1. Sit erect, bringing the needle and thread as close to the eyes as necessary.

2. Roll the end of the thread between the thumb and cushion of the forefinger, so as to twist it tightly.

3. Hold the needle steadily between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, with the eye a little above.

4. Take the end of the thread between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, letting about half-an-inch protrude, and put the thread through the eye of the needle.

If preferred, the thread can be held in the left hand, and the eye of the needle passed over it.

To aid in threading a round-eyed needle with worsted or loosely twisted thread, a few fibres of cotton-batting or a fine thread can be rolled over the end. Waxing the end of the thread before rolling it, is also helpful.

Threading A Long-Eyed Needle

1. Hold the end of the zephyr between the left thumb and forefinger, allowing half-an-inch to show.

2. Place the pointed end of the needle on the cushion of the forefinger, and over the zephyr.

3. With the left thumb fold the end of the zephyr tightly over the needle.

4. Withdraw the needle, and pass the eye of the needle over the loop of zephyr.