These tips are forwarded from notes on the discussion group....

From Debi A.:  I thought I would share some hints I have learned throughout my embroidery experiences.  The discussion on threads spurred this since I find metallics among the hardest to thread efficiently.  Here are some of the techniques I use:

1.  For floss, yarn, crewel wools and other "flat" type threads:  I fold the end of the thread over the needle, pinch between my thumb and forefinger, slide the needle out then slide the needle eye over the fold.  It eliminates the need for wetting the end on threads that fray.  It only works well if your needle eye is large enough to accept a double thickness of the thread, like a tapestry or darning needle.  I do use it for regular sewing thread too if it is being ornery.

2.  For perl cotton, I bite the end slightly to flatten it and then it seems to thread just fine.  It is too round to use the above method.

3.  For metallics and threads that fray easily that I cannot use #1 on:  I pinch the thread between my thumb and forefinger and cut the end as close as possible.  On many of the metallics I can cut first and the pinch the end as long as I do not handle it too much.  Don't be afraid to recut if the end gets too frayed.   When I say that I pinch the end I mean the very end.  Usually I cannot see any of it until I bring the needle to thread it.  Then, I bring the needle eye to the crack between my fingers and slowly roll my fingers back as I force the needle down.  (This is much harder to describe than to show someone and easier to do than describe.)  Generally this will get the needle right onto the thread.

For stitching, rather than pulling the needle down a ways on the thread and then pulling back as I go I only leave an inch or so tail (longer for metallics) and try to avoid sliding the needle along the thread to avoid wear.  On metallics and other delicate threads you have to keep a close eye on the "eye" because they are more likely to fray through.

Lastly, a bit of trivia that I found to be pretty useful.  Needles actually have a right and a wrong side.  It is really subtle and you can't tell by just looking, but if you are trying to thread a needle and it isn't working try turning the needle over and thread form the other direction through the eye.  This has worked for me every time.

......just to give credit...all of these ideas except for #3 I got from reading various embroidery sources, but I don't remember what came from where.  Debi

From Ann W.:I find that metallics behave themselves much better if they are 'looped' onto the eye of the needle. Put the thread into the eye using the wool or yarn way of threading - Debi's #1 method - using a longer loop of thread than usual, and then pass the point of the needle through the loop and tighten the loop down onto the eye. The metallic is then secured and won't slip out of the needle. It seems to wear and untwist a lot less too. That method also works well for other slippery threads such as silk.
 

From Tamra Z.  When you have all the thread ready for the marking lines, I insert the needle next to the pole where it should come out at and exit away from it, Then run the thread through a little ways, unthread the needle and tie my knot and pull it back though to lock it into the ball. That way all my thread doesn't have to go thru the ball.

Got some more hints? Drop me a note and we'll add them in....