Threading a sewing machine is a key step toward getting the perfect stitches. In the previous lesson, you learned how to wind a bobbin and correctly insert it for making the perfect bottom stitch. The upper thread goes from spool to needle, and if correctly placed, the perfect top stitch is formed.
manual will help
The manual will help you in threading your sewing machine. My basic instructions will get you from the spool to the needle, maybe or maybe not missing a few guides along the way. That would be why I would suggest you refer to your manual as you go. This is where the manual is like a map. Follow the drawings and written help and you will have your machine threaded correctly.
things to remember
If you are threading the upper thread, then remember to do the following:
- Turn the machine off
- Use the hand wheel if necessary to move the needle.
- Speaking of the needle, raise it to the highest position, along with raising the presser foot of the machine. This opens the tension discs for your threads to go between the discs.
- If your spool pin is horizontal, then attach the spool disc. The spool disc should be the same as the diameter of the spool.
threading the upper thread from spool to needle
Here are my basic directions on threading a sewing machine upper thread going from spool to needle. Have your manual open to follow the directions/diagram given for your machine.
- Pull thread from spool across the top to the left and through a rear guide
- The thread slit is where the thread take-up is located. Follow the guides per your manual.
- The tension regulator may be located on the front of your machine. The thread goes right to left underneath the mechanism. Next pull the thread up on the left until it engages a small moveable wire. Continue up and through the thread take-up so the thread passes through it right to left.
- If your tension mechanism is located within the body of the machine, then pull the thread down the slit between the discs. At the bottom of the slit to take the thread back up to the thread take-up. Insert the thread through the take-up hole from right to left. Please make sure you have not missed any guides.
onward toward the needle
Onward toward the needle as this threading journey is nearing the end (sort of).
- Guiding the thread out of the slit at the bottom, continue through the thread guide at the needle clamp and to the needle hole.
- When there is no hole at the end of the needle, it means either your needle is broken or inserted upside down. Either way, remove the needle by loosening the screw at the clamp. If the needle is broken, dispose of it safely. If the needle was upside down, you can reinsert it with pointed end out, flat side of the needle to the rear. Since there is a possibility you may have damaged the point due to the installation error, I would recommend it be disposed of safely. Pointed end has a hole. Insert upper thread through hole either front to back or left to right, or right to left, whichever the manual shows.
- You should pull the thread 4-6 inches out of the needle and put the presser foot down. Right about now you are probably asking if threading a sewing machine ever ends. Before we go any further, grab a snack and something to drink. You deserve a break for getting this far! But we aren’t quite finished. We are going fishing! Come on. It will be fun! No license or bait involved. Plus, you are ready!
fishing for the bobbin thread
You are going fishing for the bobbin thread! “Catch” the bobbin thread to successfully complete this lesson.
Get a grip on the upper thread you pulled out of the needle and hold it with just enough slack you just might feel the hook grab hold as you slowly turn the hand wheel. The needle goes down to make connection with the hook to snag the bobbin thread to make a stitch. Keep holding onto the thread while turning the wheel until the needle is a bit above the stitch plate. Don’t let go of the upper thread. Do you see the fish bobbin thread? No? How about the thread you are holding onto? Is it still below the surface the stitch plate? Sometimes the bobbin thread pops right out. If not, here is one way to get it to the surface!
With the hand not busy holding the thread, pinch the thread where it comes out of the needle. Now is when your hands must work together lifting the thread. If the fish bobbin thread is “hooked” you will be able to lift it out.
You could try again. If your fish bobbin thread still is not coming out of the stitch plate, raise your presser foot (needle should be clear of the stitch plate) and check that you left some thread coming from the bobbin when it was inserted. If not, fix that by pulling a couple inches from the case and reinserting just like you learned in the previous lesson. Try the fishing trick again. Eventually it will work.
wrapping up
To wrap up this lesson, let me say I do hope your fishing trip was successful bobbin thread appeared the first try! If not, go back and check both the upper and lower thread paths, then throw your line keep trying, adjusting your grip on the upper thread until you feel and see the “hook” was set. There is a hook involved. Watch where you installed the bobbin as you turn the hand wheel. See the needle go to get the bobbin thread. See a hook?
Oh, I guess you didn’t think to check your manual to see what they suggest on getting your fish bobbin thread hooked. There could be different tricks for different machines. You may as well enjoy a snack and drink while you are trying to find some help in the manual. I want you to think about what a great reference book it truly is for every sewist and/or quilter.
I really like it if people can learn from my mistakes, so let me share this one with you. It isn’t anywhere as significant as getting a bobbin thread to join with the upper thread to make stitches. However, here is my confession. I’ve had the machine I use the most for almost twenty years and just last week I learned about not one, but two thread cutters I never knew about! Really! There is one at the bobbin winder and another where the bobbin is installed. How awesome is that? Guess I should have been reading my manual 20 years ago. Wonder what else I might learn between the covers of that manual that still looks brand new? Hmmmmmm!
Previous lesson about the bobbin is found at /bobbin/.
Next lesson will be about tension – machine tension, not yours!