How to Thread a Needle Easily (Beginner Sewing Guide)
Learning how to thread a needle is one of the first beginner sewing skills. Once the thread is passed through the eye of the needle and secured with a knot, you can start hand sewing seams, repairs, embroidery, and simple sewing projects. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to thread a needle step by step, including threading with your fingers, using a needle threader, and tying a sewing knot.
How to Thread a Needle (Quick Guide)
Threading a needle involves passing thread through the eye of the needle and securing it with a knot before sewing.
- Cut the thread at a sharp angle
- Wet or pinch the thread end
- Push the thread through the needle eye
- Pull the thread through evenly
- Tie a knot at the thread end
What is the Eye of a Needle?
The eye of a needle is the small hole at the top of the needle where the thread passes through. Different sewing needles have different eye sizes depending on the thickness of the thread and the type of sewing being done. Nearly all crafts and sewing projects will need you to thread a needle at some point. All levels of sewers will have to do hand sewing, and it can also be an enjoyable hobby.
Learn more beginner hand sewing techniques in the complete hand stitching for beginners guide.
Supplies for Threading a Needle
All you need to thread needles is just a simple sewing needle, scissors, and some thread. Nothing fancy!
Best Needles for Hand Sewing
Now there are a lot of different types of needles, but really they all do the same thing – push the thread through the fabric. General-purpose, or medium-sized sewing needles are called Sharps, and most packets contain numerous sizes. Just eyeball the packet and choose one with an eye that your thread will fit through.
Read the full hand sewing needles guide to learn about different needle types and sizes.
Best Threads for Threading a Needle
Threads come in a rainbow of different colors and, of course, different types. Once again, since you are just starting out, purchase an all-purpose thread.
These are usually made from polyester and can be purchased really cheaply. Try and get a color that matches the garment or project you are going to sew. Matching color thread hides everything and is a beginner’s best friend.
Further Reading: Types of Sewing Thread
If you have a choice, use a light-colored thread. That is because black is the hardest color to thread as it blends into the background. If you need to sew a black clothing item though, you’ll have no choice. Just get the best lighting you can.
It can also help to thread the needle against a white or pale-colored background. If your desk is dark or black, put a piece of white paper underneath while you thread.
Use Sharp Scissors to Thread a Needle
Scissors? Well, not any old scissors will do. Make sure they are sharp enough to cut thread cleanly. Blunt scissors fray the end of the thread, making it harder to thread.
How to Thread a Needle (Step by Step)
1. Cut the Thread
How Much Thread to Cut When Threading a Needle? From your spool of thread, cut off 18-20 inches (46-50cm) of thread. This is a good length that generally does not get too tangled as you sew.
How to Cut the End of the Thread? The easiest way to do this is to first cut the end of the thread at a sharp 45-degree angle. Unless your needle eye is huge, you will never get a fluffy thread end through it without a sharp cut.
Wet or Stiffen the End – Stiffen the end of the thread by wetting or pinching it. It can also help to pinch the tip of the thread and roll it between your thumb and pointer finger. This smooths all the fluffy fibers and makes them easier to thread.
2. Insert the Thread Through the Eye
Step 2 in learning how to thread a needle is to get the thread through the eye of the needle. The eye is simply what they call the hole in the non-pointy end of the needle. It looks a bit like a cat-eye don’t you think?
You can get the thread through the eye of your needle with:
- Your fingers
- A needle threader
I normally use my fingers. But you do need good eyesight! If your eyesight is bad, then skip straight to the needle threader instructions.
How to put thread through a needle eye:
- Once you have a nice clean end on your thread, then push it through the eye of the needle to the other side.
- You would usually use your thumb and index finger to hold the thread, but you can come up with your own method.
3. How to Tie a Sewing Knot
Now you know how to thread a needle, it is time to learn how to tie a sewing knot. Once the thread has been passed through to the other side, pull it through so you have 2 tails.
