You might be asking...why would I want to learn how to thread a sewing machine? This isn’t the 1950’s anymore...I buy all my clothes...I don’t have time for that. And you’re right. I buy all my clothes as well. I mean come on..this isn’t the 1950’s anymore.
There's a few reasons to learn how to thread a sewing machine. Learning how to thread a sewing machine can help you keep your favorite piece of clothing in your closet a little longer by being able to fix a minor hole. Or maybe it puts you one step closer to finishing those forgotten sewing projects piled up in a closet somewhere. But most importantly, I’m showing how to thread a sewing machine because if I can offer some of the life lessons & benefits I’ve experienced, from sewing, to someone else then I will be so thrilled...more on that soon.
Originally I thought doing this type of post and video would be redundant as there are about a million other videos out there on how to thread a sewing machine. 2,080,000 to be exact. But then, just the other day, one of my besties texted me saying, “I need sewing lessons!! Teach me!! I tried sewing a simple mask and it was so frustrating I just woke up from a long nap instead”.
And I thought huh, that’s interesting...she’s totally capable of YouTubing sewing videos, but instead she asked me...how sweet. My heart was filled with joy. So with that, I was boosted into taking action on something I’ve wanted to do for quite a while, creating sewing tutorials.
There are a lot of different types of sewing machines out there and your’s may differ slightly so use this as a general “things to remember”. Here is a printable PDF that summarizes the below information if you’d like to keep this info close to your sewing machine.
How To Thread A Sewing Machine: In 3 Easy Steps
Step 1: How To Thread A Sewing Machine
Remember to Raise the Pressure Foot & the Needle
Before threading your sewing machine it’s important that you do two things:
Raise The Pressure Foot
Use the lever on the back of your machine to lift the pressure foot. By doing this you open the tension discs so the thread can go between the discs and ensure effective tension.
Raise The Needle
Use the wheel (typically on the right of a sewing machine) TURN IT TOWARDS YOU to bring the needle to the up position. This will make all the thread guides visible and...you guessed it...keep the right amount of tension on the thread.
Step 2: How To Thread A Sewing Machine
The Basic Parts To Be Threaded
There are three main parts on every sewing machine that need to be threaded and those are:
Tension Discs
In every sewing machine there is at least one set of these and sometimes more. You might not be able to see them on your machine. These are just as they sound, small discs that the thread goes between. The discs press against each other, putting tension on the thread to keep your stitches just right.
Thread Guides
Again, the number will vary depending on your machine, but these are the little metal hooks and loops. These guides keep the thread where it’s supposed to be as it runs from the spool, through the tension discs and down to the needle. They also add just a tiny amount of tension on the thread to help support the tension discs.
The Needle
It might go without saying but just in case, the needle has to be threaded in order for the stitches to work. There are a lot of different types and sizes of needles but we will get into that another time.
Step 3: How To Thread A Sewing Machine
Cut Thread At An Angle
Right before you thread your needle, grab a pair of scissors and trim your thread at an angle. It’s not necessary but it will give the thread a tiny little point making it just a little easier to get through the eye of the needle. At the very least trim the thread, anyway you want, to get rid of any fraying or straggling fibers. A clean cut thread is always much more enjoyable to work with.
And there you have it. Your very own tutorial on how to thread a sewing machine. Now you won’t have to scroll through 2,080,000 other videos to find a friend to teach you 🥰.
I'm curious...what type of sewing machine do you have? Email me at switchstitch.shop@gmail.com to let me know. Better yet, tag @switchstitch.shop on Instagram with a picture of your sewing machine.
See ya sew soon!