The needle threader makes threading fast and cuts missed stitches
A needle threader is a small metal device built into most sewing machines that guides thread through the needle eye without you having to hold it steady or squint at the hole. You lower a tiny wire loop, pass your thread through it, and the machine pulls the loop back up through the needle. It takes three seconds instead of three minutes, and it works even if your eyesight is not perfect.
Not every machine has one — older machines and some budget models skip it — but if yours does, learning to use it properly stops the frustration of thread slipping out of the needle or breaking before you even start sewing.
Key Takeaways
- The needle threader is a wire loop that hangs below or beside the needle; you lower it, thread your thread through the loop, and the machine pulls it back up through the needle eye.
- Your needle must be in the highest position (all the way up) before you use the threader, or the loop will not reach the needle.
- Thread goes through the loop first, then the machine or your hand pulls the loop back, dragging the thread through the needle.
- If the threader does not work, check that the needle is all the way up, that the thread is actually in the loop, and that you are pulling the threader handle in the right direction.
Step-by-step: threading with the built-in threader
Start by raising your needle to its highest point. On most machines, you do this by turning the hand wheel (the large wheel on the right side of the machine) toward you until the needle is all the way up. Some machines have a button that raises the needle automatically — check your manual if you are not sure. The needle must be at the top, or the threader wire will not reach it.
Locate the needle threader. On most machines it is a small metal arm with a wire loop at the end, positioned just above or to the side of the needle. Some machines have a lever you pull down; others have a button you press. Your manual will show exactly where yours is and how to set up it.
Lower the threader wire loop so it sits in front of the needle eye. If your machine has a lever, pull it down gently. If it has a button, press it and the loop will move into position on its own. The loop should now be directly in line with the needle hole.
Hold the thread taut and pass it through the wire loop from front to back. Do not let go of the thread — hold it between your thumb and finger so it stays in the loop. The thread should pass cleanly through without bunching.
Pull the threader lever or button back to its starting position. As you do, the wire loop will slide back up and through the needle eye, dragging your thread with it. The thread will now be threaded through the needle. Release the thread and you are done.
Where the needle threader is on different machine types
On mechanical machines (the most common type), the threader is usually a small metal arm on the left or right side of the needle, with a tiny wire loop at the end. You pull a lever down to lower the loop, pass thread through it, and push the lever back up. The motion is smooth and takes almost no pressure.
On computerized machines, the threader often works the same way, but some models have an automatic threader button instead. Press the button and the machine threads itself — you just hold the thread near the needle and the machine does the rest. Check your manual to see whether your machine has manual or automatic threading.
On sergers (overlock machines), the threader works differently because sergers have multiple needles and loopers. Most sergers have a threader for each needle, and they are usually color-coded to match the thread path. The principle is the same — loop, thread, pull back — but you may need to thread several needles in sequence.
What to do if the threader is not working
If the thread keeps slipping out or the threader does not seem to be pulling the thread through, check three things first. One: make sure the needle is all the way up. If it is even slightly lowered, the loop will not reach the eye. Two: confirm the thread is actually sitting in the wire loop and has not slipped out. Three: make sure you are pulling the lever or pressing the button all the way — a partial motion will not complete the threading.
If the threader wire itself is bent or broken, you cannot repair it yourself. You will need to take the machine to a technician or contact the manufacturer. A bent wire will not seat properly in the needle eye and will either miss the needle or damage it.
If your machine does not have a threader, or if the threader is broken and you cannot get it fixed right away, you can thread the needle by hand. Hold the thread between your thumb and finger, bring it close to the needle eye, and push it through. It is slower, but it works. Some people also use a handheld needle threader — a small tool you can buy at any fabric store for a few dollars — which works the same way as the built-in version.
Why the needle threader matters for your sewing
A threader saves time, but it also saves your thread and your patience. When you thread by hand, you often bend the thread or fray the end, which makes it harder to push through the needle. A threader pulls the thread straight through without bending it, so it is less likely to break or slip out while you are sewing.
If you sew regularly, you will thread your needle dozens of times. Using the threader instead of doing it by hand cuts your setup time in half and reduces the number of times you have to stop mid-project because the thread came loose. For anyone with vision problems or shaky hands, the threader is not a convenience — it is the difference between being able to sew and not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all sewing machines have a needle threader?
No. Most modern machines have one, but older machines and some budget models do not. Check your manual or look near the needle — if you see a small metal arm with a wire loop, you have a threader. If you do not see one, you can buy a handheld needle threader at any fabric or craft store for a few dollars.
Can I use the needle threader if my needle is not at the top?
No. The needle must be all the way up, or the threader wire will not reach the needle eye. Always raise the needle to its highest position before you use the threader. Turn the hand wheel toward you or press the needle-up button, depending on your machine.
What if the thread keeps slipping out of the loop?
Hold the thread taut with your fingers so it does not move while you lower the threader. Make sure the thread is sitting in the wire loop and has not slipped to the side. If the loop itself is bent, it may not hold the thread — in that case, you will need to have the threader repaired or use a handheld threader instead.
Is a handheld needle threader as good as the built-in one?
A handheld threader works the same way and is just as effective, but it is one more tool to keep track of. If your machine's threader is broken or your machine does not have one, a handheld version is worth the small cost. They are durable and last for years.
Can I thread the bobbin with the needle threader?
No. The needle threader only threads the needle. The bobbin (the small spool that holds the lower thread) is wound separately on the bobbin winder, which is a different part of the machine. Your manual will show you how to wind and insert the bobbin.