Sewing 101: Learn How to Thread a Sewing Machine Properly

By Sewing Staff
Published on September 23, 2022
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Threading a sewing machine? No Sweat! But, how to thread a sewing machine properly? That can be tricky. I mean, sewing machines these days make things look so easy. Having and following the manual sounds handy too. Yet, once you get hold of this electric home appliance, the simple task of threading can be daunting, especially if you’ve just started out sewing as a hobby. Worry not! I’ve written this blog and called it Sewing 101 because this should help you learn the basics of how to thread a sewing machine. Once you master this guide, all your sewing projects, including quilting and embroidery, will become easy.

TL;DR: How to Thread a Sewing Machine

Step-by-step guidance on threading the upper spool and winding/loading the bobbin correctly, including how to route the thread through tension discs, take-up arm, and needle eye.
Emphasises key setup tips: keep the presser foot raised when threading (so the tension discs open), follow machine-specific diagrams or numbers, and ensure the bobbin is inserted correctly with tail orientation.
Highlights common issues caused by incorrect threading: skipped stitches, thread bunching, tension issues, and how proper threading prevents them.
Recommends doing a test stitch on scrap fabric after threading to verify everything is correctly set before beginning your main project.

Sewing 101: Learn How to Thread a Sewing Machine Properly

How to Thread a Sewing Machine

-This post is courtesy of diyready.com and shared with permission. –

Threading a sewing machine is as easy as 1 2 3, literally, because the faceplate is typically numbered with the steps you must follow as you guide your thread through the machine. This example uses a modern Singer Sewing Machine, but all machines follow the same basic principles.

Supplies you will need to thread a Singer sewing machine:

Sewing Machine (Singer or practically any other model)
Thread
Bobbin

Step 1: Place the Spool on the Sewing Machine

Place your thread over the spool pin (the stick on the top of your machine).

Step 2: Place Cap over Spool

If your spool pin comes sideways or at an angle, place the spool cap over it so it stays in place. You can find the spool cap inside the storage compartment on your sewing machine. If your spool pin sticks straight up, this step is not necessary.

Step 3: How to Thread Sewing Machine by Following Numbers

Follow the numbers on your sewing machine as you guide the thread through the tabs. These tabs are called thread guides. If there are no numbers, that’s ok, it’s still very simple.

Step 4: Begin Threading the Sewing Machine

Bring your thread through the first and second guides, across the top of your sewing machine.

Step 5: Thread Down Front of Sewing Machine

Bring your thread down the front of the sewing machine, through guide number 3, which is the vertical groove on the front.

Step 6: Thread Back Up The Sewing Machine

Bring the thread under and around guide 4 and up to the top of the machine again. It will lie in the vertical groove, to the left of guide 3.

Step 7: Bring the Thread through the Thread Takeup on the Sewing Machine

Once you’ve reached the top of your machine again, place the thread through the 5th guide, also known as the thread take-up. If you don’t see your take-up, you can rotate the hand wheel on the right of your machine. This wheel turns the lever that lifts the thread and needle up and down. Place the thread through the small groove inside the lever.

Step 8: Bring the Thread Back Down Sewing Machine

Pull the thread down through the thread take-up. It will go back through the same groove as before with guide 4, but this time come out through the bottom of the machine.