Christine Sews

Threading your sewing machine is a fundamental task, and one of the first things a beginner must learn. Instructions included with new sewing machines are often detailed and clear. But sometimes, a sewing machine is purchased pre-loved from a garage sale or thrift store without a manual. Follow these step-by-step instructions for threading a basic sewing machine.

How to Thread a Sewing Machine:

1. Raise the take up lever – the lever on the top left front on most machines that moves up and down – by turning the hand wheel on the right.
2. Lift the presser foot.
3. Place a spool of thread on the spindle. Make certain that any thread-keeping cuts in the spool, or caps are on the right and the thread is coming off the spool to the left.



4. Place the spool cap on securely.
5. Pull the thread into the first thread guide toward the back left of the machine.



6. Pull the thread toward the front of the sewing machine, into the next guide, and then down.



7. Pull the thread down and up into the tension guides. You can usually feel the thread catch, or sometimes hear a small click.
8. Pull the thread back and then forward into the takeup lever.



9. Pull the thread down, through two more thread guides.



10. Lower the presser foot. And thread the needle.

Sewing Tips and Notes:

• Two different thread colors are shown in this tutorial for photographic clarity only.
• Keep presser foot up while threading sewing machine, until it is time to thread the needle, for best tension.
• Use high quality thread.
• Adjust tension. Then re-thread the sewing machine if you are having problems with stitching.
• Always use a new, sharp needle for best stitch results.
• Instructions and photographs shown correspond to a Singer 5050 sewing machine. It is a basic machine, but may differ from other models. Verify manufacturer instructions.

For more basic sewing tutorials see how to match a print at seams , how to cut a large print , and how to cut a circle .

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