Thread the Bobbin
Sewing machines are an essential and versatile tool for any sewer. As with all mechanical or electrical tools, each machine has its own particulars to consider when using it. Looping thread on your sewing machine is usually the first step in sewing most projects. To ensure you loop your thread correctly, follow these steps.
Gather essential materials
Before you get started, it is important to gather the necessary materials. You will need the following: your sewing machine, a spool of thread, a bobbin, and a needle. If the bobbin is empty, you will also need thread, preferably the same color as the spool, for winding the bobbin.
Load the bobbin
Once you have all the supplies, place the bobbin in the bobbin holder located to the left of the needle. Securely fit the bobbin holder onto the spool pin, which is located at the top of the machine. Make sure the bobbin turns freely in the bobbin holder. If it does not, adjust the tension until the bobbin rotates freely. To fill the bobbin with thread, place the thread in the bobbin slot and then wind the thread around the bobbin several times until the thread is secure. Your bobbin is now loaded and ready to be inserted.
Insert the bobbin in the machine
To load the bobbin into the machine, carefully slide it into the bobbin holder. Make sure the thread is coming off of the bobbin in a counter clockwise direction, which is the natural direction of the needle. You can double check that the bobbin is inserted correctly by pulling the thread to the top of the machine. If it is in the correct position, the thread will come off the bobbin in the same counter clockwise direction.
Thread the machine
Once the bobbin is in place, you can thread the machine. Start by winding the thread from the spool around the thread guide at the top of the machine. Once securely in place, thread the thread through the slot of the needle and pull it through with the thread tension knobs. You may need to move the thread removal dial at the top of the machine until you can clearly see the slit that the thread should pass through to reach the needle. Your machine is now threaded and ready to use.
Tension Adjustment
Once you have loaded the bobbin into the machine and threaded it, check the tension of the threads. The tension should be set so the thread sits snugly against the fabric, with neither the spool nor the bobbin thread too tight or too loose. To adjust the tension, tighten or loosen the tension dial located at the top of the machine. This is key to achieving professional results, so if in doubt, consult the manual provided with your sewing machine.
The Final Steps
The last step is to secure the threads and check for knots. Start by pulling the thread from both the spool and the bobbin and make sure they are evenly matched. If not, adjust the tension dial again until the threads are even. Once the tension is correct, use a thread guide to secure the threads to the machine. Finally, check the threads for any knots or tangles, and if all is well, you will be able to start your sewing project.
Thread the Needle
For some sewing machines, threading the needle is an extra step required to begin sewing. To do this, ensure the needle is in the highest position and use the thread guides to route the top thread around the needle. Start at the front of the needle and wrap the thread over the needle and around the back to the slot at the front. Move the needle down and pull the lower thread up, then gently pull the top thread until both threads are the same length. Now the needle is properly threaded and ready for your project.
Storing The Thread
When storing thread, it is important to keep it away from direct sources of light, including sunlight and fluorescent lights, as UV rays can damage the thread over time. Thread should also be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in a sealed container, as moisture and humidity can also damage the thread. To help keep the thread in good condition, it is also a good idea to change the needles regularly – ideally after every two to four hours of sewing – as old needles can cause thread fraying and breakage.
Tensions
Tension control is essential when looping thread on your sewing machine. The correct tension will ensure your stitches are even and look professional. A good rule of thumb is to ensure the tension is balanced between the top thread and the bobbin thread. To check for proper tension, pull the bobbin thread and then the thread from the spool and make sure the lengths are even and have equal tension. If the thread is too tight or pulls too easily, adjust the tension dial at the top of the sewing machine.
Test Strips
Before you start a project, it is important to do a test strip. To do this, cut a small piece of scrap fabric and put it under the presser foot. Stitch a few lines, then check the stitches for any issues such as skipped stitches and lint buildup. To test the tension, pull the fabric towards you – if the stitches pull out easily and look too loose, adjust the tension dial. If the stitches look too tight, reduce the tension. Once the test strip is complete and satisfactory, you are ready to start sewing your project.
Mods and Accessories
If you are looking to make looping thread on your sewing machine easier, there are some great accessories and mods available. Things like a spare bobbin holder and tension disks help keep your threads organized, making it easier to switch colors and sizes quickly. Threads guides are also a great way to keep your machine from getting tangled, and things like needle threaders and magnetic thread holders can make threading the needle simpler and faster.
Tips and Techniques
It is important to keep track of the various parts of your sewing machine, as well as to know the best techniques for looping thread. If you are switching needle sizes or colors often, consider investing in a color card to help you keep track. When threading, make sure to pull the thread from the spool, not the bobbin – this will help to keep the threads from tangling. Additionally, before starting any project, it is essential to test the thread tension and adjust it if necessary.
Yarns and Threads
One important factor in looping thread on a sewing machine is selecting the right type of thread or yarn for the project. Different fabrics require different types of thread, so it is important to select a thread that is appropriate for the fabric. If a lightweight thread is used on heavy fabric, it may cause skipped stitches, whereas a heavy thread may make the fabric pucker.
It is also important to consider the type of finish you want for the project. For example, if you want a matte finish, a low sheen thread would be suitable, while shinier fabrics can be complimented with a better quality metallic or silk thread. To get the best results, it is advisable to match the thread to the fabric as closely as possible.
