Anyone else have trouble with threading linen threads on the needle? I'm using Fil au chinois 832 (.45mm I believe) threads on John James 004 needles. I usually pierce the thread two times after the base and when pulling everything together usually one of them snap leaving me with a single strand pierced. Also tends to be really vulnerable to snapping during the stitching phase and I have to be extra careful.
I run the thread through beeswax 5-6x and run it through some cloth which definitely helps but threading the needle always ends up being such an endeavor.
Yeah, i think this happens to everyone at first.
When you pinch the thread between your fingers to pierce it with the needle, try to twist it counterwise to the thread's twist, this should loosen the individuals strands just a little bit and allow you to pass the needle through. It works for me.
And with Linen, i always pierce the thread thrice. always.