Needle Threaders
with instructor Steve Butler
Class 137
What is it? – Every notice how it’s never the old garments that fall victim to the dreaded snag? Those sweaters, coats, blouses or pants that never leave our home seem to never to snag. But something new, something we can’t wait to be seen in and snags plague our very being. Oh, and did I say then never develop in obscurity. No such luck. These snags are children of the obvious, proudly standing for all to see. Those unruly snags. They’re thread or threads or maybe a section of yarn pulled free and right there for all to see. And once you’ve seen it you can’t ignore it. Something must be done if only to eliminate our own anxiety. How can we make it better? We Google it and see some interesting ideas from just trying to push the snag back through its point of origin or perhaps using a needle, thread and needle threader to coral the loose threads and return them from whence they came. Very delicate and complicated work with no guarantees. And what about those other occasions when we face a loose thread that doesn’t belong? Sewing is full of circumstances where we have loose thread ends to deal with. Whether dealing with a troublesome thread pull from a snag or just loose thread ends naturally occurring from some routine sewing operation, we have to make them go away like they were never there. Google may not have the answer but Clover does. Clover’s Snag Repair Needles are designed to permanently deal with the entire spectrum of unwanted loose thread and yarn ends.
What does it do? – Clover’s Snag Repair Needles are designed for the detail side of snag repair or finishing stitches off cleanly. Two sizes of needles are provided. The thicker size is ideal for loosely woven or knit fabrics. The finer size is perfect for densely woven or finer fabrics. Each needle sports a fine ball point that allows us to manipulate our fabric without having to worry about splitting fibers. This is especially important when repairing snags on fine fabrics. Additionally, Snag Repair Needles are the new “go to” tool for hiding loose thread ends associated with machine quilting, embroidery, punch needle, needlepoint, Sashico or tapestries. Here’s how it works.
Snags – Unsightly snags ruin the feel of anything. But we can repair them to our satisfaction. Simply select the snag repair needle size for the fabric being repaired. Remember, always use the finest needle possible. Insert the point into the exact spot from where our errant thread was pulled. Attach those loose fibers or threads to the “grippy” edges on the end of the needle by wrapping them around the shaft while simultaneously twisting the needle. Once the connection is made, just pull the needle with the attached fibers through the fabric to the wrong side and remove the needle. Problem solved. Loose Thread Ends – Machine quilting, for example, leaves us with loose ends to deal with. Top thread and bobbin thread ends. The first step in the hiding process is to get both threads on the same side of the quilt. Simply pull the top thread upwards which reveals a bobbin thread loop. Use the point of the needle to pull the now exposed bobbin thread loop through to the top of the quilt. Tie the two threads together with an overhand knot. Now insert the Snag Repair Needle into the fabric where the bobbin thread came through. Move it horizontally between the quilt layers for about an inch and then back through the quilt top. Always check to make sure your needle didn’t exit the back of the quilt at any point. Remember, we want to hide the thread ends between quilt layers. Now attach the loose thread in the same manner you would for a snag repair and pull it through the quilt to the exit point on the top fabric. Clip the thread close to the top fabric and the loose end will pull back inside the quilt and out of sight forever. The same technique can be used when we run out of bobbin thread. Just hide the ends as described, insert a full bobbin and continue stitching. Seamless stops and starts. This general principle applies to everything we do in creative fiber arts that leaves us with loose ends to deal with.
How do I share it? – Clover’s Snag Repair Needles are the perfect solution for eliminating loose thread and yarn ends for all sewing genres. The operating principle is the same in its application to each unique function as in snag repair, machine quilting, embroidery, etc. Show your friends how easy it is to attach loose threads or fibers and pull them to the hidden side of any project or demonstrate how to repair an unfortunate snag. Explain the process in every class and have a demo area up front that everyone will see when they check out. It will become immediately obvious that this is a tool that truly belongs in every sewing studio.
