The basic method: pull thread through the eye
To start a sewing needle, cut a length of thread about 18 to 24 inches long and trim the end at a sharp angle with scissors or thread cutters. Hold the needle steady between your thumb and forefinger, and push the angled thread end through the eye of the needle. Once the thread passes through, pull it until you have roughly equal lengths on both sides — or pull one end longer if you want to knot only one strand.
The angled cut matters because it creates a point that slides through the eye more easily than a blunt end. If your first attempt fails, trim the thread again rather than trying to push a frayed or bent end through. A fresh cut takes seconds and saves frustration.
Key Takeaways
- Cut thread at a sharp angle with scissors to create a point that passes through the needle eye more easily than a blunt end.
- Pull the thread through until you have two working lengths, or leave one side longer if you plan to knot only one strand.
- Knot the end or ends of the thread by wrapping it around your finger, rolling it into a loop, and pulling tight to anchor it in the fabric.
- If the thread keeps slipping out of the eye, use a needle threader, which costs a few dollars and works on needles smaller than size 10.
- For thick fabrics or multiple layers, use heavier thread and a larger needle to avoid breaking or bending the needle during sewing.
Knotting the thread to anchor it in fabric
Once the thread is through the needle, knot one or both ends to keep the thread from pulling back through the fabric as you sew. The simplest knot is the overhand knot: wrap the thread around your index finger, slide the loop off your finger, and pull the thread end through the loop, then tighten by pulling both strands.
If you threaded the needle with equal lengths on both sides, you can knot both ends and sew with a doubled thread, which is stronger and faster for hand sewing. If you left one side longer, knot only the longer end. The knot should be small and tight so it sits at the surface of the fabric without pulling through.
Dealing with thread that keeps slipping out
If the thread slides back out of the needle eye repeatedly, the eye may be too large for your thread, or the thread may be too thick or frayed. Try a fresh cut on the thread end first. If that does not work, switch to a smaller needle or thinner thread that fits the eye more snugly.
A needle threader is a small metal tool with a loop that slides through the needle eye, then you push the thread through the loop, and pull the threader back out — the thread comes with it. Threaders cost two to five dollars and work on most hand-sewing needles smaller than size 10. They are worth buying if you sew regularly or have vision trouble.
Choosing needle and thread thickness for your fabric
Thicker fabrics need thicker thread and larger needles. A size 7 or 8 needle works for lightweight cotton and linen. A size 5 or 6 needle suits medium-weight fabrics like quilting cotton or canvas. A size 1 to 3 needle is for heavy fabrics like denim or upholstery. Using a needle that is too small for the fabric can bend or break the needle as you push it through.
Match your thread weight to your needle size. Thin thread on a large needle will slip through the eye. Thick thread on a small needle will not fit. Most sewing thread sold for hand sewing is labeled with a weight or size — check the label when you buy to make sure it matches your needle.
Starting your first stitch after threading
Once the needle is threaded and knotted, push the needle through the fabric from the back side so the knot catches on the surface and anchors the thread. Pull the needle all the way through until the knot stops it. You are now ready to make your first stitch by pushing the needle back through the fabric a short distance away and pulling it through again.
For a basic running stitch, push the needle in and out of the fabric in a straight line, keeping the stitches roughly the same length. Aim for stitches about one-eighth inch long for seams that hold well. Longer stitches are faster but weaker; shorter stitches are stronger but take more time.
Ending the thread and starting a new one
When your thread gets short — usually after 12 to 18 inches of stitching — tie it off on the back side of the fabric. Push the needle through to the back, then make a small loop and push the needle through the loop to create a knot. Pull tight and trim the thread close to the knot. Then thread a new needle and continue sewing.
If you are sewing a seam that will take a lot of stress, tie off the thread with two or three small knots instead of one, spacing them slightly apart. This keeps the seam from unraveling if one knot breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my thread keep breaking while I sew?
Thread breaks when the needle is too small for the fabric, the thread is old or weak, or you are pulling too hard. Try a larger needle, fresh thread, and a gentler pull. If you are sewing thick fabric, use heavier thread designed for that weight.
Can I use any thread with any needle?
No. Thick thread needs a larger needle eye so it does not fray or jam. Thin thread on a large needle will slip through the eye. Match the thread weight to the needle size — most thread labels tell you which needle sizes work best.
What if I cannot get the thread through the needle eye?
Cut the thread end at a fresh angle with sharp scissors. If that fails, try a needle threader, which costs a few dollars. If the needle eye is damaged or too small, switch to a larger needle or a different needle altogether.
How long should my thread be when I start sewing?
Eighteen to 24 inches is standard. Longer thread is harder to manage and tangles more easily. Shorter thread means you tie off and rethread more often. You can adjust based on what feels comfortable in your hand.
Do I have to knot both ends of the thread?
No. You can knot one end and sew with a single strand, or knot both ends and sew with a doubled thread. Doubled thread is stronger and faster but uses thread twice as quickly. Single thread is slower but uses less thread.