Threading a needle is one of the most frustrating parts of sewing. Poking cotton though the tiny eye of a needle can become a downright impossible task, especially for those with a shaky hand, arthritis or impaired vision. To solve your sewing woes, a needle threader is just what you need!
Whether you're after a threader for a hand sewing needle, or one for use with a sewing machine, these handy tools will get you sewing with ease. In this article, we show you how to buy the right needle threader for your needs. With manual and automatic threaders to choose from, read on for our ranking of the top 10 best in the UK on Amazon ,eBay and John Lewis.
Quick List - Top Needle Threaders
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There's lots of needle threaders out there, but not all of them do a good job. That's why it's important to learn what to look out for when choosing one! In this guide, we're going to talk you through the basics of picking the best threader and help you decide whether going automatic is the right choice.
What's worse than trying out your new needle threader, only to find it's not compatible with the type of sewing you are doing? There are different types of needle threaders for sewing by hand and machine, so always read the product description to double check what it's for before buying.
Threaders for hand sewing have different designs that function either by inserting the needle inside the threader, or by using a wire to help thread. Threaders for sewing machines attach to the needle, but you can also use a manual multi-purpose threader for both hand and machine sewing.
Automatic threaders are a real game-changer for anyone that struggles to thread a needle. Even if you don't have a medical condition that prevents you from doing the task, threading a needle can be fiddly and takes up a lot of time.
An automatic needle threader does the job for you. All you need to do is insert the needle and follow the instructions that come with the threader as they work in different ways.
These are helpful devices, but can be temperamental, and if they break, you will no longer be able to use the device. Automatic isn't always better, and if you're sewing all the time, it might be better to go with a more reliable manual option instead.
Plastic threaders are lightweight, making them easy to hold and use. These won't be as strong as metal threaders, but they are inexpensive, so if you break one they'll be easy to replace. Plastic does have its drawbacks, though, as it's not the most environmentally conscious choice.
Some metal threaders come with plastic handles. These offer a steady grip, so you can push the wire tip easily through the needle to thread it.
You may be here to buy a needle threader, but there's no harm in having a couple of extras. Some needle threaders have a built-in cutter. This is usually a metal blade found somewhere on the device. You simply snap the thread against the metal blade for a clean cut.
Looking for scissors can get frustrating, especially when working on a sewing project as they can become hidden under the fabric. Having a cutter will save you time having to search around for a pair of scissors when you're trying to thread your needle.
Needle threaders come in packs of all sizes from 1 to 50. One piece needle threaders are often more robust and should be considered a permanent addition to your sewing kit that can be used multiple times, whereas packs with multiple pieces are often temporary solutions that can break after one use.
You're going to want to consider how often you sew when choosing a pack. 50 or even 20 may seem like a lot, but when you're using them daily, you can get through a larger bundle quite quickly.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Siganorpy Sewing Needle Threaders | ![]() | A Durable Design Tops the List | |
2 | Prym LED Needle Threader | ![]() | LED Light Makes it Easier to See | |
3 | Dipeer Colorful Needle Threader | ![]() | A Cute Flower Design | |
4 | Hemline Hummingbird Needle Threader | ![]() | A Beautiful Bird for Hand Sewing | |
5 | Kinvac Easy Insertion Needle Threader | ![]() | Assorted Colours for Easy Identification | |
6 | Colonial Needle 2-in-1 Needle Threader | ![]() | Two Sizes for Big and Small Needles | |
7 | Elcoho Sewing Machine Needle Threader | ![]() | A Helping Hand for Sewing Machines | |
8 | Hemline Aluminium Hand & Machine Sewing Needle Threaders | ![]() | An Alternative to Plastic | |
9 | Prym Needle Fairy Automatic Needle Threader | ![]() | Help From the Sewing Fairies | |
10 | WILLBOND Automatic Needle Threading Device | ![]() | Does the Job for You |
This threader style is the most popular amongst sewing enthusiasts, as the flat metal design is much stronger than any plastic alternative. They aren't too heavy either, so you can handle them with ease. And with 50 in a pack, you won't need to buy more very often.
