Help! I'm getting old and so is my sewing machine!
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Davis, CA
Posts: 81
Help! I'm getting old and so is my sewing machine!
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!
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
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.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Texas, USA
Posts: 5,896
This is what I was thinking, as well. There's no reason it can't be used on a machine needle.
#6
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.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Org. Texas now Florida
Posts: 847
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!
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
#8
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
it works much better than i thought it would
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Davis, CA
Posts: 81
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!
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