Best Needle Threader for Embroidery

I’ve tried to use needle threaders in the past, but always been disappointed at how easily they break.  If you can thread a needle without one, I think that’s going to be your best bet.  I realize that there are lots of people that struggle with this though.  If you can’t thread a needle, you can’t embroider, so I thought I’d do some experimenting to find the best needle threader. 

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Needle Sizes

I did all of my experiments with my Tulip Hiroshima needles, which have been touted by fellow embroidery artists as the best.  I don’t know how these threaders work with other brands/sizes. 

All of my testing was done with three needles:

• size 3 with 6 strands of floss
• size 8 with 3 strands of floss
• size 10 with 1 strand of floss

Needle Threaders Tested

• LoRan Needle Threader
• Dritz Looped Needle Threader
• Clover Double Needle Threader
• Dritz LED Needle Threader
• Dritz Hummingbird Needle Threader
• Puffin and Company Magnetic Needle Threaders
• Bohin Easy Needle Threader

Video Review

I made a video where I talk about the results and give my recommendations that you can watch below.  Otherwise, keep reading.  (If you are using an ad blocker, you may need to disable it to see the video.)

Needle Threader Test Results

Here’s a summary of my testing results:

LoRan Needle Threader – 1 out of 3 needles threaded

I was only able to use the smaller end of this needle threader for my embroidery needles.  It worked on my size 3 needle with 6 strands, but it was very difficult to pull through.  The other two needles were too small for it to fit through.

Dritz Looped Needle Threader – 2 out of 3 needles threaded

I was able to thread my size 3 and 8 needles with this threader.  It was too large to fit through the eye of my size 10 needle.  This threader was pretty flimsy, but comes in a pack of 6, so you can always just grab another one.

Clover Double Needle Threader – 3 out of 3 needles threaded (but the wire has already broken)

This threader was able to thread all 3 of my needles.  I loved using it, but the wires eventually broke.  Not worth the price for something that is going to break after such a short period of time.

Dritz LED Needle Threader – 3 out of 3 needles threaded (but the wire got stuck inside after a few uses)

This was my favorite needle threader until it broke after a few uses.  It was able to thread all 3 of my needles, and I LOVED the light feature.  Too bad it didn’t last.

Dritz Hummingbird Needle Threader – 1 out of 3 needles threaded

This needle threader was only able to thread my size 10 needle with 1 strand of embroidery floss. The little slit that catches the thread is so small that it could only catch one strand of floss.  Might be good for a sewing kit or something, when you only need to use 1 strand of thread, but not great for embroidery.  It was also very small and difficult to manage.

Puffin and Company Magnetic Needle Threader (micro) – 2 out of 3 needles threaded

This threader was so beautiful and was able to thread my size 8 and size 10 needles.  It was not able to pull all 6 strands of embroidery floss though my size 3 needle because the hook was so small.  It seems like it will last, but is very small, so could be difficult for those with limited dexterity to use.

Puffin and Company Magnetic Needle Threader (regular) – 1 out of 3 needles threaded

This needle threader had the same size hook as the LoRan needle threader, but cost much more.  I had the same results, only being able to thread my size 3 needle. 

Bohin Easy Needle Threader – 2 out of 3 needles threaded

I was most excited to try this needle threader, and it has a lot of good reviews.  I did a full trial and Bohin Needle Threader review video that can be seen here.  It was able to thread my size 8 and size 10 needles, but was unable to get all 6 strands of embroidery floss through my size 3 needle.

Best Needle Threaders for Embroidery – Final Thoughts

My final results told me that there is no perfect needle threader (at least out of the ones I tried).  Since none of these can thread every needle, you could use a combination of needle threaders. OR try out my doubling up trick for when you need to thread 6 strands of floss that I show here.

I suggest the following combinations of needle threaders/techniques for everyday use:

Puffin Micro Needle Threader (size 8 and 10) + Regular Puffin Needle Threader (size 3) – cutest, but most expensive

Puffin Micro Needle Threader (size 8 and 10) + LoRan Needle Threader (size 3)

Puffin Micro Needle Threader (size 8 and 10) + Dritz Looped Needle Threader (size 3) – what I use the most

Puffin Micro Needle Threader (size 8 and 10) + Same threader with double up method (size 3) – least expensive

For those with dexterity issues:

The Bohin Easy Needle Threader is a GREAT option!  Check out my video review here.  It’s not as convenient to carry around, but you can use the it for your size 8 and 10 needles.  For size 3 needles, use the double up method, so you aren’t trying to get all 6 strands through the needle at once.

Have you found a needle threader you love that isn’t on this list?  I’d love to give it a try.  Leave me a comment, and I’ll check it out.  Also take a look at my post on 5 Essential Hand Embroidery Supplies.