Quick Tip Tuesday: Flattening Wildfire Thread for Easier Threading

Recently I was faced with a challenge: I wanted to use size .008" Wildfire beading thread because of its strength for a project, but I also wanted to use a size 12 beading needle for the same project. The problem: the thread did not go through the eye of needle. This was a big deal since a larger needle would not be able to make the multiple passes through a single bead required for my bead weaving project.

The solution: hold the wildfire thread between the fingernail of your thumb and the pad of your index finger about 2 inches from the tail and pull the thread while applying pressure with your fingers. This technique will actually flatten the tail of the thread. Now the Wildfire thread is much thinner and can easily be threaded through the eye of a size 12 needle. Once it is through, you can pull the thicker (non-flattened) sections of  thread through the needle.

- Julie