How to Thread a Sewing Machine Step by Step

Threading a sewing machine might seem tricky at first, but once you know the basic steps, it becomes second nature.

We'll cover everything from winding the bobbin to getting that final stitch just right, so you can spend less time figuring out your machine and more time actually sewing.

Do all sewing machines thread the same way?

No, sewing machines don't all thread exactly the same way, but the basic steps are pretty similar across most models.

The main differences you'll find are in the specific path the thread takes and where certain guides or tension discs are located on your particular machine.

Some machines have automatic threading features or slightly different bobbin systems, but once you learn the general process, you can usually figure out any machine with a quick look at the manual.

How to thread for beginners

Threading a sewing machine involves two main parts: the upper thread that goes through the needle and the lower thread that sits in the bobbin case.

Let’s go over the steps needed to thread a machine (on most machines) step by step.

How to thread a sewing machine step by step

Raise the presser foot - Lifting the presser foot releases the tension disks so the thread can slide in smoothly.

Lift the needle to its highest position – Use the handwheel or the needle up/down button if your machine has one.

Place the spool on the spool pin – Put your thread spool on the pin at the top of the machine and secure it with a spool cap if needed.

Guide the thread through the first thread guide – Usually a small hook or notch near the spool pin.

Bring the thread down and around the tension mechanism – Guide it down the right slot, around the tension disks, and back up the left slot.

Thread the take-up lever – Pull the thread through the eye of the take-up lever (this is the metal part that moves up and down as you sew).

Guide the thread down toward the needle – Pass the thread through any small guides or hooks on the way to the needle.

Thread the needle – Insert the thread through the eye of the needle from front to back (some machines may vary). Use the built-in needle threader if your machine has one.

Insert the bobbin – Place a wound bobbin into the bobbin case or drop-in compartment (depending on your machine type), making sure the thread unwinds in the correct direction.

Draw up the bobbin thread – Hold the top thread with one hand and turn the handwheel toward you. The needle will dip down, catch the bobbin thread, and pull it up.

Pull both threads under the presser foot – Pull a few inches of both the top and bobbin thread toward the back of the machine before you start sewing.

What is the most common mistake when threading a sewing machine

The most common mistake when threading a sewing machine is skipping the take-up lever, which is that little hook or slot that moves up and down while you sew.

Many people follow the threading path correctly until they get to this step, then accidentally bypass it and go straight to the needle.

When you skip the take-up lever, your stitches won't form properly and you'll end up with loose, messy thread or no stitches at all.

Always make sure your thread goes through every guide and tension point marked on your machine's threading diagram.

How do I know if my sewing machine is threaded correctly?

You'll know your sewing machine is threaded correctly when you can pull up the bobbin thread by turning the handwheel toward you and gently pulling the needle thread.

The two threads should form neat, even stitches when you sew a test line on scrap fabric.

If your stitches are loose, bunched up, or breaking, or if the machine isn't catching the bobbin thread at all, double-check that you've followed every step in the threading path and that both your needle and bobbin threads are properly seated.

Commonly asked questions

Does the bottom thread go through the needle?

No, the bottom thread (bobbin thread) does not go through the needle at all. The bobbin thread stays down in the bobbin case under your sewing surface, while only the top thread goes through the needle from front to back.

When you sew, the needle carries the top thread down to loop around the bobbin thread, and that's how the two threads lock together to form stitches.

Which way does the thread go in the needle?

Thread goes through the needle from front to back on almost all sewing machines. This means you'll be standing in front of your machine and pushing the thread through the eye of the needle toward the back of the machine.

Some older or specialty machines might thread differently, but the standard way is definitely front to back.

How do I load the bobbin into the sewing machine?

Loading the bobbin depends on whether you have a top-loading or front-loading machine, but both are pretty straightforward.

For top-loading machines, you'll lift up the cover plate near the needle and drop the bobbin into the round case with the thread unwinding in the correct direction.

For front-loading machines, you'll put the bobbin into a separate bobbin case first, then slide the whole thing into the machine.

How do I pull up the bobbin thread?

Pull up the bobbin thread by holding the end of your needle thread and slowly turning the handwheel toward you one full turn.

This makes the needle go down, catch the bobbin thread, and come back up.

You should see a small loop of bobbin thread come up through the needle plate, which you can grab with your fingers or a seam ripper and pull gently until you have both thread tails lying toward the back of your machine.

Troubleshooting

Why is my thread bunching underneath when I sew?

Thread bunching underneath usually happens because your top thread isn't threaded correctly, especially if you missed the take-up lever or tension discs.

This creates loose top stitches that get pulled down and tangled with the bobbin thread under your fabric.

Check that you've followed every step in your threading path and that your presser foot was up when you threaded the machine so the tension discs could engage properly.

Re-threading from scratch often fixes this problem right away.

What should I do if my sewing machine thread keeps breaking?

Thread keeps breaking when there's too much tension, you're using old or poor-quality thread, or your needle is dull or the wrong size for your fabric.

Start by re-threading your machine and checking that the thread isn't caught anywhere along its path. Try lowering your tension setting, switching to fresh thread, and make sure you're using the right needle type and size for what you're sewing.

Sometimes simply changing the needle solves the problem completely.

Why is the top thread not catching the bobbin thread?

The top thread won't catch the bobbin thread if your machine isn't threaded properly, your bobbin is inserted incorrectly, or your needle thread isn't pulled to the back before you start sewing.

Double-check that both threads are following their correct paths and that you can pull up the bobbin thread by turning the handwheel.

Why is my sewing machine skipping stitches?

Your sewing machine skips stitches when the needle isn't properly catching the bobbin thread, which usually happens with a dull, bent, or wrong-sized needle.

The needle might also be inserted incorrectly or your fabric could be too thick for the needle you're using.

Try changing to a fresh needle that's the right size and type for your fabric, and make sure it's pushed all the way up into the needle clamp.

Going too fast can also cause skipped stitches, so slow down a bit and see if that helps.

Why does my needle keep unthreading?

Your needle keeps unthreading because you're not leaving a long enough tail of thread behind the needle when you start sewing, or your needle thread tension is too loose.

Always leave about 4-6 inches of thread hanging behind the needle and hold both thread tails when you take your first few stitches.

Check that your threading path is correct and your tension isn't set too low. Some fabrics also tend to pull thread out more easily, so holding those thread tails at the beginning is extra important.

Why is my sewing machine jamming?

Sewing machine jams happen when thread gets tangled in the bobbin area, usually because of incorrect threading, lint buildup, or using the wrong bobbin for your machine.

Turn off your machine and carefully remove any tangled thread from around the bobbin case and feed dogs.

Clean out any lint or thread bits you find, make sure you're using the right bobbin type, and re-thread both your top and bottom threads completely.

Regular cleaning and proper threading prevent most jams from happening in the first place.