One of the most frequent questions I get asked is how do I begin? Or I would love to, but I have no clue how to thread my sewing machine. Well I’ve got you covered! It doesn’t have to be overwhelming and in fact, with some practice it will become second nature.
THE SEWING MACHINE
So first, you’ll need a sewing machine. There are so many out there on the market but for a beginner you do not need anything fancy. Most low-end sewing machines are capable of doing most basic stitches that you will be using regularly. Several years back, Marcus bought me my first sewing machine the Singer 2259 for my birthday. It was one of the most thoughtful gifts he has given me over the years and I’m still using it today! This machine has 19 built in stitches, an all purpose presser foot, a buttonhole foot, button sewing foot and zipper foot. I could probably do a whole post on this sewing machine but I’ll keep it short and explain the parts of the machine as I go along.
THREADING THE SEWING MACHINE
To thread your sewing machine, all you need is some all purpose thread. You will not need anything fancy just quite yet. Trust me you will go through quite a bit of thread at the beginning as you practice! So let’s get started and thread our machine.
I have an easy PRINTABLE PDF with the parts of the sewing machine that you can use as you follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Place thread on the spool pin and place the cap to keep it in place. Generally, the thread does better if it unwinds through the bottom of the spool.
Step 2: Wind the thread around your thread guide and pull the thread around the bobbin once and then pull through the hole in the bobbin.
Step 3: Push the spindle against the stopper. Hit your peddle foot to start winding your thread. The stopper automatically senses when the bobbin is full and will stop for you. Or stop it manually when you think you have enough. Once you are done, cut the thread and set it aside.
Step 4: Insert the needle into your machine and attach your presser foot.
Step 5: Feed the thread thats attached to the thread guide through the hole on the right most side of your machine and then back up. Pass it over the take up lever (which should be at the top). If not turn your hand wheel to bring the take up lever over to the top. Then pull the thread down and pull through the next thread guide which is just above the needle and then pull through the hole in the needle. Pull the thread so that you have a tail of thread that is a couple inches long.
Step 6: Get access to the bobbin casing which is below the feed dogs. Open the flap and pull out the bobbin casing. Feed the thread from the bobbin. Make sure the thread on your bobbin is coming clockwise off the bobbin and slip it into the casing. Feed the thread through the bobbin. Place it back into the sewing machine.
Step 7: Feed the thread from the bobbin through the bobbin case. Make sure the thread on your bobbin is coming clockwise off the bobbin and slip it into the casing. Place it back into the sewing machine.
Step 8: Hold the thread coming off the needle and crank the hand wheel by hand so that the needle goes down and pulls up the thread from the bobbin. Pull them to the side.
You are ready to start sewing! It’s really easy once you get some practice. Threading the sewing machine is not as intimidating as you may think and it really should not be holding you back. There are so many projects you can create. I have some easy tutorials already up on the blog that can help you practice your straight stitch and zig zag stitch.
Check out the posts below for some inspiration!