Inaccurate sewing machine threading commonly causes so much user frustration that they either stop sewing or require professional sewing machine repair.

Without thread there is no sewing. Thread is an essential. The sewing machine uses thread to attach fabrics together. Indeed, most sewing machines use two threads.

One thread fills a bobbin and is placed under the arm of the sewing machine. One thread comes from above through the eye of the needle.

The sewing machine drives the needle down through the hole in the needle plate into the bobbin area. The thread from above threaded through the eye of the needle pulls this thread down where the hook picks it up and draws it around the bobbin thread. When the needle moves up, the bobbin thread and upper thread pull against each other forming a locked stitch within the fabric.

There is only one right way to thread a sewing machine. With the thousands of different makes and models, it can be challenging to properly thread unfamiliar machines. Thread it right.

What is the procedure for threading a Janome MC4000? Or a Singer 730? Or a Bernina 240? What steps are needed to insure proper threading? What is the proper procedure for threading most sewing machines? What easy techniques helps make sure threading is right?

The following step by step instructions will insure your threading on most modern sewing machines. This is a quick and easy threading method.

First, thread the top thread. It comes on a spool (different sizes, but all essentially the same) with a hole down the center. Set the spool of thread over the spool pin located on top or back of the sewing machine. The pin may be mounted up and down or sideways. A spool cap is required on side ways mounted spool pins.

Look over the top of the sewing machine from right to left. Do you see a series of thread guides? Check these to make sure they are all smooth and free of surfaces that might snag thread. File or smooth as necessary. Pull the thread through each guide from right to left. Check the thread as it comes off the spool and through the guides to insure even smooth flow.

Some spool pins attach to the back of the sewing machine, and a few sewing machines have spool pins at the base behind the machine. Many people use an optional free standing accessory spool pin stand. These are usually sit behind the machine. Thread nets may be helpful. Smooth thread flow if vital, so double check by drawing a few inches of thread while you feel for snags.

Then thread the tension mechanism. This mechanism may be mounted on the front of the sewing machine or enclosed under the machine cover. Nonetheless, the assembly consists of two or more metal discs designed to press against the thread as it moves through the mechanism. This pressure is what we call tension.

This is a common point of problems. Unless the thread is properly seated in the tension assembly, the resistance applied to the tension may be far more than desired or far less. Often when threading the sewing machine, users fail to properly seat the thread here.

Prevent this problem by lifting the presser foot when you begin threading. Keep it up until you have threaded the needle. The raised presser foot keeps the tension discs open, making it easy for the thread to slide into position. Also clean out the tension assembly. Remove any lint, debris, rust, or rough spots.

Once the tension is properly threaded, draw the thread through the tension spring or take up spring. This device maintains constant pressure on the thread and prevents it from flopping around.

Next the take up lever must be threaded. Make sure this lever is threaded or the stitches will be a mess. Follow any remaining threading guides to the needle.

Check the threading. Pull on the thread. It must flow smoothly across the top of the sewing machine and through the tensions. If you feel resistance, check for snags. Next, drop the presser foot. This applies the pressure on the thread. Check this by tugging again. You must feel some resistance. I f you fail to feel this resistance, double check the threading. Your threading is complete once your thread the needle.

Finally, thread the bobbin. Check to make sure the bobbin is smoothly wound on the bobbin " not too tight or too loose. Insert the filled bobbin into the bobbin carrier. Draw the bobbin thread through the bobbin tension.

Pull the bobbin thread through the needle plate by holding the thread behind the needle with your left hand while you advance the hand wheel with your right. Turn the hand wheel around until the needle goes all the way down and rises back up above the needle plate. Pull with your left and to draw up the bobbin thread.