How to thread a sewing machine (quick overview)
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Step 1: Raise the presser foot |
Lifting the presser foot releases the tension disks so the thread can slide in smoothly. |
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Step 2: Lift the needle to its highest position |
Use the handwheel or the needle up/down button if your machine has one. |
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Step 3: 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. |
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Step 4: Guide the thread through the first thread guide |
Usually a small hook or notch near the spool pin. |
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Step 5: 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. |
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Step 6: 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). |
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Step 7: Guide the thread down toward the needle |
Pass the thread through any small guides or hooks on the way to the needle. |
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Step 8: 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. |
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Step 9: 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. |
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Step 10: 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. |
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Step 11: 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. |
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, but the concept is very similar across most machines.
The thread generally follows the same basic path regardless of brand or model, so once you've learned to thread one machine, picking up a new one is pretty easy.
How to thread a Singer sewing machine
Thread a Singer sewing machine by raising the needle and presser foot, then placing your thread on the spool pin.
Guide the thread through the top thread guides, down through the tension mechanism, up through the take-up lever, and back down to the needle.
Thread the needle front to back and you're ready to go.
How to thread a Brother sewing machine
Thread a Brother sewing machine by raising the needle and presser foot, and placing your thread on the spool pin.
Follow the numbered guides printed on the machine from top to bottom, going through the tension discs and take-up lever, then down to the needle.
Many Brother machines have a built-in needle threader to make that last step even easier.
Related article: The Best Sewing Machine for Every Skill Level in 2026
What you’ll need to thread your sewing machine
Before you start threading your sewing machine, turn it off!
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), finger injuries (including needle punctures) are among the most common sewing-related ER visits.
Sewing machine thread
Use thread that is suitable for your fabric and compatible with your machine. Most standard polyester or cotton thread works well for everyday sewing projects.
Pressor foot position
Raise the presser foot lever before you begin threading. This opens the tension discs inside the machine, which lets the thread sit correctly in place.
Needle position
Make sure the needle is in its highest position before you thread it. You can raise it by turning the handwheel toward you until the needle is all the way up.
How to thread a sewing machine
Step 1: Raise the presser foot
Lifting the presser foot releases the tension disks so the thread can slide in smoothly.
Step 2: Lift the needle to its highest position
Use the handwheel or the needle up/down button if your machine has one.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: Guide the thread through the first thread guide
Usually a small hook or notch near the spool pin.
Step 5: 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.
Step 6: 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).
Step 7: Guide the thread down toward the needle
Pass the thread through any small guides or hooks on the way to the needle.
Step 8: 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
Expert tip: If you're struggling to thread the needle with your fingers, try using a pair of tweezers to push the thread through and pull it out the other side.
Step 9: 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.
Step 10: 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.
Step 11: 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.
How to wind a bobbin
Most machines have a built-in bobbin winder that winds the thread onto the bobbin for you.
Place your thread spool on the spool pin, follow your machine's guides to the bobbin winder, and let the machine do the work until the bobbin is evenly full.
Expert tip: If you have an older machine or are having trouble with the built-in bobbin winder, a portable bobbin winder is a handy tool to have. They're small, quick, and work independently from your sewing machine.
How to thread a bobbin
Drop the bobbin into the bobbin case, making sure the thread is feeding in the correct direction for your machine.
Check your manual to find out which direction yours needs, then make sure the thread is sitting in the tension spring before pulling a few inches up through the needle plate.
“P” method vs. “Q” method
The "P" method means the thread unwinds counterclockwise when the bobbin is in place, while the "Q" method means it unwinds clockwise.
Your machine's manual will tell you which one is correct for your machine.
How to thread the needle on a sewing machine
Raise the needle to its highest position, then pass the thread through the eye of the needle from front to back.
Many machines have a built-in needle threader that makes this step a lot easier.
How to test if your sewing machine is threaded correctly
Sew a few stitches on a scrap piece of fabric and check that the stitches look even and clean on both sides.
If the thread is bunching, breaking, or stitches look off, re-thread the machine and try again.
Related article: How to Sew: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
FAQ
Which way does the thread go in the needle?
Thread the needle from front to back.
Do I thread with the presser foot up or down?
Always thread with the presser foot up, as this opens the tension discs and lets the thread sit in them correctly.
Does the bottom thread go through the needle?
No, only the top thread goes through the needle. The bobbin thread sits in the bobbin case underneath the machine.
How tight should the thread feel when threading a sewing machine?
The thread should move smoothly with a little bit of resistance. If it feels completely loose or won't pull through at all, something isn't threaded correctly.
How do I load the bobbin into the sewing machine?
Drop the bobbin into the bobbin case with the thread feeding in the correct direction for your machine, then pull the thread through the tension spring and up through the needle plate.
How do I pull up the bobbin thread?
Hold the top thread, lower the needle into the bobbin area and back up, then gently pull the top thread to bring the bobbin thread up through the needle plate.
How often should I change my needle?
Change your needle every 8-10 hours of sewing, or any time you notice skipped stitches or the needle snagging on fabric.
Do I need to hold thread tails when I start sewing?
It isn't strictly necessary, but it's a good habit to hold both thread tails behind the presser foot when you start sewing.
It only takes a second and can prevent tangles or threads getting pulled into the machine.
Related article: The Best Fabric Scissors for Every Sewing Project
Common sewing machine threading mistakes (and how to fix them)
Why is my thread bunching underneath when I sew?
This is usually an upper threading issue, not a bobbin problem.
Re-thread the top of the machine with the presser foot raised, making sure the thread is sitting correctly in the tension discs.
What should I do if my sewing machine thread keeps breaking?
Thread breaking is often caused by low-quality thread. Cheap threads often have inconsistent diameters and 'fuzz' (lint).
Studies on textile strength show that high-quality polyester thread has a significantly higher 'tenacity' (breaking strength) than bargain-brand threads.
Re-thread the machine, check your tension settings, and make sure your needle isn't dull or bent.
Why is the top thread not catching the bobbin thread?
This usually happens when the needle isn't fully inserted, the bobbin isn't loaded correctly, or the machine isn't threaded properly.
Check all three and try again, one of them is almost always the cause.
Why is my sewing machine skipping stitches?
Skipped stitches are most often caused by a dull or incorrectly installed needle, or incorrect threading.
Try replacing the needle and re-threading the machine to see if that solves it.
Why does my needle keep unthreading?
This usually happens when the needle isn't at its highest point before threading, or there isn't enough thread pulled through the eye.
Make sure you're leaving at least a few inches of thread tail before you begin sewing.
Why is my sewing machine jamming?
Jams are usually caused by thread bunching in the bobbin area.
Remove the fabric carefully, re-thread both the top and bobbin, and make sure the bobbin area is clear before starting again.
Why are my stitches loose or uneven?
This is typically a tension issue or a sign that the machine isn't threaded correctly.
Try re-threading first, and if the problem continues, adjust your tension settings gradually until the stitches look even on both sides.
