Are you just a beginner in the sewing world? Or do you have experience with sewing things by hand, but are wary of the daunting block of a sewing machine sitting in the corner?
Don’t be! Sewing machines have made projects easier for years now, and once you get past the beginning step, you’re well on your way to becoming a master.
What is that first step? Threading the sewing machine.
In this guide, you will learn how to thread a variety of machines and in no time, you’ll be able to start letting your creativity shine.
How to Thread a Sewing Machine
Singer sewing machines are a common type for beginners as well as experienced sewers, and so it will be the first that we tackle.
Now, the approach is dependent on the set-up of your machine. Take a look at the top of the device for the thread guide or a piece of metal situated at the top of the machine.
In some machines, there will be a small metal piece and a longer plastic piece. This is called a two-part thread guide, and you will learn how to thread both types.
One-Part Vs. Two-Part Threading
Because the two-part thread guide might seem more complicated, we are going to explain it in detail.
The instructions will also allow you to see how to do the same thing with a single thread guide, just by following the tutorial for most of the steps.
How To Thread a Singer Sewing Machine
Getting Started
To prepare, be sure your sewing machine is off and unplugged, and that you have raised the sewing needle to its highest position.
To do that, you just need to turn the hand wheel located at the rear of your machine towards you to lift it up.
The Steps
Step One
Now, locate your presser foot, which is the piece of metal that holds the needle. You need to move it. To do that, you must find the small handle typically located on the side of the machine.
Lift it. This will raise the presser foot so you can get the thread through the threading points on the machine.
Step Two
Next, place a spool of thread onto the spool pin and secure it into place.
Step Three
Following that, take the thread and pass it through the lower slot on the underside of the first guide. Then take it and pass it through the upper spot.
Finally, take the thread around to the right and pull it on through.
Step Four
That will be the middle point for threading on a single-thread-guided Singer machine, once you have placed it where it needs to be secured.
However, on a two-part thread-guide machine, you just need to continue to thread through the underside of the second guide, pulling from the bottom to the top. Carefully snap the thread into place.
Step Five
Now, two-part machine or not, you’re next step is to take the thread around the tension mechanism.
Let it get through the threading channel and then guide it through the tension discs. Follow this by taking the thread under the hook and into the eye, where it will stay.
Step Six
You’re almost done! Now, take your thread and move it through the guide just above the needle. It is a small hook that holds tension.
Be sure to lead the thread from front to back. Once there, be sure that everything is secured as needed, and then you will have completed your task.
You have threaded a Singer sewing machine!
How to Thread Other Machine Types
What if you don’t have a Singer machine, but instead a Janome sewing machine? A popular choice for beginners, the process is much the same, with some differences.
In a Janome machine, the guides are placed a bit differently, but once you locate them, take the thread through them as described above and then through the two separate pieces on your presser foot. There you have it!
For the most part, threading a sewing machine takes time and practice. Many teachers suggest that you become familiar enough with the particular process of your machine that you can do it with your eyes closed.
Always be sure to read your user manual to be certain you understand what you need to do, especially because, in cases such as one where you are trying to thread a Brother sewing machine, you need the sewing machine turned on and sometimes you will have to wind the thread around a bobbin.
The video below shows an example of how to thread a brother sewing machine.
The process of threading a sewing machine may seem complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it tends to make sense, particularly as some machines even have tiny pictures and guides for you!
Once you’ve gotten the thread into place, you’re ready to begin all the sewing projects you can think up, having tackled arguably the hardest part.
Do you have any tips on how to thread a sewing machine?