general idea of threading a sewing machine.

Now this post is a little tricky.


Some of you may have inherited a sewing machine from a grandmother, mother, or even yard sale, but you may not have inherited the owner's manual.  What good is that machine doing you if you can't thread the dadgum thing?!?!  I have been there and threading a machine can be a little intimidating.  But don't let this seemingly impossible task keep you from pulling your sewing machine out of the closet.  Get that baby out and let's figure out how to thread it!!!


Now the best thing for you to do is to find a great seamstress friend that can come over and teach you/figure out how to thread your machine.  There is nothing better than an expert!


However, we may not have the resources to her or you may live out in the sticks {I used to}.
So next I would recommend Googling it!!

I google everything and most people ask me how I learned to sew... I googled it!

Try typing in your machine's name and then "how to thread" or "owner's manual."
You maybe surprised what you find!

I am going to try to explain the basics behind threading a machine.  Understanding the parts of the machine is crucial, so go back and review if you need to.

{picture from here}

The General Idea Behind Threading Your Machine:

1.  You will first place your thread on the spool pin.

2.  Make sure your presser foot is in the upper position.

3.  You will guide the thread along the top of the machine and into atleast one thread guide.  Typically you will go around a round button looking thing before going into the thread guide.

4a.  {older machine:} On an old machine you will see a round knob that will be the tension mechanism.  You will pull the thread down through the metal disks and back up around the knob.

4b.  {newer machine:}On a newer machine you will not see this part, but it will happen when you pull the thread down and back up inside of the machine.

5.  Next look for the thread take-up mechanism {area on a machine that will go up and down when you turn the hand wheel}.  Place the thread through this arm.  Some machines will let the thread slip in and others require you to thread it through the hole.  Do what you need to.

6.  Now the thread will go down on the left side of the take-up mechanism.

7.  Most machines have a thread guide right above the machine sewing needle.  Place the thread through this guide.

8.  Lastly, thread your needle from front to back.

9.  Next test your machine, by hold the end of the thread and turning the hand wheel.  Look for any thread flying around... if you don't see any you probably did a great job :)

Now you are going to have to wind and thread your bobbin, but we will do that another day :)
so for now...