Threading a Pfaff Sewing Machine
Threading a Pfaff sewing machine can be both a tedious and intimidating process. Whether you are a beginner or a master seamstress, understanding the parts of your sew machine and how each works together is key to creating a stitch that will hold up to the wear and tear of everyday use. This article will guide you from threading to stitching, by providing a step-by-step guide on how to thread a Pfaff Sewing Machine, as well as some background information about the Pfaff Sewing Machine.
Overview of a Pfaff Sewing Machine
A Pfaff Sewing Machine is a rare jewel in the world of sewing machines. It is one of the few true multi-purpose machines, which can be used for overlocking, buttonholes, and bias binding to name a few. Pfaff Sewing Machines are known for their superior level of precision and craftsmanship. In addition, they are specifically designed with features designed to maximize precision and manipulation such as oversized bobbins, dual feed feet and presser feet with spring-loaded jaws.
Threading a Pfaff Sewing Machine
Now that we know a little bit about the Pfaff Sewing Machine let’s get started on threading. To begin, lift up the front of the presser foot and locate the bobbin case. This is the plastic compartment which holds the lower thread. Once you locate the bobbin case, open the compartment by pushing down on the latch and pull out the bobbin case (taking the bobbin out of the case). Be sure to double-check the tension on the bobbin case before continuing.
Next, take the upper thread, which is the spool of thread, and place it through the tension disks. This can be done by threading the thread straight upwards, then in between the tension disks and then down the channel on the right-hand side of the machine. When this is done, pass the thread through the take-up lever. To do this, draw the upper thread down, wrap it around the take-up lever and then draw it up. Check that the upper thread is wound around the take-up lever twice to ensure a strong, tight stitch.
Now that the upper thread is in place, it’s time to start threading the bobbin. To do this insert the bobbin into the bobbin case and make sure the end of the thread goes towards the hole in the bobbin. Then, pull out about 10 inches of thread from the bobbin and wrap it around the hook on the bobbin case. Make a loop at the end of the thread and then pull it back through the hook. This ensures that the bobbin will not come off during sewing.
Once the bobbin is secure, insert the bobbin case and bobbin into the Pfaff machine. Select the appropriate stitch setting on the machine, begin threading the upper thread, and finally, press the thread take up lever and begin to thread it through the eye of the needle.
Now that you have the upper thread and bobbin threaded, it is time to pull up the lower thread. To do this, press the reverse foot button. This will cause the needle to go up, which will in turn pull up the lower thread. The final step is to tie the upper and lower threads into a knot. To do this, simply use the reverse foot button and hold the upper thread as the needles goes through the loop. Gently pull the upper thread and the knot should form.
Threading a Bobbin in the Reverse for Free Motion Sewing
If you intend to do free motion sewing on the Pfaff Sewing Machine, you will need to thread the bobbin in the reverse. This will keep the lower thread from tangling and helps to create a smoother stitch. To thread the bobbin in the reverse, start by pulling out 10 inches of bobbin thread and wrapping it around the hook on the bobbin case. Then, push the bobbin in the bobbin case until it clicks into place.
Once the bobbin is in place, draw the upper thread up and pass it through the eye of the needle. Select your stitch setting, push the reverse foot button and hold onto the upper thread as the needle goes down. This will pull the lower thread to the top and allow you to tie a knot in the two threads. You should now have a knotted upper and bottom thread, ready for free motion sewing.
Tips for Threading a Pfaff Sewing Machine
Threading a Pfaff Sewing Machine may seem intimidating but with a few tips you can make the process much more efficient. Firstly, always double-check that you have the right tension settings for the thread and bobbin. Excessive tension will cause puckering whereas not enough tension can lead to straight stitches that come undone. Secondly, always make sure to thread the lower and upper threads correctly. The right order is to thread the upper thread and then the lower thread as this will keep the threads from tangling.
Thirdly, be sure to use the reverse foot button when threading the lower thread. This will ensure that the lower thread stays out of the way and results in smooth, even stitches. Finally, try to always use the recommended thread for the fabric you are sewing. Lighter fabric requires a lighter thread, heavier fabric requires a heavier thread.
Common Threading Mistakes
Threading a Pfaff Sewing Machine correctly requires patience and a bit of know-how. Common mistakes when threading the machine include not passing the thread through the eye of the needle, skipping the tension settings and not tying the thread into a knot. One of the most common mistakes when threading is winding the thread too tight around the bobbin case, which can cause tension problems. Another mistake is not using the reverse foot button when threading. The reverse foot button should always be used when threading the machine, as this will ensure that the lower thread is not crossed or tangled.
Signs of Proper Threading
When you have finished threading the Pfaff Sewing Machine, there are a few signs that everything has been done properly. Firstly, the thread should be pulled up smoothly and evenly with no tension issues. Secondly, when you look at the stitch, you should see a perfect, even line with no puckering or bunching of fabric. Finally, the threads should be firmly secured in a knot, which will keep the threads in place and ensure that the stitch will not come undone.
Testing a Threaded Pfaff Sewing Machine
Once the Pfaff Sewing Machine is threaded, it is important to test the results to ensure that the thread is secure and no threading mistakes were made. To do this, select the appropriate stitch setting and press the foot pedal down. The machine should sew without any tension issues, the stitches should be even with no puckering or bunching of fabric.
If the results are satisfactory, you can move on to sewing a project. However, if you find that the machine is not stitching correctly, double-check the threading and tension settings. Once everything is correct, the Pfaff Sewing Machine should be ready to sew!
Caring for a Pfaff Sewing Machine
Proper maintenance and care for the Pfaff Sewing Machine is the best way to ensure that it works effectively and lasts for many years. Firstly, it is important to dust the machine regularly. This can be done by wiping it down with a dry cloth, or gently dusting it with a soft brush or vacuum. Secondly, it is important to make sure that the bobbin and needle are regularly changed. Bobbins should be changed when they are empty, and needles should be changed at least every 25 hours of sewing.
Thirdly, always use the correct type and weight of thread. A lighter thread should always be used on lightweight fabric and a heavier thread should be used on heavier fabric. Finally, to ensure that the Pfaff Sewing Machine is running smoothly and efficiently, the belt should be lubricated regularly. Lubrication will keep the parts of the sewing machine properly lubricated and in good working order.
Conclusion
Threading a Pfaff Sewing Machine can be a bit tricky but with some practice, you can master the process. To begin, locate the bobbin case, pass the upper thread through the eye of the needle and wrap it around the take up lever. Next, insert the bobbin in the bobbin case and secure it with a knot. Finally, use the reverse foot button to bring the lower thread to the top and tie the two threads into a knot. If you follow the steps outlined in this article and practice regularly, you should have a Pfaff Sewing Machine that is running smoothly and efficiently.
