Secrets of Threading a Sewing Machine

When the sewing machine is properly threaded and all is operating correctly, it is great fun. The satisfaction of creating with fabric and thread is huge.

But inaccurate threading commonly causes so much user frustration that they either stop sewing or require professional sewing machine repair.

If there is no thread, there can be no sewing. Thread is vital. It is needed by the sewing machine to join fabrics. Two threads are used by most sewing machines.

One fills a bobbin and is placed under the arm of the sewing machine. One comes from above through the eye of the needle.

The mechanism moves the needle up and down through the needle plate and into the bobbin area. The upper thread is picked up by the hook and pulled around the bobbin. As the needle pulls out and moves higher, it tightens the threads into a locked stitch in the middle of the fabric.

However, improper threading can leave a mess when you try to sew. Each make and model has its own special threading, and it must be followed precisely every time.

What is the procedure for a Janome MC4000? Or a Singer 730? Or a Bernina 240? What steps are needed to insure proper functioning? What is the proper procedure for most machines? What easy techniques helps make sure threading is right?

If you follow this procedure, you will achieve perfect threading almost every time. It is a quick and easy way for most machines.

Begin by threading the upper thread. Your thread is wrapped around a spool with a hole down its center. The spools are made in a variety of shapes and designs, yet they all work alike. The spool of thread is placed on a spool pin which may be horizontally or vertically mounted to the sewing machine. It may by on the back or at the top. Place the spool over the spool pin on top of the machine. If the pin is horizontal, you will need to use a spool cap to prevent snags.

Across the top of the sewing machine are a series of thread guides. Check them for rough surfaces, thread scores, or other problems. Repair as needed. Pull the thread from the spool (right to left) through each guide. Monitor the thread as it flows from the spool through the guides. Make sure the thread draws smoothly without resistance or snagging.

Some spool pins attach to the back of the machine, and a few sewhave spool pins at the base behind the machine. Many people use an optional free standing accessory spool pin stand. These are usually sit behind the machine. Thread nets may be helpful. Smooth thread flow if vital, so double check by drawing a few inches of thread while you feel for snags.

Then thread the tension mechanism. This mechanism may be mounted on the front or enclosed under the machine cover. Nonetheless, the assembly consists of two or more metal discs designed to press against the thread as it moves through the mechanism. This pressure is what we call tension.

Here is a trouble spot. Threading the tension assembly can be tricky. The key is to seat the thread through tension discs. It may snag on rough spots, rust, or lint trapped inside the tension assembly. More often the it will ride along the top of the tension discs and fail to be properly seated. In the first case, excessive tension will be created. In the second case, little or no tension will result. The thread must be properly seated to insure proper tension operations.

Prevent this problem by lifting the presser foot when you begin threading. Keep it up until you have threaded the needle. The raised presser foot keeps the tension discs open, making it easy for it to slide into position. Also clean out the tension assembly. Remove any lint, debris, rust, or rough spots.

With the tension threaded, stability is insured by the tension take up spring. Failure to thread the tension spring will result in flopping thread and will mess up the tension.

Next the take up lever must be threaded. Make sure this lever is threaded or the stitches will be a mess. Follow any remaining threading guides to the needle.

Test the upper threading now by taking hold of the thread with your left hand and gently tugging. The thread should flow freely. If it drags or snags, there is a problem that you must trace back to its origin. Now release the presser foot. Test the thread again. When you tug on the thread you should feel significant resistance. If you do not, double check the threading of the tension assembly. This completes the upper threading once you thread the needle.

In conclusion, take the filled bobbin after checking it for smooth windings, and insert it into the bobbin carrier. Thread the bobbin tension spring by pulling the thread through the spring.

Hold the thread behind the needle with your left hand. Turn the hand wheel forward with your right. Advance the needle all the way down and back up. Tug on the thread with your left hand to draw the bobbin thread through the needle plate.