why do people lick a piece of thread before they thread a needle?

Answer 1

A thread is made up of a bunch of fibers twisted together, but it'll be frayed at the cut end. Wetting It sticks all the little frays together long enough for it to go smoothly thru the eye of the needle.

Answer 2

When they are wet, the loose fibers at the end of the thread cling tightly together so the thread will fit through the eye of the needle.

Answer 3

Here is a post from a sewing forum I found....that may answer it.

Threading a Needle
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I have always had trouble getting the needle threaded. I always fumbled around with those threaders and ended up taking as much time with it as without it! I found a better way than those threaders. It doesn't even cost a penny! It's so shockingly easy, you will have to try it! You just have to lick the hole in the needle, and then lick the thread. It turns out that the needle (when wet) is like a magnet to the wet thread; it's as easy as that! I hope this is useful!

Answer 4

Any frayed ends of the thread will stick together to make it easier to go through the needle--or! you can use an old fashioned needle threader.

Answer 5

Because sometimes the thread will fray. It's just easier to get the end wet and then it will go through the eye easier.

Answer 6

Because it makes it easier to get the thread through the needle eye.