This was always a mystery to me until I joined EGA (Embroiderers’ Guild of America) where I learned how needles are made. As Brenda noted, there is a right side & a wrong side created during the manufacturing process. The manufacturers try to remove the microscopic burs that are formed on the wrong side by polishing. Some are more successful than others! Better quality needles generally have fewer problems so “invest in the best” for hand sewing. Also, use the correct needle! There are many types & sizes, specifically made for certain tasks. Eyes may be round, short oval, oval or long oval. To easily thread most needles, lay a length of thread over the shaft of the needle & pull sharply, grasping both thread ends firmly between thumb & forefinger. Slide the crisply folded thread off the shaft & lay the eye of the needle over the fold you are pinching. If the thread doesn’t pop up thru the eye, flip the needle over & try the other side. My beginning Crazy Q! uilt students all mastered this in their first session so it can’t be rocket science! For bulky threads such as chenille or cords, it is often easier to use a needle with an oval or long oval eye. Cut a TINY strip of paper (ordinary copy machine paper works fine) & slip it over the cut end of the thread. Insert the folded end of the paper into the eye on an angle & draw thru. The thread end that was trapped in the folded paper should now be threaded. Lastly, store your needles correctly. “The Needle Index”, designed by Valley Quail Chapter EGA, Walnut Creek CA is the best way. Needles are arranged by type. There are good descriptions of characteristics, uses, sizes etc. Invaluable IMHO! I’m a very satisfied customer. Hope this helps. Sincerely, Susan Hottle USA
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