This may be done by stroking a piece of hard steel with a natural or
artificial magnet. Take a common sewing needle and pass the north pole
of a magnet from the eye to the point, pressing it gently in so doing.
After reaching the end of the needle the magnet must not be passed back
again towards the eye, but must be lifted up and applied again to that
end, the friction being always in the same direction. After repeating
this for a few times the needle will become magnetized, and attract
iron filings, etc.