Sewing machines come in various brands and models. Most brands, however, operate the same way. Once you have learned to thread and operate one brand, you can operate any of the other brands as well.
Before threading the machine you plan to use, study the instruction booklet. Every model of sewing machine is threaded in its own particular way. However, there is a general procedure which is similar for threading most machines. It follows this order:
- Raise the presser foot to the "up" position with the presser-bar lifter. With the handwheel, raise the take-up lever to its highest position.
- Put the thread on the spool pin. Keep one hand on the spool to hold the thread firm as you thread.
- Pull the thread through the top thread guide or guides.
- Continue pulling it through the tension discs.
- Find the next thread guide and secure the thread in it.
- Feed the thread through the take-up lever.
- Continue pulling the thread through any other thread guides you find.
- Thread the needle from the same side as the last thread guide. There will be a long groove running down the side of the needle on this side.
- Pull the thread through the needle for 4 or 5 inches (10 to 12.5 centimeters).
Filling the conventional bobbin:
Most bobbins are filled on a special spindle on the surface of the machine head. The filled bobbin is then inserted into the lower part of the machine. It supplies a second thread so the machine can make a durable locked stitch. To fill the conventional bobbin, follow these steps:
- Unscrew the smaller knob in the center of the balance wheel to disengage the wheel.
- Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder, and snap it into position.
- Place the spool of thread on the bobbin thread pin, and pull the thread through the thread guide, which holds it firm. Then thread it through one of the small holes from the inside of the bobbin to the outside. Hold this thread with your left hand.
- Apply pressure to the knee or foot lever and watch the thread wind evenly and smoothly. If it does not, re-check each step.
- When the bobbin is full, it will snap out of the winding position automatically. Tighten the balance wheel.
- Open the slide plate and place the bobbin in the bobbin case or shuttle according to the instructions in the sewing machine booklet. Grasp the end of the top thread in your left hand. With your right hand, turn the balance wheel, or handwheel, one complete turn. As the needle is lowered and raised, the top thread loops around the bobbin thread and pulls it back through the needle hole in the throat plate.
- Pull the bobbin thread up and pull both threads to the back under the presser foot for about 4 or 5 inches (10 or 12.5 centimeters).
- Close the slide plate. You are ready to sew.
Every machine will operate better if you take good care of it. Keep the working parts of the machine free of loose threads and lint.
Abstract: There is a general procedure for threading any brand or model of sewing machine. Check your machine instruction booklet, or follow these steps.
