How to Wind Thread in a Sewing Machine

No matter how new or fancy your sewing machine is, it still won't sew right if you don't thread it correctly. Threading is unique to each machine, but the basic concept is the same. The thread must go through a series of guide and must have a tension adjustment setting along the way before it reaches the needle.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose the proper sewing machine needle and thread for your project. Mercerized sewing thread is stronger and runs with less friction and lint, which makes it a good choice for your sewing machine.

2. Place the thread on the spool spindle with the top side of up. Put the appropriate sized spool cap on top of the thread. This keeps the thread from catching on the spool and helps the thread wind off smoothly.

3. Take the thread through the first guide, which is usually on the top back part of the machine. It's usually positioned so it can lead the thread to the other guides down the front of the sewing machine.

4. Run the thread through the tension dial or slot. Some machines have a manual tension disk and others have a slot for you to slide the thread through. You can tell if the thread is in the right spot by lowering the presser foot. Lowering the foot puts tension on the thread and raising it releases the tension.

5. Bring the thread down and pull it up through the take-up lever. This doesn't look the same on all machines, but it lifts the thread up and down above the needle when you sew.

6. Slide the thread through the one or two thread guides above the needle. Thread the eye of the needle and then pull the thread to the back underneath the presser foot.

7. Place a filled bobbin in the bobbin case according to your particular machine instructions. Bring the bobbin thread up through the stitch plate and pull it back under the presser foot with the top thread.

Tips & Warnings

• You can find the top of the spool by holding it horizontally and unrolling about a foot of the thread. The thread will unroll evenly from the top, but twists back on itself when unrolled from the bottom.
• If you need a diagram for threading your machine, check out the resource section of this article.
• Always turn your machine off when you're threading the needle or working with the bobbin.

Resources

• Find diagrams for threading most sewing machines at SewUSA.