A ball type yarn tensioning device with improved threading capability is disclosed. The device includes a ball chamber having an open top. The ball chamber terminates downwardly in a bottom insert which provides a seat for a ball within the ball chamber for yarn tensioning. A cap overfits the top of the ball chamber and includes a diametrically positioned, elongated opening. A top ceramic insert of elongated rounded configuration is secured about the elongated top opening and the yarn passes therethrough. The elongated configuration facilitates threading the device by permitting a threading instrument to be inserted through the ceramic insert and the bottom insert in slanted orientation that is angularly offset from the longitudinal axis of the device.