Learning to sew is one of the most redeeming and useful life skills there is, with its use coming into play when you least expect it. Not only do your clothes last longer, as you can patch them up, but you also have an avenue for you to relax and create. A place where you can zone out of everyday life and just focus on the next stitch. Now it can be a daunting task, to begin with, but we’re here to help you get started but also help those who need a refresh when it comes to some of the basics. Once you’ve decided which sewing machine you want, you need to know how to use it.
In this article, we’ll take you through one of the biggest steps in your sewing journey, how to thread a sewing machine. It may sound simple on the surface, but when you come to actually do it, you’ll discover it isn’t as easy as first thought. But that’s where we come in, stay tuned for the step-by-step guide.
The bobbin is the lower spool of thread for your machine. Pull the thread to the left of your machine and wind it counter-clockwise around the pre-tension disc (attached to the thread guide). Then, thread the thread through the two small holes in your empty bobbin. At this point, you want to wind the thread several times around the centre pillar. Place the bobbin on your machine’s bobbin winder pin (usually on the top right side, near the thread pin). Now, simply press your machine’s foot pedal, and the bobbin should begin winding. Wind it until it’s full, then trim the thread to detach it from your larger spool.
At this point, you need to pull the thread to the left of your machine and thread it through the thread guide. Once this is done, you need to guide the thread through the U-shaped groove on the front of the machine. As it is coming from the thread guide before, it needs to come down the U-shape and then back up the turn.
At this point, you need to pull the thread to the left of your machine and thread it through the thread guide. Once this is done, you need to guide the thread through the U-shaped groove on the front of the machine. As it is coming from the thread guide before, it needs to come down the U-shape and then back up the turn.
You will find at the top of the machine’s second groove is a metal hook called the take-up lever. Once located, you need to wrap the thread around the take-up lever.
Now you’re almost finished threading your sewing machine. What you need to do from this point is pull the thread down toward the sewing machine needle, and thread the eye of the needle from front to back. Once it is through, you should pull through a couple of inches of thread in order to connect the two threads together.
And finally, you need to lower the needle all the way down and back up again - when you do this, the needle will catch the bobbin thread and pull it back out in a loop. Pass a flat object underneath the needle to grab both thread strands and position them away from where you’ll be stitching.
Whether you have a Pfaff, Singer or Bernina sewing machine, this guide will have you enjoying your sewing within moments.
If you need fabrics for your new sewing machine, why not visit Sewing Direct's great selection of fabrics in our online store today! We also have some great sewing patterns available, as well as all of the other equipment you may need to complete your sewing project. Got a question? Get in contact today to speak with a member of our team. Happy sewing!