Help! I'm getting old and so is my sewing machine!

Reply Subscribe

Page 3 of 8

Last »

Thread Tools

06-12-2015, 04:47 AM

#21

Geri B

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2011

Location: Illinois

Posts: 9,018

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weezy Rider

A Viking machine I had (1+) came with a white mark embedded on the ankle behind the needle. Don't know if it was tape, but you can use a small white piece of tape in that spot.

A bit off subject....yes, I still have that machine and that is a great idea...works well...and that olde girl works better than my new Baby!!!!!!!

06-12-2015, 08:14 AM

#22

mckwilter

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2013

Location: Texas

Posts: 1,198

I've had a problem since I had cataract surgery. Reading glasses just don't quite cut it. I found these on Amazon.com and on JoAnn.com and keep at least two in my sewing kit and 2 with each of my machines. They work great on machine and larger eyed hand needles.

http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-Looped-N...edle+threaders

http://www.joann.com/dritz-looped-ne...g/5579099.html

Also, Nova Montgomery sells a needle threader on her website.

06-12-2015, 09:06 AM

#23

susie-susie-susie

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: howell, Mi

Posts: 2,345

My machine has a needle threader, but it gets stuck in the needle when I try to use it. I've taken it back to the shop and it works fine every time !!! I has to be user error, but I can't figure it out, so I thread the machine the old way. I find if I just put my finger behind the eye of the needle, I get it threaded every time. I just had cataract surgery about 6 months ago, and only can't see very small things.
Sue

06-12-2015, 09:08 AM

#24

maryjane

Member

Join Date: Sep 2011

Location: Lake Stevens, WA

Posts: 34

I just picked up a Dritz Machine Needle Inserter & Threader at Joann's. This tool is great for threading machines and it also holds the needle steady in the slot while you are tightening the screw. The threader works like the automatic threader on my newer machines so I can continue to use all my old machines whose needles thread from the side and from the front.

06-12-2015, 09:32 AM

#25

Lee in Richmond

Senior Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Richmond, VA

Posts: 601

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThreadHead

I use my little wire threader on my machine all the time. You can also go to the Dollar Tree and get you a pair of glasses for $1.00. Go find a medicine bottle in the store where the writing is too small to read, then go find a pair of glasses that will help you read the bottle when you hold it 10 to 12 inches from your face. I use a 250. I have 6 pair floating around the house all the time. I've had cataracts removed from both eyes, and a lens put in. What a difference in colors !
As far as threading a needle for hand sewing, you can cut the thread so there is a blunt end, no stray fuzzy hairs. Pull the thread down between your thumb and finger so that only a small dot of thread is showing. Set the eye of the needle down on the dot and slightly push down, roll your finger and thumb up to catch the thread and pull up. Works for me. lol

I was told recently in a class that there is a direction to thread! The 'right' end to thread a needle is the leading edge off the spool (not the spool end). Who knew?

06-12-2015, 10:38 AM

#26

leaha

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2009

Location: Ky. USA

Posts: 2,829

Ditto this is what I do too

06-12-2015, 10:45 AM

#27

crafty pat

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2010

Location: Live Oak, Texas

Posts: 6,133

Before I had my eyes fixed I used just a hand needle threader and it worked just fine.

06-12-2015, 01:40 PM

#28

quiltedsunshine

Super Member

Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: Utah

Posts: 2,085

There are "handicap needles" that have a slit in the side. So all you have to do is slide the thread down the side, and it goes into the eye. The Schmetz handicap needles will work in your machine.

06-12-2015, 03:49 PM

#29

linda8450

Senior Member

Join Date: Nov 2011

Posts: 453

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuiltnNan

here is the gadget that came with one of my machines. http://www.amazon.com/KingSo-Threade.../dp/B00STDMKBW
it works much better than i thought it would

There are several different models of this threader, one I got came with my Babylock serger and I went hunting to find a few for my other machines to have one at each station! They work well, are easy to put a piece of velcro on and attach to the machine! I think I now have 5 of them, some different models, but they all work by sliding the thread into the slots and pushing a button the feeds the thread into the needle....MAGIC!!!

06-13-2015, 02:48 AM

#30

todiesmom

Senior Member

Join Date: Aug 2014

Posts: 335

If you hold a plain piece of white paper...no lines...behind the eye of the needle is is easier to see the needle hole...if necessary use this tip plus a magnifying glass and a lot of patience....hope this helps you....it helped me before my cataract surgery....now I see the needle hole with no trouble..