Two questions.

[Stitching4Sanity]

My first question has to do with needle threaders. So far I have gone through two of them and I have only been cross stitching for a month! The wire end is just not strong enough to pull the threads through. Does anyone have a needle threader that they can recommend?

My second question is about buying online. My local craft store has a terrible selection of cross stitch items so I have been buying online. I am from Canada and would like to be able to shop within Canada because shipping is very high from the U.S. but I certainly do not object to cross-boarder shopping if the price is reasonable. Any recommendations?

[annabruen]

I personally do not use needle threaders, for the same reason. I moisten the end of the thread just a bit and squeeze it flat between my thumb and finger, so it is just barely visible, then push the eye down onto it. It's kind of hard to explain... I've used this method for so long its just second nature at this point. I do it without even having to think about it. It worked even on a pattern i just finished that called for 5 threads! Always make sure that your ends are freshly cut, thst makes a big difference in threading. Anytime i stitch a kit i always trim the ends first. Otherwise they are a little frayed at the end and it makes it harder to get the full strand through the eye.

[annabruen]

Re- reading my post, i thought i would clarify that i trim the kit guthread right before i use it, not all at once at the beginning.

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

I never use needle threaders - but you may find this post helpful - I use this method sometimes with unruly metallics....

Hopefully our resident Canadians will be able to help you out with your second question - although I think a lot still order from the US via 123stitch.

[NeedleAndFork]

There are many different kinds of needle threaders. Those flimsy metal ones with a wire are pretty much worthless in my opinion, but I've used a couple of others that I like better..





I really like the 2nd one - it seems to work well one size 26 and larger needles. Forget it on a size 28. Most of the time though I don't bother with a threader. If the edge is cleanly cut, I pinch it together and slide my needle onto the thread rather than try to push the thread through the eye of the needle. However if it is frayed, I fold the frayed bit over the needle and pinch before pulling the needle out - this gives a clean end to use to thread into the eye. I park which stitching so I am constantly rethreading my needle every few stitches and the ends eventually get frayed - stopping to cut before rethreading would waste a lot of thread and a lot of time!

[MaggieM1750]

I rarely use a threader as well.

I fold the the end of my thread in a loop. A tight loop. And push that loop through the eye of the needle. Very similar to the method annabruen uses- except a loop instead of the clean cut end of the thread.

A woman in my stitch group uses thin little strips of paper to thread her needle.
Heres a You Tube video.. using yarn.. but the concept is the same. Just like what MilkyBarKid posted- but video format instead of photos.

But.. you shouldn't be breaking threaders, even the wire ones, very often. Are you separating 1 or 2 strands from the 6 and stitching with those? What size needle are you using?

As for Canadian shopping sites- I am in the US, but the only site I can suggest is Gittas outside of Toronto. I've bought a pattern online from them- and it arrived quickly to the US. They are mainly a brick and mortar shop. Not really set up for online ordering- they can.. it just takes a bit of phone work, or looking at other sites to window shop but do your ordering through them.

[Trylla]

This is the type I use on the rare occasion I feel the need to use one. I've had mine for years too.

I'm a Canadian and I shop in the US and the UK when I shop online. 123stitch.com is usually my go to site, but I tend to order hand-dyed fabric, threads, and even patterns straight from the companies that make them.

You can also talk to some of the brick and mortar stitchy shops in Canada and see if they will ship to you. I know my LNS (http://www.threadneye.com" target="_blank) in London, Ontario does.

[rcperryls]

I don't use a needle threader very often either, but have a few different types because some needle's eyes are so thin that the threader won't go through the eye. I got this Mill Hill Needle Threader and Cutter when traveling by plane and it was harder to get even an embroidery scissors through the security check. There are all different types, but the wire ones do tend to break more.

