Ok, we got some of the basics of sewing machines down previously. The first big step is learning how to thread the dang thing. Every machine is going to be slightly different, but there is a kind of pattern that most machines use for threading the main needle. A lot of machines also have guides printed on the machine itself, so if you know that basic pattern, you can figure it out without much trouble.
You’ll start by placing your spool of thread on the spindle. Some machines have upright spindles, and some have ones that sit horizontally. Either is ok. This spindle is usually on the upper back right or top right of the machine. Some machines also have a cap that will go on top of the spool to help keep it in place, but not all do. Find the end of the thread on the spool (usually tucked under the sticker on one end) and pull out a length. Don’t cut anything, we’re just pulling out some thread so we have something to work with.
Pull the thread towards the left of the machine. There is typically a small metal protrusion towards the center left. You will want to place the thread behind this, in the manner that the picture on the machine tells you to. For threading the machine, this is usually behind and continuing to the left.
Now comes the wild and crazy part. You’re usually going to bring the thread down on the front of the machine through a slit, shift over to the left just a tad, then back up through another slit. At the top, there is a metal lever looking thing with a hole. Push the thread through that hole, from right to left, then back down through the same slit. So you have just gone down, left, up, through the hole, and down again.
Lastly, there will be a small metal clip type thing which is the thread guide. You want to make sure you thread is behind this before you actually thread the needle. Finally, finally, finally, it’s time to thread the sewing machine needle. I like to clip off the very end of the thread, because sometimes it’s a little frayed. With that clean end, thread the eye of the needle, going from left to right. It’s a little tricky and can take a few tries. Some machines have an automatic needle threader, which I personally love!
Did you do it? It gets easier each time, I promise!