Automatic Needle Threader

An automatic needle threader might sound like a great sewing machine feature if you’re a beginner. It’s certainly handy, but not necessary. The benefit really comes into play in that final step of getting the top thread through the eye of the needle. There are still many other threading steps that have to be done manually.

This video gives a great overview of how to load the bobbin (which controls the bottom thread) and also how an automatic needle threader works.

Watch the “Automatic Needle Threader” Video Below:

It’s apparent that the user in the video enjoys having that feature on the machine but as you can see, the top thread still has to be wound manually through the slots and hooks that control the thread tension. The only step that is automated is to pop the thread through the eye itself.

Once the thread is aligned through all necessary slots and brought down to the needle, the automatic needle threader needs to be pulled down all the way. On the threader is a very tiny hook that reaches through the eye of the needle from back to front. The thread is then slid across the needle threader and behind that small hook. As the needle threader lever is raised, the hook pulls the thread back through the eye of the needle from front to back. As the thread begins to loop, you can pull the thread the rest of the way through the needle.

A threader is a sensitive piece of sewing machine equipment. That small hook that reaches through the needle is very delicate. It must line up precisely with the needle eye otherwise it could be damaged. If that happens, the sewing machine can still be used but will require manual threading.

Not all beginner sewing machines have this feature and it only really becomes necessary if the person who will be using the machine has poor eyesight or difficulty threading a needle but it’s highly convenient and makes threading happen more quickly.