Overview
Threading a sewing machine correctly is an important step for successful and beautiful projects. On the surface, the art of threading a machine may seem fairly simple but it does take practice, patience and an understanding of how machines are put together and what parts come into play before any stitching actually begins. Luckily, with some careful instruction and attention to detail, anyone familiar with the components of a sewing machine can learn how to thread Singer Simple Knowledge of different Singer Simple machines is key with this method. It’s important to recognize that even 2 similar machines may have some slight differences, yet the main components stay the same. Making sure to double check threading and use the right machines can help ensure that your project comes out the way you want it.
It’s often easiest to start with the top or upper threading first. Once the thread is secure, ensuring that it’s in the correct places, go ahead and practice threading bobbin, or the lower threading. Each machine may differ slightly from the other, but generally speaking there are certain steps that need to be taken–the same steps — each time to make the machine do your desired task.
Step by Step Tutorial
The following is an eight-step guide to thread a Singer Simple Sewing Machine. If your machine differs in any way from the illustrations, please refer to your manual for the exact procedure.
- Step 1: Unwind your spool of thread. Cut a long strand making sure that it’s at least 18-24 inches long and dangle it over the right side of your machine.
- Step 2: Turn the hand wheel towards you to locate the take-up lever. Guide the thread underneath the take-up lever then behind the tension discs.
- Step 3: Allow the thread to hang down the left side of the machine. Position the thread you’re going to use behind the guide toward the back of the machine and thread the needle from left to right.
- Step 4: To complete the upper-thread tension, hold the thread with your left hand and pass it to the top of the machine where the looper arm is. Insert it into the take-up lever then upward to the tension discs.
- Step 5: Take the section of thread you have in your left hand and insert it into the bobbin holder. Make sure to turn the handwheel towards you until you feel resistance and you can see the needle reach the highest point.
- Step 6: Take the bobbin and line up the small arrow with the lever on the inside. Push the bobbin slightly to the right and it will pop out. Pull the thread clockwise until the tension disk clicks and wrap the thread around itself a few times.
- Step 7: Push the bobbin holder back into the machine and press the lever down. Now, snap the bobbin needle thread onto your right forefinger and pass it through the main tension disk (from top to bottom). There should be two textured circles running with each other when you look at the upper and lower threads.
- Step 8: Pull the upper thread down a bit and begin sewing!
Ensuring Tension
When it comes to your project, it’s always best to set the tension first. When sewing, the machine needs a good tension balance, otherwise you will have a double loop of thread instead of separated top and bottom stitchings. On the left side of the machine, you will find a dial on the tension control. Start with a mid setting and adjust according to your project. Cotton fabrics require little to no tension; however, if you are working with slicks or stretchy materials, you may need to increase the tension on the upper thread. If you start to get “nips” or gathering in your fabrics, this means you need to lower the tension on the upper thread.
Helpful Tips
Always make sure that the bobbin and bobbin case are in the right position, otherwise you will have the proper tension on your machine. Avoid crossing or overlapping the thread when making sure it’s in the right places. Try to make sure that the tension disk runs on the side of your machine without the tension disk being between the thread and the disk. When you are finished with the threading process, double check each step again to make sure everything is in place. If something looks off, it’s best to repeat the process before moving on.
Troubleshooting
Having problems with your Singer? While every machine is different, there are some common issues novice and experienced sewists alike experience when it comes to Singer machines. If after double-checking your threading and tension, the top and bottom thread seem to be looping, then check the tension of your needles and the take-up lever. Once you’ve done that, review the thread path and look for any broken or worn parts. If the stitch is too tight, then adjust the tension. Lastly, adjust the stitch length to get the desired look.
Conclusion
By understanding the parts of your Singer Simple Sewing Machine and following the steps correctly, you can achieve beautiful results every time. By being familiar with the tension settings and taking the time to go through each step consciously, you can ensure success with your sewing process.