Carole

[Parksfarm]

I have one from Heaven and Earth Designs and I couldn't stitch without it! It has helped speed my stitching up considerably... It is so beautiful and Michele guarantees them for life so if you do break it, she will fix it for you. As a matter of fact, I ordered them as gifts for my local stitching buddies and I just ordered two more of them new ones she released these past couple of weeks

[cairee]

I use needle threaders for certain threads like metalics or pearl cottons, the wire ones are cheap so I dont really care if they break, but it usually takes a while before they are done. are you using a needle that is too small? I find holding it by the wire to pull it through works when its a tight fit.

[gparr]

I thread every needle with the Susan Bates threader. Just seems faster and easier to me. I bought the package of two many, many years ago and have never used the second one. Agreed that you shouldn't be breaking threaders.
Gary

[Stitching4Sanity]

I am more baffled than ever! The needle threaders I have been using (and breaking) are so fine I could use them as dental floss. They are just a little more sturdy than the ones you get free in a pack of assorted needles. When I thread the three pieces of floss through they are thicker than the tin loop on the threader itself. When I have broken one the metal loop only goes into the threader itself a few millimeters/.5 a centimeter/.25 inch (sorry, trying to make conversions that all readers understand) Is it still me or am I using the wrong threader? I must be doing something wrong but I have no idea what it is.



PS- You are all awesome! Thanks for helping this beginner!

[curly sue]

This is the one I use the most. My sis uses the one from Mill Hill.

Sorry, I can't get the edit to fix the spacing between my sentences.

[gparr]

Those thin wire things always looked too flimsy to me. Try one of the Susan Bates designs. I think they're easy to find. Not to insult you, but are you using a big enough needle to handle three strands? I get the impression you're having to pull rather hard to get the floss through the eye. That shouldn't be the case.
Gary

[Stitching4Sanity]

Not offense taken. I am brand now to all this. It was suggested that I use 24 needle and yes I am having to really tug to get the thread through. I am doing a stamped cross-stitch on a poly/cotton.

[MaggieM1750]

3 strands on a 24 needle.. I would struggle to keep it threaded.

I just tried with the needles I currently have with me. I know I have a 26 and 28 (Both thinner than a 24) and one I am not sure of the size- but think its a 24.

All were easily threaded with 3 strands of floss. Threaded without using a threader thingy, or the paper trick. Just my usual "make a loop and push it through." Even as a beginner, you shouldn't be struggling to thread a needle with 3 strands of floss.

Are you using 3 lengths, cut directly from the skein?
Or have you cut one length, separated it into the 6 strands, then used 3 of those- leaving 3 left over?

Alternatively.. are you certain you are using a size 24 needle?

Any chance you can snap a photo of you threaded needle? (I would snap a photo of my needle but I can't- currently at work, no camera with me.)

[gparr]

Are you using 3 lengths, cut directly from the skein?
Or have you cut one length, separated it into the 6 strands, then used 3 of those- leaving 3 left over?

That was my next question. If you're not separating the strands, don't start to do it until you get some instruction. That is, unless you like untangling threads.

Gary

[Stitching4Sanity]

I am using DMC sixe 24 tapestry needles. As for the floss, I separate all 6 strands then put three together. If I really try I can thread them floss through without a threader but my eyes, even with my reading glasses are not very good. That is the reason I am using a threader in the first place.

http://s925.photobucket.com/user/mindfu ... sort=3&o=0

[MaggieM1750]

Huh.. well, now I am really stumped. (trust me.. not the first time) Threaders shouldn't break so easily. And there is enough room in the needle eye for the 3 strands. Everything all looks right.

Maybe it was a bad batch of threaders and the all metal kind are the solution.
Gosh- I was really hoping I could help you figure this out.
Thanks for the photo- I wish I had a better answer.

[fccs]

Maybe it was a bad batch of threaders

I purchased a package of needle threaders last year and they broke. One end of the little wire guy pulled out of the main part of the threader. I think it was a bad batch. So that is definitely a possibility in this case as well.