A device for threading suture into a surgical knotting element. In one embodiment the device comprises a knotting element having an inner tubular member, an outer tubular member, and a nonlinear suture path. A flexible suture guide has a proximal portion, a distal portion comprising a flared loop positioned outside the suture path, and a medial portion intermediate the proximal and distal portions, the medial portion being preloaded in the suture path.