How to thread a sewing machine
Threading your sewing machine is something that new sewers often struggle with, but it's easy once you know the basic method.
Although different sewing machine models may vary, setting up your sewing thread will be very similar on each model. In this guide, we'll give you a quick overview of the steps you need to follow to thread a sewing machine.
- How to adjust a sewing pattern to fit
- Complete guide on how to thread an overlocker
- How to use a sewing pattern
Threading your sewing machine has two main steps, first threading the spool on top through the thread guide and needle, then bringing up the bobbin thread in the bottom of the machine
We'd recommend keeping your sewing machine manual to hand as you follow this guide, as the set up for you machine may be slightly different to Janome sewing machine we're using for this tutorial.
If you'd like to learn more about sewing machines, take a look at our complete guide to the best sewing machines.
How to thread a sewing machine
Please note:
Before you begin, you’ll need to load your bobbin before you thread your spool – take a look at our how to thread a bobbin guide to learn the technique.
How to thread the spool on your sewing machine
Step 1
Put a spool of thread on to the spool pin. Pull the thread across and around the thread guide.
Step 2
Bring your thread around your machine’s thread guide, and over the take up lever – this usually has a hook element to the design – loop the thread around the take up lever...
...then back down into the channel below.
Step 3
Bring your thread down to the needle and loop it into the needle guide next to the needle.
Step 4
Before you thread the needle it needs to be in it’s upmost position. If you need to, turn the hand wheel towards you to bring the needle up manually into this position. Now insert the thread into the needle, from front to back.
Step 5
Now you have threaded your needle, bring the thread down in between the two forks of the presser foot, under the foot, then back towards the back of your machine with your hand.
How to bring up the bobbin thread
Step 1
Now your top thread is threaded, and your bobbin is in place below the machine, it’s time to connect the two threads, ready to sew. Slowly turn the hand wheel to bring the needle down and back up again – one full rotation.
Step 2
When the needle goes down into the machine, it will hook the bobbin thread and bring a loop back up above the plate of the machine. When you see the loop gently pull it out to release the loose end of the bobbin thread. Pull it out to reveal and back towards the back of the machine to release the full thread.
You should now have two threads – the top and the bottom. When you start to sew, hold them both for a second with your left hand to stop them being pulled into the machine as the needle moves.
If you're having trouble once you've threaded your sewing machine, check out our guide on how to fix your sewing machine for common problems.
Learning how to thread a needle is an important sewing skill
Once you’ve learnt how to thread a needle you’re nearly ready to start using your machine. It’s a basic technique that will be very similar on most sewing machines. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you should be able to adapt to whatever model of sewing machine you choose to use.
Choosing the right sewing needle for the job
The needle you select for each project will vary depending on the thickness of the fabric that you’re using. It’s a good idea to get to know your sewing needles to avoid frustrating stitching problems, such as broken needles.
Get to know your needles with our sewing machine needles guide.
