One of the worst feelings in the world is bending over and suddenly feeling your pants rip, or feeling a button pop off of your waistband. In many cases, it’s an easy fix. Just a few stitches can fix your problem. But sometimes the biggest obstacle comes right at the start of this process. Today our Fun Fact for Ch. 13 focuses on…
THREADING A NEEDLE
Keep reading or watch the video for tips on this infamously tricky process.
Reference in The Prince and the Pauper
“‘…Would thread were bread, seeing one getteth a year’s sufficiency for a farthing, and such a brave big needle without cost, for mere love. Now shall I have the demon’s own time to thread it!’
And so he had. He did as men have always done, and probably always will do, to the end of time—held the needle still, and tried to thrust the thread through the eye, which is the opposite of a woman’s way. Time and time again the thread missed the mark, going sometimes on one side of the needle, sometimes on the other, sometimes doubling up against the shaft; but he was patient, having been through these experiences before, when he was soldiering. He succeeded at last, and took up the garment that had lain waiting, meantime, across his lap, and began his work.” (p. 71)
How to Thread a Needle
According to the narrator, the “correct” way to thread a needle is to bring the needle to the thread, rather than the other way around. One website breaks that process down in what they call the 4-step “pinch the tip” method:
- Hold the thread between your thumb and index fingers
- Pinch down on the thread between your fingers (so you can barely see the tip of the thread)
- Push the eye of the needles onto the thread
- Push the needle between your fingertips
Other Helpful Tips
If that method doesn’t work for you, here are a few more tips to help you with threading a needle:
- Use an eye magnifier
- Put white behind the needle
- Cut thread with sharp scissors
- Cut thread at an angle
- Stiffen thread with water, saliva, or beeswax
- Use a needle threader
- Use tweezers
Video Demonstration
A video shows yet another method that seems pretty simple!
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References
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/needle-threading-tips-2977529
Pontes Books 