If you have problems threading your machine needle, then you are in the right place as I take you through the process. Learning how to thread a sewing machine needle is basically the starting point of your sewing process.
Probably it’s been years since you sewed anything. Or maybe you are a beginner looking for a new hobby and want to start sewing those gorgeous garments……the problem is you are frustrated with how things turn out messy like intertwined threads, looping, and uneven stitches.
Or maybe you have no clue on how to go about threading a sewing machine.
Well, you are in the right place because this article explains how to put thread in sewing machine.
Few Pointers to Consider Before Thread Your Machine
Before you kick start on how to thread your machine, there are a few pointers to consider.
- Remember there are different models of the sewing machine. The thread guide sewing machine may be different from one model to another. However, the process for threading is almost the same, with only minor differences (if any) like more loops to guide your thread.
- It’s good if you check the manual for your machine to see if it has a thread guide sewing machine. If you don’t have a manual, you can search online for sewing machine manuals.
However, this should not trouble you because what you will learn is absolutely everything you need to know on how to thread a sewing machine needle.
Why You should Thread your Machine Correctly
- When you don’t thread your machine properly, you will not obtain perfect stitches.
- Improper threading causes looped/ skipped stitches
- For quality seams, you need to thread your machine right.
- To avoid tension problems you need to ensure your sewing machine is threaded well.
- Also, consider the sewing machine thread to use in terms of quality and thread type…
The type of project will determine which thread type is suitable. There are lots of different types of sewing thread available on the market today. Some of which include; polyester, embroidery or decorative, nylon, cotton, silk, etc.
The thread should be of good quality. The quality thread gives you a quality product.
Why You need to Choose Quality Sewing Thread
- Adds strength to your project
- Creates a smooth surface
- Creates even stitches
- And threads don’t break or skip easily.
Choose threads such as rasant, Mettler, Clark, Gutterman, or Coates brands.
Choose quality sewing machine thread and see the difference it will make on your projects especially when dealing with delicate fabrics like silk or cotton.
Having this in mind, let’s dive into the threading process
How to Put Thread in Sewing Machine
Threading a sewing machine is a process and can take you quite some time but once you get the hang of it, it becomes an easy pizzy.
I have explained the threading sewing machine for beginners, step by step.
Note, before you start threading, it is important to keep the presser footer up to help thread it correctly on the tension discs.
3 Major Stages While Threading a Sewing Machine Needle
Now, threading a sewing machine involves three major stages: upper threading, threading the bobbin, and lower threading.
1. Threading the Upper Part of the Machine
This includes five steps
Step 1: spool pin. You will need to place your spool of thread on the spool pin. Then place the cap at the end to prevent the thread from coming off while sewing. The spool pin is located at the upper part of your machine.
It can be either vertical or horizontal but works the same either way. It’s important to note that the thread should be placed in a way that it unwinds counter-clockwise.
Step 2: then guide the thread around the upper thread guide by pulling it from the spool. In most cases, the thread guide is a button-like knob.
Step 3: thread the tension disc. You will need to pull the thread down towards you and loop it around the tension disc. This is a u-shaped pre-tension spring guide usually located in front of the machine.
Step 4: from the tension disc, wrap the thread around the take-up lever. Then, pull the thread back up to the left and pull it through the second thread guide usually an eyelet with a metallic hook at the top of the machine.
Step 5: threading the needle. Pull the thread down towards the needle. Check for any other hook to guide your thread before threading the needle. This can vary depending on the make of your machine.
Thread your needle from front to back through the eye and pull a few inches of thread out. Place the thread on the gap in the presser foot and pull it back. Threading the needle is not as easy.
Especially because both the needle and the presser foot are metallic. It becomes difficult to locate the needle eye and the thread guide in your sewing machine. Also, the needle cannot be held to the position of your liking. It doesn’t give you the freedom to hold it up to the light
Before threading your needle, important points to note are to check that the thread is not wrapped around the needle before you thread in the needle eyelet.
Also, turn the power off or release the foot from the foot pedal when working around the needle area to avoid accidentally lowering the needle and causing injuries.
Easy Way to Thread a Sewing Machine Needle
1. By Using Needle Threader
Here’s how to thread a sewing machine needle using a threader….
A needle threader can make your threading work easier and less frustrating. First, ensure you rise your needle at the topmost position to ensure you have enough space when threading.
Wrap the thread on the little plastic bar found by moving the thread from right to left. Push down the threader until a little piece of wire goes through the needle. Then hook the thread on a groove to the right, and release the hands gently, and pull the thread from the back.
However, if you are not in a position to own this gadget, don’t worry because there are many hacks for threading a sewing machine needle. Which I will discuss below.
2. By Using a Silver Wire Loop
Here’s how to thread a sewing machine needle using a silver wire loop…
Insert the wire loop on the needle wire from the back. Then loop your thread around the wire and pull back. Note that these silver loops are delicate and break easily. If you decide to use them always keep a number of them.
Tricks on How to Thread a Sewing Machine Needle
- Trimming the thread with sharp scissors. This way you won’t leave some fiber coming out. Next, gently lick the thread to compress fibers and hold it close to the end.
- Use extra lighting. Sometimes the lighting of the room may not be suitable for you to see through the needle eye. Using an extra light while threading can help.
- Place a white piece of paper at the back of the needle. The needle and the presser foot are silver metallic in many models of machines. Therefore, it can be difficult to see where the needle eye is. Using a reflection can ease the problem.
- Rise the needle as high as possible to easily access it.
- You can also use magnifying glasses.
- If all of the above seems too hard to thread the needle on the machine, you can choose to remove it, thread, and return it in the clamp.
2. Threading the Bobbin
You can thread your bobbin using a bobbin winder or manually use a spool pin to wind. Start by wrapping the thread around the bobbin a few times to secure it.
Next, push down the foot pedal and start winding the bobbin by gently applying some pressure on the pedal. Stop winding when the thread almost reaches the bobbin edge. Next, cut the thread and pull a few inches.
3. Lower Part Threading
This is the part below or slightly to the side of the needle. It includes a bobbin case where you will need to place your already wound bobbin.
You then need to connect the upper thread ( from the needle) with the lower thread( bobbin thread), by turning the pedal wheel on your right side of the sewing machine so that the needle hooks up the bobbin thread.
Pull out the looped lower thread and pull the two threads to the back.
By doing that you will be ready to kick start that adventurous experience of sewing.
Summing Up
Threading a sewing machine doesn’t have to be complicated or tedious. You only need to follow the thread guide on your sewing machine. Then, try out different tricks and master threading techniques that will work for you.
Threading your sewing machine can be daunting especially if you are a beginner. Using a manual may not be a guaranteed success to properly thread your machine.
Learn all you need to know on how to thread a sewing machine needle from this guide and you will be ready to kick start your new sewing project.
Must Read:
Best Sewing Machine Under 200 – Our Top 6 Picks in 2022
An Ultimate Sewing Machine Buying Guide 2022
8 Best Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Reviews 2022
Best Sewing Machine for Beginners – Our top 9 picks in 2022
