Dritz 253 Machine Needle Inserter & Threader

This item works great to thread the needle on a sewing machine. It is well made. You do need to be careful not to bend the apparatus that pushes the thread through the needle. It is unfortunate it didn't work for my purpose. It was purchased to a senior with low vision. They lack depth perception so it made it difficult to use and is a learning curve for some seniors. We are holding onto the device for now and will keep working to see if we can get it to work for our purpose. Don't purchase cheaper versions. They are exactly that, cheaper and of poor quality.

This review is for first-time users and people who have encountered problems. This, from one who spent many years on a HELP DESK. I wanted to test this threader out so I could possibly help out an elderly parent who is no longer able to thread her sewing machine the old-fashioned way...and she does love to sew. The first thing I would suggest is to learn how this threader works. Hold the blue outer shaft in one hand. Place the thumbnail of the other hand on the outer edge of white plastic hook and gently push down until you see the ultra-thin metal band appear from the center of the threader. Notice the tiny tip is concave so that it will grasp the thread. This is where most people have a problem. If you do not push the threader VERY gently as you slide it down the needle searching for the eye, this metal band will bend. I did it twice. Unless the band is straightened, the threader will never work. A good set of fine-pointed tweezers are needed to bend it straight again. It takes a very delicate touch at first. One you get the hang of it, practice a few times and it becomes simple. Another thing I discovered was that once the thread is through the eye, it wants to pull back through when you remove the threader. Insert your seam ripper through the loop in the thread before pulling the threader back. This works like a charm. Go ahead and slowly pull the thread on through the eye with the ripper. Another thing I would suggest is to have excellent light. Most sewing machines seem lacking for old eyes. Check this out on Amazon for $8.99. I use batteries so I can easily position the lamp where it is most convenient, usually behind the machine. It works great. SE FL89030L 30 LED SILVER LAMP LIGHT I tested several different threaders on a Schmetz 90/14 needle and this was my choice. There are ways to help folks enjoy the things they love to do for as long as they possibly can. We just have to find them.

This device works for holding the machine needle while you screw it into place but doesn't work AT ALL for threading any needle but one with the largest eye, in which case I wouldn't need a device. It's described as for threading the machine needle, front-to-back, while it is on the machine. The small piece which is supposed to push the thread through the needle eye doesn't fit through any of my standard machine needles' eyes. I even took the needle off the machine to try it that way. Useless

Works better for a needle that threads from front to back. My machine threads left to right making it a little bit tricky

I love, love, love this tool.. I have rheumatoid arthritis. So believe me when I say I hated changing my sewing machine needles.. with this tool its a piece of cake. Get this tool if you have stiff fingers.

Works sporadically as a needle threader, even when implemented the same way. When it does work it is much better than manually trying to thread the needle. I’m hoping the more I use it the more it will work properly. Works well holding the machine needle when installing a new one.

I have always had trouble threading the needle of any sewing machine. I only recently learned of these little contraptions, and purchased this one because of the reviewers stating, "it worked every time." Threading that tiny eye only takes mere seconds now. As others have noted, the instructions are sketchy. Try it a few times and you'll have it down and rarely, if ever again, have frustration with this necessary task. Once I was successful, I kept practicing for a while, just because it was rather fun. My only complaint is there are no protective caps on the "working end." I would have appreciated clear caps, like the seam rippers have, since an unknowing child or adult might break this in their personal quest to play with your stuff. For those, like myself, who want detailed instructions, here are mine. It is much easier to do, then to read about; but I also attached some photos: Sit at your machine and have some decent lighting on the needle area. 1)At the busy end (the instructions call it the "Y" section, but it is really more of a cross of slots), hold the implement so either arrow (the arrows are the same color as the handle and hard to see, I'll probably dot mine with red with nail polish) are vertically aligned (up and down). 2)Then slide a section of your thread into a somewhat deep horizontal slot, push it back into the device and having it taunt can be helpful). 3)Now, place the busy end (with the slotted thread) onto the face of the sewing machine needle, slowly sliding downward WHILE slightly pushing it into the needle shaft. When the eye of the needle is engaged, gently push. This will have the plastic cross move back into the handle, and expose a flat, metal wire/stick, that will push the thread through the eye of the needle, forming a small loop. 4)You can try to grasp the loop, or wait, but SLOWLY, release the tension by pulling back (away from the needle) on the device. Slow is critical here, really. You manually pull the loop of thread back through the needle, using a little hook they have on the end of the gadget, or whatever device you like, (I personally use a seam ripper, the same thing I use to pull a much larger loop through from the machine bobbins). Viola! It ONLY TAKES SECONDS and you're threaded again. Happy sewing.

I can't say enough about this Dritz needle inserter and threader. It really does work and is worth more than I paid for it. I am going to purchase another one just in case I loose this one. I'm almost 80 years old and my eyesight is not like it use to be and threading a machine has become difficult. I am so grateful this little device was invented. I have tried numerous other threaders which everyone has proven to be useless and cost more than this little jewel. I have a very hard time in changing my needle and haven't been able to use this part of it yet but I will. I will get back and update this once I have. I couldn't wait to share what I have experienced with the little threader. It's wonderful!!!