Section 1: Threading the Needle
Threading your Brother sewing machine’s needle is one of the most important steps in the entire process when completing any sewing project. If the needle isn’t threaded correctly, the results won’t be very satisfactory. If you’re working on the Brother LS-2125i or similar model, you can easily thread the needle by following the instructions that are included in the machine’s manual. Generally, you’ll start by raising the presser foot and lifting the needle’s thread guide until it’s facing up. Then, place the thread into the left side of the guide and keep it close to the needle. Finally, pull it up around and behind the loop at the top of the guide until you’ve created a knot. Ensure that the thread is secure before going to the next step.
For smooth sewing, the needle must be threaded properly. According to famed fashion designer and quilter, Heidi Packard, the “needle is a very important part of obtaining just the right stich quality,” She also notes that getting the needle threader to work smoothly is an essential part of the professional-looking finish for her quilts. For her, a faulty threader will result in “borderline disastrous results”.
Section 2: Setting Up the Bobbin
The next step in the process is to properly set-up the Bobbin. It may seem like a daunting task, but with a few guidelines, you’ll be done in no time. Start by lifting up the cover plate until it’s vertical. Then, insert the bobbin into the holder, making sure it’s ran anti-clockwise. Then, insert the tail end of the thread into the slit of the bobbin, and draw a small part of it through the hole at the top. Afterwards, slide the bobbin case into the left side of the needle plate
Threading the bobbin has a huge effect on the quality of your final product. Sewing expert Stacy Willard suggests taking precautions to ensure the best results. “A small amount of thread tension is necessary for Bobbin threading to work correctly” claims Mrs Willard. “Otherwise, you may end up with loose stitches, or worse, bunched-up threads.”
Section 3: Winding the Bobbin
Once the thread is ready, it’s time to start winding the bobbin. Place the spool of thread onto the spool pin, and wrap it around the bobbin several times. After that, hold the loose end of the thread and press the foot control. The machine should start winding automatically. When the bobbin is full, you can release the foot control and cut the thread.
The winding process may vary depending on the type of thread or fabric you’re using. Fashion seamstress Michele Rouse suggests testing different thread types and fabric weights before beginning your project. “Make a few swatches or test pieces with the fabric and thread you plan to use so you know how the two materials will work together,” she says. “This can save you a lot of time and disappointment down the line.”
Section 4: Pulling the Bobbin Thread
Once the bobbin is wound, you can move on to threading the needle and pulling the bobbin thread. Turn the handwheel counter-clockwise to raise the needle then pull up the thread. Put the thread through the needle’s eye, then lower the needle. Now you can pull up the bobbin thread slightly.
Cleaning your machine regularly is an essential task for long-lasting, smooth sewing. Sewing machine expert Joan Michaels notes the importance of keeping the machine free of lint or thread buildup. “Cleaning the bobbin area and removing lint can help prevent thread jamming issues while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on the machine,” says Ms Michaels. “Proper maintenance will ensure a reliable sewing experience every time.”
Section 5: Dropping the Bobbin into Place
Now you’ll drop the bobbin into the bobbin holder. Adjust the bobbin holder according to the direction indicated in the machine’s manual. Hold the thread underneath the bobbin and lower the bobbin into the holder. Then, pull the thread through the slot, and ensure that it’s tightly secured.
To further ensure smooth, tangle-free stitching, fabric artist and quilting blogger Susan Herdman recommends setting up your needle and bobbin correctly. “It may take a few extra minutes to get the needle and bobbin are set up correctly, but believe me, it’s worth it,” she says. “Check to make sure the needle is inserted in the proper position and that the thread bar is correctly aligned with the bobbin. This will help you avoid sewing frustration in the long run.”
Section 6: Raising and Lowering the Presser Foot
To begin sewing, you’ll need to raise and lower the presser foot. To do this, simply push the lever located at the screen to the left. Once the needle is inserted into the fabric, you can slowly lower the presser foot by pushing the lever up. Keep your hands away from the needle while it’s moving – the smoothness of the stitches will depend on the pressure of your hands on the fabric.
According to quilting expert Janice Brown, a steady hand and detailed attention make for much better results. “The quality of your stitches will depend on the pressure you put on the fabric and the alignment of your needle and thread,” she advises. “Make sure you’re paying attention and keep your hands steady – if you’re rushed with your stitching, it won’t look nearly as good.”
Section 7: Stitching
Now that the setup is done, it’s time to start sewing. Choose the desired stitch length, type and width on the machine, then start pressing the foot control. When the stitch is complete, you’ll want to make sure that the needle is set back to its highest position before starting a new stitch. It’s important to keep the fabric moving smoothly as you sew to ensure even stitching.
Proper presser foot pressing is a must for perfect stitches. Professional seamstress Joanne Phillips suggests making sure that the pressure of your foot is consistent as you move. “Experiment with the pressure of your foot as you guide the fabric along,” she says. “You want to make sure that the fabric is steady and the thread tension is just right. And don’t be afraid to adjust the stitch length if needed – this will help avoid puckers in the fabric.”
Section 8: Re-threading the Needle
Once you’ve finished stitching, it’s time to re-thread the needle. To do this, start by raising the needle and removing the thread. Make sure you cut the thread close to the machine to avoid confusion. Then lower the needle and slip the thread into the eyelet of the needle. Then pull the thread through and bring it up around the loop guide behind the needle.
Re-threading the needle can be a bit tricky but with practice and patience, it can be mastered. Professional tailor Mark Hendry notes the importance of good technique when threading a needle. “There’s no magic formula for getting it right every time,” he admits. “But if you take your time and don’t rush, you can get good results.”
Section 9: Trimming and Thread Tails
Once the needle is threaded, the final step before you’re all set to go is to trim the excess thread. To do this, you’ll need to move the thread to the back of the fabric, then cut it as close to the fabric as possible without snipping the stitching. You’ll also want to make sure that both thread tails are pulled through to the underside of the fabric, so that they’re not left sticking out.
Cutting off the excess thread is one of the most important steps in the sewing process. Textile designer Lesley Baker suggests taking care to snip the ends so that the stitches lie flat. “If the tails are too long, the stitches won’t lie flat and the fabric won’t be as strong,” she warns. “So it’s important to keep the thread tails short, so that the fabric is strong and your stitching is neat.”
Section 10: Understanding Your Machine
Now that you know how to move the needle on your Brother sewing machine, it’s important to understand how the machine works and what tips and tricks can Make your sewing projects successful. Take some time to read the machine’s manual and familiarize yourself with the settings and techniques that are available.
Education is key when it comes to making the most of your sewing machine, according to Ricky Wolfe, owner of Wolfe & Wolfe Fabrics. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a Brother or any other brand,” he says. “Trust that the machine is going to do its job, but don’t forget to take some time to understand your machine and its capabilities. The clearer you are on what it can do, the better you’ll be able to make the most of it.”
