January Sewing Tip of the Month

Threading 4 Strands in a Needle

Things you will need:
Thread, scissors and a needle with a large enough eye to carry 2 threads.
(A size 20 Sharps needle works well.)


1)  Cut a strand of matching color thread, approximately 36” or longer.  But not too long or it will tangle and break as you sew.

Put one end of the thread through the needle’s eye.

(If thread frays from multiple attempts, trim thread at an angle to make a new sharp end.)

(Some people moisten the thread slightly in their mouth to smooth the frayed ends.)

 
2)  Pull a short amount of thread through the eye, then pull the thread tight on both sides of the needle, forcing the thread to the bottom of the eye.  Hold these threads tight with your left hand to maximize remaining space in the eye. 

Loop the short thread end back and re-insert it into the same side of the needle’s eye that the thread just came out.  Leave a short thread loop one side of the needle.  The 2 cut ends are on the other side of the needle.

3)  Insert a finger into the thread loop to keep it from pulling out of the needle. 

Bring the 2 cut ends evenly together, then pull and adjust the lengths of each thread so they are equal.  Keep your finger in the thread loop so it doesn't pull out of the needle.

4)  Bring the 2 cut ends together with the loop end.  Hold the needle and pull the 4 strands of thread even and tight.

5)  Form a knot at the end of the threads by wrapping the thread ends around an index finger.

 

6)  Then use your thumb to roll the loop of thread off the finger.

7)  Pinch the rolled loop between your thumb and middle finger to pull thread tight.

If necessary, trim the thread ends close to the knot.

8)  You now have a needle threaded and knotted with 4 strands for quickly sewing on a button, a hook and eye, making bar tacks or any number of tasks that would take longer with only 2 strands of thread.

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