Have you tried threading a sewing machine that is unfamiliar?

It can be a challenge.

There are many different types of sewing machines and threading schemes, so it is understandable.  Still, it is easy to master threading once you understand these simple steps.

Inaccurate sewing machine threading commonly causes so much user frustration that they either stop sewing or require professional sewing machine repair.

Without thread there is no sewing. Thread is an essential. The sewing machine uses thread to attach fabrics together. Indeed, most sewing machines use two threads.

From a bobbin or shuttle placed under the sewing machine arm, one thread is placed. From the top of the sewing machine, another thread is drawn by the needle.

The needle moves up and down through the presser foot, fabric, and needle plate drawing the upper thread with it. This thread is caught by the mechanism below and wrapped around the bobbin thread. When the needle rises, the threads pull tighter until they form a locked stitch in the fabric.

Unfortunately, when a sewing machine is improperly threaded, the stitching is irregular or may not form at all. While there are many ways to wrongly thread a sewing machine, there is only one right way. There are many different makes and models, and they do not thread exactly the same way. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to properly thread the sewing machine. Do it right every time.

What is the procedure for threading a Janome MC4000? Or a Singer 730? Or a Bernina 240? What steps are needed to insure proper threading? What is the proper procedure for threading most sewing machines? What easy techniques helps make sure threading is right?

This easy to follow threading technique will produce great results on most machines. This quick and easy method will give you dependable threading.

First, thread the top thread. It comes on a spool (different sizes, but all essentially the same) with a hole down the center. Set the spool of thread over the spool pin located on top or back of the sewing machine. The pin may be mounted up and down or sideways. A spool cap is required on side ways mounted spool pins.

Look over the top of the sewing machine from right to left. Do you see a series of thread guides? Check these to make sure they are all smooth and free of surfaces that might snag thread. File or smooth as necessary. Pull the thread through each guide from right to left. Check the thread as it comes off the spool and through the guides to insure even smooth flow.

Spool pins are sometimes mounted on the back or behind the motor at the base of the machine. Some users employ a free standing accessory spool pin placed behind the machine. A thread net may be helpful with some threads. Make sure the thread flows freely.

Once you have threaded the top of the sewing machine, draw the thread through the tension assembly. Older machines have front mounted tension assemblies, while more modern machines have enclosed tensions. Tension assemblies consist of two or more spring loaded disc shaped parts that press against the thread as it moves through them. This creates resistance.

This is a common point of problems. Unless the thread is properly seated in the tension assembly, the resistance applied to the tension may be far more than desired or far less. Often when threading the sewing machine, users fail to properly seat the thread here.

Avoid this problem by making sure the tension assembly is clean and free of debris, lint, rust, and rough spots. Then before threading the top of the machine, lift the presser foot. This will hold the tension disc apart. The thread should easily slide into position.

With the tension threaded, stability is insured by the tension take up spring. Failure to thread the tension spring will result in flopping thread and will mess up the tension.

Thread the take up lever next. Stitches are a mess when the take up lever is missed. Keep threading through any other guides down to the needle.

Test the upper threading now by taking hold of the thread with your left hand and gently tugging. The thread should flow freely. If it drags or snags, there is a problem that you must trace back to its origin. Now release the presser foot. Test the thread again. When you tug on the thread you should feel significant resistance. If you do not, double check the threading of the tension assembly. This completes the upper threading once you thread the needle.

To complete the threading, insert the filled bobbin into the bobbin carrier. Make sure the thread is smoothly and snugly wound. Pull the thread through the bobbin tension spring.

To draw the bobbin thread up through the needle plate, take hold of the thread behind the needle. Using your right hand turn the hand wheel forward. Advance the needle down through the needle plate and back up. Pull the thread you have held behind the needle. Draw the bobbin thread up from below.

If you need help see your local sewing machine repair store.