Threading a Sewing Machine Needle
If you’re new to using a sewing machine for creative projects, you might be wondering how to thread the needle. Properly threading the needle is essential to create high-quality projects, from simple alterations to intricate apparel, costumes and home décor. Here’s how to do it.
Begin by locating the spool pin and thread guide on the left side of the sewing machine, which secures the spool of thread to make it easier to guide it as you thread the needle. Remove the protective cap from the needle and feed the needle thread through the needle guard, which is located right next to the needle.
Now you can thread the needle. Starting at the eye of the needle, gently pull the thread down the shaft and curve it toward the side. It’s important to not skip steps, otherwise the thread won’t reach the needle’s eye. The bobbin thread should be in the same position, underneath the needle.
Next, bring the thread through the thread guide, which is located directly above the take-up lever handle on the upper end of the sewing machine. Follow the upper thread guide around the upper tension disk until it’s into the slotted hole. Pull about 6 inches of thread up and through the needle.
Once that’s done, you can guide the upper thread through the threaded tension disk and make a loop. Flip the lever at the top of the disk, and pull the thread up and to the back of the machine. This loop completes the tension circuit, ensuring that your stitching will look consistent.
Now it’s time to thread the bobbin. Make sure you install the bobbin case and bobbin in the correct way, usually indicated by a holding in the case that holds the bobbin snugly in place. Start by pulling the thread through the second thread guide, located by the bobbin tension spring.
Take the thread around the case and through the closing slider. Pull the thread through the thread guide again, and tie the end of it to the first thread. This will draw the thread down and ensure the two threads won’t come undone.
Finally, you can bring both threads to the back of the machine and to the take-up lever. Pull down the lever, and you should see the upper thread tightening. Then pull both the threads to ensure the two sets of threads don’t become tangled.
Threading Different Types of Needles
The process for threading a sewing machine needle will be slightly different depending on the type of needle your are using. For instance, machine needles come in different sizes, depending on the type of fabric you’re sewing, such as ballpoint needles for knit fabrics, or universal needles for most woven fabrics.
The same is true of different types of needles, such as twin needled, where two needles work in tandem to achieve a more professional finish on projects. These needles have the same threading process, but can become stuck if you’re not careful, so be sure to take your time.
When using a twin needle, you will want to thread each needle, starting from the eye, ensuring that the thread is pulled through both needles, through the needle guard, and up to the thread guide. Then follow the majority of the steps outlined above.
It’s worth noting that there are several other types of needles that you may need to use in your projects, such as embroidery needles, serger needles and quilting needles. Each of these sewing machine needle types requires a slightly different process for threading, so it’s wise to choose the right one for your project for the best results.
Advice from Professionals
Sewing machine professionals advise that when threading a sewing machine, it’s essential to ensure all the thread is completely in the needle and properly tensioned, as well as to check that the needle is correctly guided to avoid any snagging or breakage. It’s also advised to maintain clean machines, as any particles can interfere with the threading process.
Making sure all thread is in the needle and in the bobbin, free of knots and other impurities, is also necessary. A good practice is to run the threads underneath the machine and raising them through the needle separately. However, it’s important to remember that not all needles and threading systems are the same, so it’s wise to consult your machine’s instruction manual to make sure you properly thread your machine.
Finally, be sure you have the right type of needle for your sewing project. With the wrong type of needle, you might have breakage issues, snagging and your work won’t look as professional. So invest a bit of time in choosing an appropriate needle will ensure optimal quality.
Threading a Sewing Machine by Hand
In addition to using a sewing machine, you might also want to learn how to thread a sewing machine by hand. This is a great way to incorporate unique stitching into your creative projects and can be a cost-effective way to make repairs to damaged or worn items.
Threading a sewing machine by hand mostly consists of the same process described previously, but with a few differences. For instance, you’ll need to get the thread tension correct, starting with several twists and turns between the needle and the bobbin.
Likewise, the upper thread should run around the bobbin, under the thread take-up lever and connected to the bobbin case. Investing in a bobbin holder is also a good idea. This will help ensure the two threads don’t get mixed up and tangled.
Once everything is in the right place, pull the thread up to the neck of the needle and tie a knot in the upper thread. Your bobbin might not rotate in the same way as if it was attached to the machine, but adjusting the tension should help.
Importance of Properly Threading a Sewing Machine
Now that you know more about threading a sewing machine, it’s important to understand why it’s so important to do it well. Without proper threading, you may be unable to stitch at all, causing the material to bunch up or fray, creating terrible knots and other issues.
It’s also important to remember that when you are threading a machine correctly, it is possible for the thread to become a bit tangled, especially when using a twin needle system. So be sure to stop the machine and undo any knots as soon as you notice them, as it will make a significant difference in your end product.
One of the best ways to avoid major problems is to periodically check the threading. Ideally, the process should be done once a month, or even more frequently if you’re using a machine heavily. If you keep the thread properly in place and make sure the tension is correct, you can be sure it will create beautiful and even stitching every time.
Maintenance of the Sewing Machine
Proper maintenance of your sewing machine is also important when it comes to successful threading. Many professionals recommend keeping the machine in a clean and dust-free area, and lubricating it regularly to maintain the right level of smoothness and functioning.
In addition, different sewing machines have their own maintenance needs, such as checking that all parts are securely fastened and adjusting the bobbin if it’s misaligned. It’s also important to change needles regularly and to ensure the tension settings are accurate.
It’s also wise to clean the machine’s tension knobs and thread guides. You can do this by using an old toothbrush to get into all the crevices and remove any lint or debris. Make sure you also clean and oil the knife, as it can become dull and impede with the machine’s performance.
Lastly, regular sewing maintenance also requires changing the needle and testing the bobbin tension. For more experienced sewers, it can also be a good idea to reset the timing on the machine, as this will ensure it continues to create even stitches and look professional.
How to Prepare the Sewing Machine for Threading
Before you begin your project or thread the machine, it’s also important to prepare the sewing machine correctly. First, it’s a good practice to install the appropriate needles for the project you’re working on. Different needles have different uses, from thicker needles for knits to finer needles for quilts and other lightweight fabrics.
Once the needle is installed, the next step should be to make sure you have the correct tension settings. The tension can be adjusted by turning the knob on the right side of the sewing machine. Don’t go too tight with the tension, as it will cause the fabric to stretch too much and the stitches to become loose.
Just like needle types, different types of fabric require different tensions. Consult with experts if you’re not sure what tension level to use, or run a practice sample to test the tension settings before starting a project.
Then it’s important to make sure the bobbin case is installed correctly and that the bobbin is snugly in place. The next step is to ensure the sewing machine is clean, looking out for any lint or debris that could interfere with threading.
Conclusion
In conclusion, threading a sewing machine doesn’t need to be a difficult task. With a few moments of preparation and practice, anyone can successfully thread a sewing machine needle and enjoy creative projects for years to come. With the right type of needle, proper tension and a few tips from the pros, you can be sure your projects will turn out looking professional.
