How to Thread a Sewing Machine Beginners

Is Your Sewing Machine Thread Correctly? Handy Checklist

Do the following checks before sewing, to ensure your machine is threaded properly and ready to start sewing:

  • Top thread between tension wheels.
  • Tension is set to approx 3 – 4.
  • Thread is tightly wound on spool/bobbin.

How to Thread up Sewing Machine

Domestic machines are usually threaded in a similar way. If you don’t thread your machine correctly, your threads may snap and become tangled in the machine.

  • When the top thread is threaded correctly, it is in the shape of the letter “N”.
  • Place bobbin in case so bottom thread unwinds anti-clockwise.

Top Machine Threading Tips

  • Use top thread holding disc, to stop thread unwinding too quickly.
  • After threading machine, pull top and bottom thread out at least 10cm.

What is Stopping my Machine Sewing?

A sewing machine that is incorrectly threaded, can make the machine stop sewing. Use the check list below of common mistakes, to ensure your machine is threaded correctly.

  • Thread needs to be between tension wheels.
  • Cheap, thin thread will snap, change your thread.
  • Check bobbin winder is released, if your needle is not moving.

Plastic or Metal Spool for Sewing Machine?

Remember plastic to plastic, metal to metal!

A spool also known as bobbin, is the small cylinder wheel that holds the bottom thread on a sewing machine.

Which bobbin/ spool you use depends on the case, the spool is put in. Usually plastic spools drop into the top base of the machine. Metal spools are placed in a removable bobbin case, that fits in the side of the machine.