How to Quilt>Dritz Wire Needle Threader

 

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Threading a Needle

Dritz makes an upscale version of a traditional wire needle threader. This one has a more substantial handle and a metal plate to protect the wire and to guide the thread through the wire and ensure that the needle ends up being threaded.

Please note that I am left-handed, and the pictures reflect that. The right-handers in our midst probably will have the handle portion of this needle threader on the right side.

Dritz wire needle threader with needle. Click on the picture for a larger image.

 

I have often wondered whether the wire would be too big to go through the eye of a Between - since Betweens are so small.

The answer to the question is "Yes, the wire does go through the needle and the needle will get threaded."

However, it doesn't glide easily through; mostly because of the small size.

 

 

 

Dritz wire needle threader with needle on the far side of the opening. Click on the picture for a larger image.

The first step is to push the wire loop through the eye of the needle, and glide it along the wire until it is next to the handle and past the opening in the metal plate.

For some reason, the wire kept wanting to twist itself around. It didn't make any difference in the threader's ability to perform, it was just rather interesting.

 

 

Run your thread through the opening in the metal plate and the wire loop. Click on the picture for a larger image.

 

The next step is to run your thread through the hole in the metal plate, making sure that it comes up through the center of the wire loop.

It doesn't appear to matter whether you string your thread from the bottom up or the top down - just get it through.

There is also no need at this point to cut your thread, although it wouldn't hurt if you did. I left my uncut, still on the spool (less likely to get lost).

 

 

Pull the needle across the wire loop, and your needle will be threaded. Click on the picture for a larger image.

 

Now slide the needle back across the wire loop, pulling the thread through the eye of the needle.

This might take some effort - but not too much - if you are threading a needle with a small eye.

 

I think there is a reason that this type of needle threader has been around for years. It is very easy to use, and works every time (as long as the thread and needle are in the right position). This model will last longer than the less expensive ones with thin handles and no guard around the wire loop.

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren
www.How-to-Quilt.com
www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com

Penny is a quilter of more than 27 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.

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©2006, Penny Halgren