Have you tried a needle threader like this:Needle threader? 80/12 is not a particularly small needle.

I devised a routine for this after many frustrating sessions at my sewing machine. First, hold the thread taut to get a clean cut; you don't want any dangling fuzz at the end of the thread. Use a sharp pair of thread clippers or scissors. Try to cut the thread at an angle rather than straight across. This makes the end of the thread narrower where it passes through the needle hole. Then, have some sort of wax nearby and rub a miniscule amount on your thumb and forefinger and pull the cut thread end lightly between your waxed fingers a few times. This will stiffen the thread enough so it passes through the hole easily. For wax, use anything you have on hand - furniture wax, neutral/clear paste wax shoe polish, hair wax, etc. Rubbing your fingers on the side of a candle might work but I've never tried that. And wearing a strong pair of reading glasses helps a lot too! I hope this helps.

The problem with a needl threader is that you have to get the threader into the eye through the back in order to pull the thread from front to back . That is often awkward to do.

I dont think that there is a really good solution to this other than just doing the best you can. If you are careful to not let your needle come unthreaded while you are using that spool, you will only have to do when changing spools.

If you do use a threader it may be best to use one of those old fashioned ones because it is short and will be more easily threaded through the back of the eye.

The threader I linked to has a large v groove thst you lay the thread in. You then slide it down the needle while you gently push the end button in. I have one that came with my serfer and it works great.

I just use an extra pair of glasses. I put on my readers and then put my regular glasses on top. You can see it then. I keep thinking I will go and get a pair of glasses specifically for that, but haven't so far.

bk

clt, I know which threader you are talking about and you are right that you insert it from the front. I have the same one. I guess I didnt think about that one because I never found it to be terribly useful. Maybe I will give it a second try. Those serger needles are a bit harder to get to than are the sewing machine needles.

One thing that I have found helpful with this is those sewing tweezers that come with the serger. It is so much easier to see the eye of the needle when my fingers are not in the way, and the tweezers hold the thread so well. I hold the thread about maybe less than half an inch back from the end.

I have seen those built in threaders and experienced them. I also hear of how many are so easily broken. I have a machine in my house , not mine, that has one of those built on threaders. I found it frustrating and awkward and it takes up a lot of real estate in the needle area, and you still have to be able to see it. This is a big box machine, though, and maybe the one that comes on a higher end machine is designed to be more sturdy and less obstructive. But, if they are all like the one on this inexpensive Brother machine, I could do without it.

Thanks for the reminder about using tweezers for threading - mine are curve tipped forceps that look like this...

I tie the new thread to the old thread with a square knot near the spool holder, and pull the thread through from the needle. Only a square knot, an overhand is too big and won't go through the eye. If I dont do that, I wax about six inches of thread, snip the end cleanly, and poke it through.

My automatic threader bit the dust early on, but I bought one from the dealer and put it on myself. The person on the phone said "But you'll void the warrantee." I'm not hard on machines, the warrantee is l o n g expired, and the world is still spinning on its axis.