which can make sure that your thread is securely threaded through the eye of the needle, allowing you to create precise and detailed stitches. Always try to practice more and more to make it perfect when it comes to threading an embroidery needle. With a bit of patience and perseverance, you will soon be able to thread your needle quickly and easily, allowing you to create beautiful and intricate embroidery designs with ease.

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Author

Hey I’m Sherry Howes an expert in sewing, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. With a passion for fiber arts and a talent for crafting, I Have spent years improving my skills and sharing knowledge with others. Whether teaching a class or creating a new project, I’m always excited to share my love of crafting with the world. I like researching new techniques and trends in the crafting arts community.

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