The two hooks are useful for threading different needle eye sizes, making them perfect for all your sewing needs. Perhaps most conveniently of all, they can be used for both hand sewing and with sewing machines!
The Prym needle threader comes with an LED light that will make it easier to see the eye of the needle, especially if the lighting is dim. It also has a handy cutter to snip your thread to the correct length.
The compact design makes it much sturdier than most manual needle threaders. Best of all, the size will sit nicely in the palm of your hand, and with a thin and flexible wire, it's practically guaranteed thread the needle successfully every time.
Sewing is a creative hobby, so why not buy some fun flower-shaped cutters to liven up your projects? These multi-coloured threaders certainly get top points for cuteness! They're also ideal for both sewing and jewellery making.
They're best for use with small eyed needles, although you can use them with different kinds of thread, including embroidery, quilting and cotton. They're pretty durable for mini wire threaders too!
This needle threader has a creative hummingbird design, which will brighten up your sewing kit. There's a thread cutter on the tip of the beak, eliminating the need for scissors, and it works well for both small and large eyed needles.
Although small, it's still bigger than many plastic and wire threaders, making it difficult to lose. More importantly, this threader is robust, meaning it's sure to become a permanent part of your sewing kit!
Impaired vision shouldn't mean giving up your favourite hobby! These bright needle threaders come with multi-coloured handles and extra-long wire, making them easy to spot.
The wire itself is made from a flexible steel that will allow it fit easily through the needle eye. They're suitable for machine and hand sewing needles. Plus, there's 20 in a pack, so you'll have more than enough should any get lost.
This device boasts two threaders in one. There's a standard size threader on one end and an extra-large one on the other, which will come in handy for threading needles with different sized eyelet holes. It also has a sturdy, protective handle and casing to prevent breakage when stored inside your sewing kit.
The 2-in-1 needle threader is best for thin cotton, as thicker embroidery thread can cause it to snap. After all, with only one threader per pack, you want to make sure you look after it.
These threaders will help thread sewing machine needles that don't already have an automatic threading feature. They're compatible with most domestic sewing machines and are made from durable plastic, making each one last a while.
However, they can be a bit fiddly to use, and don't always thread the needle on the first attempt. Thankfully, they come with instructions on the packet, so you don't have to waste time figuring out how to use them.
If you're looking for an alternative to plastic threaders, these could be a great pick. They have a traditional wire tip design with an aluminium handle, making them better for the environment as they can be recycled easily.
The metal design is a little stronger than plastic, but they're still thin and can bend out of shape or break. There's also only 3 in a pack, so these are much better for occasional sewing projects, rather than daily use.
The Needle Fairy is an automatic tool that will help you thread needles for hand sewing. It comes with a handy plastic station that will hold your needle threader and cotton for sewing ease. You won't need scissors either, as this threader comes with a blade to cut the thread to the length you require!
This needler threader is automatic, but can be a little tricky to set up and doesn't have 100% threading accuracy. Nevertheless, it's still a helpful aid for anyone that finds sewing hard due to arthritis.
Are you looking for a needle threader that does the work for you? Place your needle into one of these automatic threaders, follow the instructions, and you'll be ready to go. You can also attach it to your sewing machine needle for help with bigger sewing projects.
Although this is a helpful invention, the plastic on these threaders is thin, making it less durable than other options. Luckily you have 8 in a pack, so you can easily replace them if they break.
Hand sewing is fun, but it can get tiring! Learning how to use a sewing machine can help you complete large tasks quickly, which is why we've put together a guide to help you pick out your first sewing machine. Already a dab hand at all things sewing? Perhaps it's time to treat yourself to a new kit, or even give jewellery making a go.
If you haven't got a steady hand, threading a needle can turn into an almost impossible task. Now you've read our tips for choosing a needle threader, you'll be able to pick the perfect one to make your future sewing tasks go a little smoother!
Author: Rosa Fairfield
No. 1: Siganorpy|Sewing Needle Threaders
No. 2: Prym|LED Needle Threader
No. 3: Dipeer|Colorful Needle Threader
No. 4: Hemline|Hummingbird Needle Threader
No. 5: Kinvac |Easy Insertion Needle Threader
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