RSS
Kathy of Pink Chalk Studio uses self threading needles to bury loose threads on a quilt top after machine quilting. I originally thought they would be good for hand sewing but after the comments on this post, I realize that's not a good idea. Thanks everyone! Read more about how Kathy's using them for quilting at Pink Chalk Studio here. Link.
Hey everybody, Kathy here, author of the original post. My post did not recommend using these needles for sewing, the eye is much too large to go through the fabric smoothly. I wrote about using them for burying threads on a quilt top after machine quilting. A HUGE time saver and a great use of the self-threading needle.
Reply to this comment
Yeah, these have been around since 1897- they're also known as Calyx-eyed needles. After all this time, they are STILL horrible! The end will snag the cloth on the way out.
Here is a source for self-threading machine needles-
http://www.newarkdress.com/SMN29.html
I've never worked with them, so I don't know if they are any good or not.
I use the "drawer method" when I have to thread needles. Here's what you do.
Take a very large magnifying glass, open your "junk drawer" or your silverware drawer in your kitchen, the theory being the more heavy clutter, the better.Stand the glass upright in the drawer. Shut the drawer, so that it holds the glass upright for you. Now you have both hands free to thread your needle behind your magnifying glass!
You can also duct-tape your glass to your sewing machine, those little toy plastic ones that kids use in the summer is good for this.
Reply to this comment
Thanks for the tip! I had no idea. I'll have to get more supply of needle threaders instead!!
Reply to this comment
they've been around for a long time and they completely suck. They snap your thread constantly, and fray it badly if it doesn't completely snap it. And if you have a particularly tough stitch and have to pull hard, the thread DOES come back out. The regular needles are worth the effort, IMHO.
Reply to this comment