Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't I think of this sooner!? Linda and I both get questions emailed to us pretty often. Some questions are unique, but the majority are questions we have heard before. We have always taken the time to send an answer - but there are times when we can't get an answer out right away. With that in mind, I am going to post answers to FAQ on this page.
So we begin on February 4, 2012....
Question: My new threader will not thread silk (too fine) and it shreds Mettler. Is your threader better than a Clover? or is it my thread? !
Answer: These are the cotton threads I use most often: Superior's Masterpiece, Aurifil's 50 weight, DMC 50 weight machine embroidery, Mettler's 60 weight (not 50 weight), YLI's Soft touch. The following threaders work with these threads:
- Clover's Desk Threader - this threader has been on the market a long time and it works. It must be level and the thread must be fully seated in the thread slot. It's not hard to use but some people have trouble getting thread to stay in the thread slot. (I don't have this threader on the website.)
- The Easy Threader by Bohin - this is on the site. I like it a lot. It too must be level to use. It has two needle openings - use the small one. What is great about this one is that you 'pop' the thread into place and it stays there.
- The Quick Thru Threader by Sewline - this is the cute one that looks like a lipstick case. It does not have to be level and it easy to use. However, the instructions say to carefully insert the needle, being sure that it is lined up with the little thing that goes through the eye of the needle. Once inserted, you need to carefully push the little lever to be sure the eye of the needle is in the correct position. A magnet is holding the needle at this point so it's not hard - but this is not a step to skip or you can break the mechanism.
- The Quilters Needle Threader works too, but it's one that you have to put through the eye of the needle yourself. Not always an easy task. It is best used in the crewel needle with perle cotton thread.
In all cases you have to be sure that you are using a needle with the correct eye shape. I use the Clover Black Gold size 12 sharp. Linda uses the Hemming Straw/Milliner's in a size 11. The Clover gold eye applique needle in a size 12 also works. I'm sure other needles work as well in these threaders but these are the ones I am sure of.
I have seen needles cut the thread when they shouldn't. Sometimes there is a burr in the eye of the needle in which case you need to use another needle.
