Although the term “threading the needle” can be used to describe the actual practice of threading a sewing needle, most of the time it’s used as an idiom to describe finding a balance between conflicting interests or forces. It can also mean moving one object carefully between two other objects that are close together—think of a fighter jet “threading the needle” between two other jets.

So it shouldn’t be any surprise to anyone that it can be difficult for us to figure out how National Thread the Needle Day should be celebrated. Is it a day for seamstresses to take pride in their work, or for people to find a path through a narrow pathway? We don’t know, but we’re going to have fun trying to find out on July 25th.

Amazing Facts About Sewing

Since the origin of this idiom began with literally threading sewing needles, we thought that we’d take the time to go ahead and list some of the sewing-related facts that we’ve known below.

• Napoleon Bonaparte came up with the idea of putting buttons on sleeves.
• Sewing was one of the first skills acquired by Homo sapiens.
• Some scientists believe humans have been sewing for as far back as 25,000 years ago.
• Currently, there are over 4,000 different types of sewing machines.
• Early needles were made from ivory or bone and weren’t originally made out of metal.
• In 1851, the first zipper was invented.
• It wasn’t until the 1930s that zippers were used on clothing and not just on boots or tobacco pouches.

Observing National Thread The Needle Day

Okay, this is a holiday that can be observed in numerous ways, so we think everyone should celebrate it as they see fit. It’s a day for people who sew to take pride in their work, or for athletes to show off their skill levels. Celebrate it any way that you want, just be sure to use the hashtag #ThreadTheNeedleDay on your social media accounts.