clevermom3kids

Hi all! I've had great eyesight my whole life and now that I'm getting older it ain't so any more! My cry for help relates to wanting to take my vintage singer 185K (a 3/4 size gal) to a class but it doesn't come with a self threading needle like the new computerized machines do, and my reading glasses aren't cutting it (or threading it, as it were!) Anyway, my question is, what have any of you found helpful in threading a needle on a sewing machine versus just a hand needle which can be dealt with via a needle threader gizmo. Is there anything out there for threading machine needles? I'm a gadget gal, so would be happy to go out there and get something if it exists and I know where to find it! Thanks!

Tartan

I am not aware of a gadget for threading a sewing machine needle. They do have lighted magnifying glasses that you can get at Walmart that might help.

ManiacQuilter2

I have the needle threader that came with my Bernina. I would think that any gadget made for threading hand sewing needles would work on your sewing machine needle. I am referring to the gadget with the thin wire that you pull the thread thru the needle eye.

MarLeClair

I use magnifying glasses with a light on them to applique. I think they would help you with threading the needle. Look on Amazon.

Neesie

This is what I was thinking, as well. There's no reason it can't be used on a machine needle.

GailG

I have a needle threader gizmo on my machine but I just don't get along with it. This is what i do. I use a swatch of white fabric (actually a piece of 1/2 in. wide elastic) and hold it behind the eye of the needle. With that white behind the needle, the eye is very easy to see.

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

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

clevermom3kids

I've heard about the white fabric idea, but I like the idea of using the elastic as it's stiffer. QuiltnNan, that machine threader looks like a sonic toothbrush, LOL! I think I'll keep a couple of those traditional wire ones around as a backup, buy the magnifier for the short term, look into the Amazon threader, and definitely keep using my multitude of glasses that I have on every other surface around my house (I'm at 1.25 or 1.50; when I try stronger glasses, they make my head swim). Ya, I think I'll do them all and whatever works, works! Thanks everyone for the tips!

Path50

It may sound funny, but I put a piece of white paper behind the eye of the needle. It helps me see the eye better and I usually thread it on the first try. And I have old eyes too!