Insert the Bobbin
Sewing machines use two spools of thread to create a stitch: one spool sits above the fabric being sewn and the other sits in the bobbin area of the machine. To set thread into a sewing machine, you first need to make sure that the bobbin is correctly loaded with thread. Start by finding the bobbin winder, generally located on the top of the machine–close to the needle. Press down on the bobbin winder and secure it in the set position.
Remove the bobbin case, then load with the bobbin and thread. Make sure the thread is going in the same direction that it will rotate when you sew. A general rule is right to left on the top and left to right on the bottom. Once the thread is in place, replace the bobbin case and press down on it to secure it.
The bobbin should spin freely when it is correctly loaded. Check the tension by holding the thread from the bobbin and pulling. If it moves too easily, tighten the bobbin case by turning the screw located on the side. If it does not move, loosen the screw until it becomes loose.
Thread the Needle with the Top Thread
After the bobbin is correctly loaded, you need to thread the needle with the top thread. Find the spool of thread, either sitting on top of your machine or in the spot designated at the back of the machine. Pull off some thread and loop it over the tension discs located on the machine. Make sure the thread is going in the same direction as the arrows on the tension discs.
Move the thread across the machine, pushing it through the thread guide. Look for a lever on the side of the machine, then lift up to make space for the thread to pass through the needle. After it passes through the needle, pull some of the thread through the eye of the needle and make sure it is going in the same direction as the bobbin thread.
Secure the top thread with the thread holder located near the needle plate. To make sure it is securely in place, tug on the thread and move it around–it should be tight and secure. You can now begin sewing!
Troubleshooting
It’s common to run into issues when threading a sewing machine. If the top thread is loose and not sewing properly, make sure that the tension discs are secured and that the thread is going in the right direction. If the bobbin thread is not looping onto the top thread, make sure that the bobbin is loaded correctly and that the tension is not too tight.
If the bobbin thread does not loop onto the top thread, check the needle and make sure it is going in the same direction as the bobbin thread. Make sure the needle is inserted properly and that it is securely in place. Also make sure that the presser foot is in the down position–this helps the machine feed the fabric properly and that the top and bottom threads fuse together.
Sometimes the thread can get tangled in the needle or the bobbin and cause a jam. If this happens, unplug the machine and carefully remove the needle and bobbin. Disentangle the thread as quickly and carefully as possible, then replace them and try again.
Maintain Your Machine
It’s important to regularly maintain and clean your sewing machine to keep it in top condition. This will help extend the life of the machine and make sure it’s running properly. Use a soft brush and vacuum to wipe down the machine and remove any dust or lint. Change the needle regularly and make sure the bobbin is winding correctly. If something feels wrong or broken, take it to a professional for repair.
Check the manual for other maintenance tips such as oiling the inner moving parts and making sure that the presser foot is clean. If the machine is not functioning properly, check the manual for troubleshooting tips or contact a customer service representative for help.
Practice and Patience
If you’re a novice, setting thread in a sewing machine may seem intimidating. Don’t worry and remember to take your time. With practice and patience, you’ll get the hang of it. Start by familiarizing yourself with the parts of the machine and the location of the threading and needle. Then practice threading the machine until you are comfortable with the movements.
Experiment with different fabrics and threads to find the best combination for your projects. Ask questions if you do not understand something. Experienced sewers or friends who know the basics of sewing can be helpful if you need assistance. With a little practice and patience, you will be threading up your sewing machine like a pro in no time!
Wind the Bobbin Automatically
Some sewing machines have the ability to wind the bobbin automatically. This is convenient for those who use a lot of thread and don’t want to manually wind the bobbin. To wind the bobbin, start by placing the empty bobbin in the holder. Then, take a spool of thread, loop it around the tension discs, and feed it into the bobbin winder. Turn the wheel located next to the bobbin winder in the same direction as the arrow until the bobbin is full–the machine will stop the winding when it’s done.
Once the bobbin is full, cut the top thread and remove the bobbin from the holder. Then, make sure the bobbin is in the correct direction and place it into the bobbin case. Secure the bobbin case into the machine, then follow the other steps to insert the thread through the needle.
Test the Stitch
Once the thread has been successfully set up and inserted through the needle, it’s time to test out the stitch. Place a piece of fabric between the presser foot and lower the foot. With gentle pressure, push the foot pedal to start the needle moving. You should see a looped stitch. If it is not looping, adjust the tension wheel on the side until the stitch is even.
If the machine isn’t looping the threads together, check the needle to make sure it is in the right direction. Make sure the top and bottom thread are secure and not tangled. Also check the presser foot to make sure it is properly in place and that the fabric is being properly fed.
For best results, it’s always important to read the manual before using the machine and if something doesn’t feel right, take it in for repair. With proper setup and regular maintenance, your sewing machine will provide you with years of pleasure and satisfaction.
Change the Needle Position
By changing the needle position you can optimize the machine for various types of projects. To change the needle position, unscrew the needle clamp and remove the needle from the machine. Place the needle in the desired position and screw the needle clamp back in place. This will help you sew different types of stitches and deal with thicker fabrics.
If you want to sew a zigzag stitch, you will need to move the needle to the right. To switch back to straight stitch, move the needle to the left. If the needle is in the wrong position, the stitch will not form correctly or the fabric may bunch up. Moving the needle back to the correct position should help fix the issue.
Some sewing machines also have a drop-in bobbin that makes threading the needle much easier. This type of bobbin allows you to simply drop the thread into the machine and it will feed it through automatically, eliminating the need to manually thread the machine.
Use Accessories
Sewing machines come with a variety of tools and accessories that can help you set thread. Many machines come with a spool holder, thread cutter, and other tools that make it easier to set thread in the machine. There are also different types of presser feet that can be used for various types of projects, such as zigzag stitches or pintucks.
Invest in some handy accessories to help set thread and make sewing easier. A seam guide, for example, is a must-have tool for accurately stitching seams. Increasing or decreasing the stitch length and width can also help you set the thread so that the fabric is fed through the needle properly. With the correct accessories, setting thread in a sewing machine becomes much simpler.
