A seamstress with sixty years of experience shared this secret with me!

Swab Tube Technique
Cut the cotton ends off a swab to create a small plastic tube. Then, thread a thin wire or a broom bristle through it to form a tiny hook. Use this hook to pull the thread through the needle’s eye.

Moistening the Thread
This is one of the most common tricks: lightly moisten the end of the thread with water or saliva. This helps the fibers stick together, making it easier to thread the needle, especially when the thread tends to fray.

Paper or Fabric Folding Method
Cut a small piece of thin paper or fabric, fold it in half, and place the thread inside the fold. Then, pass the folded edge of the paper or fabric through the needle’s eye. Once the fold is through, the thread will follow smoothly.

These clever, homemade techniques, passed down through generations, showcase the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our grandmothers. They not only make threading a needle much easier but also connect us to a long-standing sewing tradition.

So, next time you’re struggling to thread your needle, give one of these methods a try and experience the wisdom of the past in your own sewing!