How to Thread a Yarn Needle

Threading a needle is often a difficult challenge involving squinting and numerous attempts. Add to that the thick texture of yarn and you have the potential for frustration. However, it doesn't have to be difficult to thread a yarn needle. Follow these steps to learn how to thread a yarn needle by hand or by using a threader.

Instructions

Thread a Yarn Needle by Hand

1. Hold the yarn between the thumb and forefinger of your left hand spaced about half an inch apart.

2. Push the yarn needle against the yarn with your right hand, drawing it up to create a fold between your thumb and index finger.

3. Pinch your fingers together and push upward until they are flush with the needle.

4. Slide the needle out, leaving a tiny bit of yarn fold peeking over the top of your fingers.

5. Place the eye of the yarn needle over the top of the fold of yarn so that it fits inside the eye of the needle and pushes through a little bit.

6. Pull the tiny fold of yarn through the eye of the needle until you have as much slack through the eye as you need for your project.

Thread a Yarn Needle Using a Threader

1. Slide the eye of the yarn needle over the needle threader.

2. Loop the yarn through the hole of the needle threader.

3. Pull the needle off the threader. This should pull the yarn through the eye of the yarn needle.

Tips & Warnings

• If especially thick yarn poses a problem, fray the end of the yarn by pricking it with the end of the needle. Fraying the yarn will make it flatter and smaller when folded so you can get it through the eye a little easier.

• Buy a threader specially designed for thicker thread like yarn. A traditional size threader may not do the job.

• Metal yarn threaders tend to be more durable than wire ones.

Resources

• Great illustrations of the needle threading process