How do you put the Thread in a Sewing Machine?
Using a sewing machine is a great way to stitch together fabric pieces, whether it be to make clothing, accessories or even patch up a hole in existing fabric items. Sewing machines use an anchor thread to join the fabric pieces together. To be effective and to create a successful product one must know how to put the thread in a sewing machine.
Firstly, in order to thread the sewing machine you need to have the right tools. A spool of base thread, the correct needle and a pair of scissors are the most important items. If the sewing machine has a top tension control then it’s also important to use a bobbin that pairs correctly with the thread or else the stitches will not take correctly.
To begin threading the machine, open the bobbin case. This is typically found at the back or underside of the machine. Take the spool of thread and cut off a long strand, about 12-18 inches. Some machines have eyes in their surface to hold the spool in place, if there is none pull up the two bobbin thread guides near the bobbin and make a loop of the thread between the two. Secure the thread loop at the edges of the sewing machine.
Other machines have a thread spool holder on top of the machine. If using one of these types, insert the spool into the holder. Thread guides will push the bobbin thread out and make a loop around the spool holder. Take the thread and wrap it around the bobbin holder a few times and then pull it taut.
Next, place the end of the thread through the hole of the bobbin and secure it in the small groove at the bottom. Pull the end of the thread through the small slit in the side of the bobbin until the thread passes the tension spring. Now wind the thread around the bobbin clockwise about four times before cutting away the excess. Once completed the bobbin should be free spinning.
Now, insert the bobbin into its case with the thread running in the direction as indicated with the arrow on the bobbin. Place the correct matching needle into the machine. Pull out the thread guides and pass the thread over them to give it some tension. Thread the machine needle according to the machine’s instructions and pull the excess thread through.
Finally, close the bobbin case and pass the thread through the tension dial. The machine is now threaded and ready for use. Be sure to double-check that all components are in the correct places and that the thread is tight. Then you are ready to start sewing.
Threading a Twin Needle Sewing Machine
Threading a twin needle sewing machine is a bit different from a normal sewing machine as it has two needles to thread at the same time. To thread the machine, start by selecting the two needles for the stitches you will use. It is important to check the length of the needles and that the needles will fit into the bobbin case before starting to thread the needles.
In a twin needle machine, the first step is to position the needles into the needle plate. This is controlled by a needle plate cover which allows to adjust the specific stitch according the type of material being used. Tighten the screws to secure the needles in place.
Next, prepare a spool of base thread and a bobbin for each of the needle. Wind the thread around the bobbin spool and clip the excess, then place the bobbins in their cases. Bring the threads up from the bobbin and thread the upper guides. Make sure the threads are kept separate from each other.
Slide the two needles through the thread guide before looping the thread onto the needles. Be sure to leave about 8-12 inches of thread free to nicely secure the thread in the needle’s eye. Depending on the machine, it might also be necessary to pass the threads through extra thread guides around the machine.
Tie off the two threads at the back or loop them around the bobbin case. When the two threads are pulled taut, the machine is now ready to start the process of stitching. For regular maintenance, it is important to clean the bobbin case between uses to prevent any build up of dust or threads. This will keep the process of threading the machine clear and smooth.
Needle Threaders
For a simpler route to thread a machine, needle threaders are a great way to go. These devices help put the thread through a needle’s eye without much difficulty. A needle threader is a small device with a loop on one end that easily slides in and out of the needle’s eye. To use, ensure the small loop is facing downwards and insert the thread through the loop into the opening. Once through, the loop will pull the thread through until the needle is threaded correctly.
A needle threader does come with a learning curve and practice will be needed for beginners to get the hang of threading a needle. A key tip is to always hold onto the thread firmly as the loop will try to pull the thread from the very beginning. What’s great about this device is that with a little bit of practice, it will become a breeze and threading a needle can be a stress-free task.
Nowadays, some machines come with inbuilt needle threaders. This is usually done by pushing down a lever and then the needle will be automatically slowly threaded. Though many new models come with this feature, even some of the more cost-effective models can come with this convenience.
Threading a Serger
Sergers are machines that are used to finish the edges of fabric and also to seam different pieces of fabric together. They differ significantly to regular sewing machines and require their own unique set of threading techniques.
To begin threading the serger, attach the spools of thread to the threading posts located on the top or the sides of the machine. From the posts, the thread is guided through tension discs, threading eyes and loopers to hold them in place. Make sure to keep the threads taut as this maintains the quality and prevents slippage.
After winding the thread around the tension discs and threading eyes, the threads must be threaded through the needles on the machine. There are four needles present on the machine, but usually only two are used at once. They should alternate in a criss-cross form. To thread the needle, insert the thread into the eye of the needle and thread it out at an angle.
Once the needles are threaded correctly the machine is now ready to use. When first starting to sew, it is important to practice threading the machine and make sure that the tension on all threads is correct. With a bit of practice, threading the serger will become easy and fast.
Caring for the Sewing Machine
It is essential to make sure that the machine remains in good working order at all times. To start, make sure to clean the machine after each use. This involves removing all excess thread pieces, lint and dust from the machine with an air-powered vacuum cleaner or dry lint cloth. Additionally, perform routine oiling and servicing of the machine. Depending on the type of machine these tasks can be performed by the user or by a specialised technician.
It is important to monitor the life of the needles and replace them when necessary. A worn needle will create uneven stitching, cause tension imbalance and may even damage the machine. Replace the needle after about 10 hours of use or if any signs of wear and tear present themselves.
To keep the machine running smoothly and stay safe, ensure that all parts of the machine are in proper working order at all times. Make sure the base area of the machine is free of any dust or anything that could possibly impede the movement of the needle arm. Lastly, always unplug the machine from the power source when not in use.
Conclusion
Knowing how to thread a sewing machine properly can greatly determined the success of a project and help to save valuable time. Beginners should first familiarise themselves with their machine, as every machine is different. Fortunately, threading a sewing machine is not a complicated process at all and with a bit of practice it will soon become second nature to do so.