Once you have passed the end of the thread through the eye of the needle, it is time to tie a knot to prevent the thread from pulling through the fabric. You can either tie a knot in one end of the thread or knot both ends together.
To knot the end of the thread, create an overhand knot. It is also sometimes called a single knot.
- Form a loop by passing the cut end over the attached end
- Tuck the end inside the loop
- Pull tight
Don’t worry about trying to get the knot right at the end of the thread. You can cut off any excess at the end.
Single Vs Double Threaded Needles? Now you need to decide whether you want a single thread or double thread for your sewing project. Unless you are attempting embroidery or sewing something ultra-fine, then do a double thread as it is stronger and easier to hand sew with. You can see in the photo below, that double-threaded means there are 2 strands of thread in the knot. Single-threaded means that the knot is just on the longer piece of thread.
Troubleshooting Threading a Needle
If you are struggling to thread a needle, try using brighter lighting, wetting the thread end, or switching to a larger needle eye. A needle threader can also make threading much easier, especially when using fine needles or thick embroidery floss.
How to Thread a Needle Alternative
If you are having trouble threading the thread through the eye with your fingers, then here is a little tool that can help make your job easier. It is called a needle threader, and it often comes free with packets of needles. They are also sold through sewing and craft stores. Notice the coin-like appearance of the head and the thin wire diamond on the end? That is fairly typical. Needle threaders are especially useful when you are threading several strands of embroidery floss or a thicker thread through the eye of a tapestry needle.
If you want more photos and a longer explanation, read my full article on how to use a needle threader.
How to Thread a Needle Video Tutorial
Here is a video tutorial on how to thread a needle using a needle threader.
Common Needle Threading Mistakes and Tips
Threading a needle can feel frustrating for beginners, especially when working with dark thread or small needle eyes. Sharp scissors, good lighting, and shorter thread lengths will make threading much easier.
| Common Mistake | Tip |
|---|---|
| Frayed thread ends | Cut thread with sharp scissors |
| Cannot see the needle eye | Use brighter lighting |
| Thread slips out | Pull through a longer tail |
| Thread tangles | Use shorter thread lengths |
| Needle difficult to thread | Use a needle threader |
Needle Threading FAQs and Tips
Easy thread needles are also called self-threading needles. These are a type of hand sewing needed that has a slot at the top of the eye so you can pass the thread through.
The easiest way to thread a needle is with your fingers. Cut the end at a 45-degree angle with sharp scissors. Wet the end and pinch the end between your fingers so there is no fraying or fluffy fibers stitching out. Then put the end through the eye of the needle and pull it through.
Frayed thread ends, poor lighting, or using a needle eye that is too small are the most common reasons threading becomes difficult.
Pin for Later
How to Thread a Needle – In Conclusion
Learning how to thread a needle is an essential beginner sewing skill that makes hand sewing, embroidery, repairs, and mending much easier. With sharp scissors, good lighting, and a little practice, threading a needle quickly becomes simple and automatic. Once your needle is threaded and knotted, you can confidently start sewing seams, repairs, and beginner hand stitching projects.
More Hand Sewing Articles:
How to Thread a Needle and Tie a Knot
Difficulty
Tools
- Scissors
- Hand Sewing Needle
Materials
- Thread
Instructions
- From your spool of thread, cut off 18-20 inches (46-50cm) of thread. Cut with sharp scissors at a 45 degree angle. Wet, pinch or stiffen the end.
- Insert the cut end of thread through the eye of the needle with your fingers. You would usually use your thumb and index finger to hold the thread, but you can come up with your own method.
- Once you have passed the end of the thread through the eye of the needle, it is time to tie a knot to prevent the thread from pulling through the fabric. Use an overhand knot.
- Tie the thread either single or double threaded.
Author - Luisa Clare
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
Very useful,
Many thanks for the tips, which will come in very handy.
Kindest regards,
Mark S Doughty.