Q&A for How to Thread a Sewing Machine

Follow the threading guide in your sewing machine's manual since even a small error could cause problems.

Sometimes stitches will look bad if you're using the wrong type of needle or the needle you're using is dull. Try replacing the needle and see if that helps.

You'll need to adjust the tension according to the fabric weight. It depends on what fabric you're using. Sometimes the tension, for example, is too tight or too loose. You'll need to kind of practice a little bit with a piece of fabric and see how the tension looks to figure out what is best.

The bobbin tension is too lose.

The machine's instruction manual will explain that, or if you don't have one you can make a Google search.

Check to see if the bobbin pin is clicked over to the right position. If it is still in the winding position, then the needle will not move.

Anytime the stitching is not even it means that the tension needs an adjustment. In this instance, it appears your bobbin thread is the trouble. Make sure that your bobbin thread is coming out of the hole of the plate smoothly by pulling the thread upward. Then refer to your machine manual for how to adjust the tension.

Hold on to both the needle and bobbin thread and gently pull back when you start sewing. Once the thread is secured in the fabric, it should stay from that point on.

Remove the needle and re-install. Often, the needle is not far enough up the shaft it goes in. Check the bobbin. If it is still a problem, try rethreading the machine and look carefully for jams.

Keep trying, while pulling the top thread. If it still doesn't work, remove everything and try again.

First, cut the thread so that you have a clean edge. Then, lick the thread or stick it into your mouth to dampen it. This will make it stiff. Then, slowly insert the tip of the thread through the needle's eye. using one hand. When you see the thread start to poke through, grab it and pull it through the rest of the way.

Yes. You need to have a spool of thread on top of the machine on the spool pin and your wound bobbin in the compartment below the needle.

That depends on why you're having to cut it. If you need to make a sharp turn in direction, stop with the needle "down", rotate the fabric about the needle, and resume sewing. Newer machines automatically stop with the needle "up" unless you specifically select "down"; check your machine's instructions for how to do this. To make a parallel seam, do this as two 90° turns with a single stitch in between. To overstitch the seam, turn 180°. Be gentle moving the fabric so that you don't snap or bend the needle. You can also reduce cutting by sewing into and back out of each seam junction; but only if you're confident that the parts at the junction will align properly.

Your bobbin might not be in. If it is not, try checking if everything is working. It might be your sewing machine.

Follow the instructions listed in the article above, as they apply to pretty much all sewing machines.

Just reapply the thread like they have shown you in the video. But don't forget to cut the loose ends.

Pull several inches of thread through the needle. This will help to provide enough slack to prevent it from coming out of the needle.

You have to make it a bit looser, so that when you push it down, it'll be pulled back up. Try it a few times.

Assuming it's the part about putting it in the bobbin case, which was a bit vague in the article. You should place the bobbin on a table in the shape of a six. As you pull, the bobbin should move clockwise. Place the bobbin in the bobbin case, and slide the thread through the small wedge on the side. Turn it around the golden wedge and leave some thread sticking out of the side. Hold the lever when putting the bobbin into the machine to keep the bobbin in place. Push until you hear a click. Let go and you're done with your bobbin! You can now expose the bobbin thread and begin sewing.

It is often easier to thread from front to back. But it's your choice. Threading from back to front is more difficult to be because you have to twist into an uncomfortable position to see the back. But, again, you can choose what you want to do. It doesn't matter whether you thread from front to back or vice versa.

Turn the wheel on the side of the sewing machine slowly and look down below the needle - the loop should appear. If it doesn't, check you've fitted the bobbin correctly. Then you can use your fingertip, a pin or a pair of scissors to carefully pull out the loop.

Make sure you have put the presser foot down onto the fabric. Check there is enough thread on the bobbin and make sure it is threaded correctly.

Try taking the bobbin out and following the instructions again, carefully. Make sure you have pulled out the little loop from below and you have two short threads trailing to the side of your needle. Put the presser foot down and try again.

Did you have your presser foot lifter down while you were threading the top of the machine? If it was down, then the tension disks were closed and your thread bypassed this very important function. Also, sometimes you think your thread went into the take-up lever, but somehow it didn't stay there. Either way, no matter what your tension dial is set at, you will have no tension on the upper thread when you sew.