By Shira Berkovich, Founder of Craftiloo · Last updated: November 11, 2026
To thread a needle, cut a piece of thread about as long as your arm, push one end through the needle's eye, and pull a short tail through. Then tie a knot at the other end so the thread can't slip out of the fabric. If the thread won't go through, a needle threader does it for you: push the wire loop through the eye, put the thread in the loop, and pull it back. For kids, a big-eyed plastic needle and a threader make this much easier.
Quick answer
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| How long should the thread be? | About arm's length. Longer pieces tangle |
| Easiest way for kids? | A needle threader and a large-eyed needle |
| Which end gets the knot? | The long end. The short tail stays loose |
| Easiest knot to learn? | Wrap the thread around a finger, roll it off and pull tight |
| Double or single thread? | Double (both ends knotted together) is easier for young kids; it can't slip off the needle |
How to thread a needle (step by step)
- Cut the thread. Measure about one arm's length. Cut it straight across with sharp scissors so the end isn't frayed.
- Flatten the end. Pinch the end between your fingers to make it flat and pointed.
- Hold the needle still. Hold it up against a light background so the eye is easy to see.
- Push the thread through the eye. Move the thread to the needle, not the needle to the thread.
- Pull a short tail through. Leave a tail about as long as your hand. That's single thread.
How to use a needle threader
A needle threader is a small tool with a thin wire loop.
- Push the wire loop through the eye of the needle.
- Put the end of the thread through the wire loop.
- Pull the threader back out of the eye. The thread comes with it.
Threaders are the trick that lets younger kids thread a needle on their own. Our kids' sewing kits include 2.
How to tie a knot at the end of the thread
The finger-roll knot (easiest):
- Hold the long end of the thread and wrap it once around the tip of your pointer finger.
- Roll the thread off your finger with your thumb, so it twists into a little loop.
- Pinch the twist and pull the thread tight. A small knot forms at the end.
The simple double knot: tie an ordinary overhand knot near the end, then tie a second one on top of it so it's big enough not to pull through the fabric.
Single or double thread? For young kids, pull the thread through the eye until both ends meet and knot them together. The needle can't slip off, which saves a lot of re-threading. Older kids can use single thread with a short tail.
Common problems and fixes
- The thread won't go through. Re-cut the end straight, or use the threader.
- The knot pulls through the fabric. Tie a second knot on top of the first.
- The thread keeps tangling. It's probably too long. Cut a shorter piece.
- The needle keeps falling off. Use double thread with both ends knotted.
Our kids' sewing kits (with threaders included)
Superhero Sewing Kit (Amazon) has pre-cut felt for 5 superhero figures, embroidery floss, 2 plastic needles to start with and 2 metal needles for later, 2 needle threaders, stuffing and glue. Made for kids over 5.
Fairy Sewing Kit (Amazon) is our most popular first sewing kit, for ages 5 to 12. It makes 4 felt fairies and a mushroom, with plastic and metal needles, 2 needle threaders, stuffing and glue.
When our kits aren't the right fit: if your child wants to sew with a machine or make clothes, these kits won't cover that. They're hand-sewing projects with felt.
Other good options
A basic hand-sewing kit from any craft or general store gives older kids a range of needle sizes and thread colors to practice with once they've mastered the basics.
FAQ
How do you thread a needle for kids? Use a large-eyed needle and a needle threader. Push the wire loop through the eye, put the thread in the loop and pull it back.
How long should the thread be when sewing? About one arm's length. Longer pieces tangle and knot.
How do you tie a knot at the end of a thread? Wrap the thread around your fingertip, roll it off with your thumb, and pull it tight.
Should kids use single or double thread? Double is easier for young kids: knot both ends together so the needle can't slip off.
What if the knot pulls through the fabric? Tie a second knot on top of the first to make it bigger.
How do you finish when the thread runs out? On the back of the fabric, make a small stitch, pass the needle through the loop before pulling tight, and trim the end.
Related Craft Guides: What Are Easy Hand-Sewing Projects for Kids? · What Age Can a Child Learn to Sew? · Do You Separate Embroidery Floss?
