Start your sewing machine by threading it, inserting a bobbin, and raising the presser foot

Before you sew anything, your machine needs thread in two places: the top (where the needle is) and the bottom (in the bobbin). The presser foot—the metal piece that holds fabric down—must be raised before you thread, because raising it opens the tension discs that grip the thread. If you thread with the foot down, the thread won't sit properly and your stitches will be loose or skip.

Every machine has a threading path marked with numbers or arrows on the body. Follow that path exactly. The thread goes through guides, then the tension discs, then down to the needle. If you skip a step, the machine will not sew correctly, even if the thread looks like it's in the needle.

Once the top is threaded and the needle is inserted correctly (most machines have a flat side that faces a specific direction), you insert a wound bobbin into the bobbin case, pull up the bobbin thread, and you're ready to sew.

Key Takeaways

  • Raise the presser foot before threading so the tension discs open and accept the thread properly.
  • Follow your machine's numbered threading path exactly—skipping a guide will cause skipped stitches or loose tension.
  • Insert the needle with the flat side facing the direction your manual specifies, or it will not catch the bobbin thread.
  • Wind a bobbin on your machine's winder before you start, or use a pre-wound bobbin if your machine accepts them.
  • Pull the bobbin thread up through the needle plate after inserting the bobbin so both threads are ready under the presser foot.

Raise the presser foot and locate your threading path

The presser foot is the hinged metal arm above the needle. Push it up with your hand or use the lever on the back of the machine—the exact method depends on your model. When it's up, you'll see a small gap open between the two tension discs (the metal circles the thread passes through). This gap is what allows thread to slip in.

Look at your machine's body for numbers (1, 2, 3, 4) or arrows printed near the needle area. These mark the threading sequence. Some machines have a diagram on the side or inside the manual. If you don't have the manual, take a photo of your machine and search online for "[your machine model] threading guide"—most manufacturers post them free.

Write down or photograph the sequence before you start. Threading is easier when you're not trying to remember the path at the same time.

Thread the top of the machine step by step

Start with the thread spool on the spool pin (the post at the top of the machine). Place a spool cap over the thread to keep it from sliding off. Pull the thread down and to the right, following the path marked on your machine. The thread will pass through a guide (often a small hook or loop), then through the tension discs, then through another guide or two, and finally down toward the needle.

When you reach the needle, the thread should come from the left side (on most machines) and pass through the needle's eye from front to back. Some needles have a groove on one side—the thread sits in that groove as it enters. If the thread doesn't slide through easily, the needle may be inserted backward or upside down. Remove it, flip it, and try again.

Pull about 4 inches of thread through the needle and hold it there. Do not let go yet—you need this tail for the next step.

Insert the needle and check the direction

Needles have a flat side and a rounded side. Your machine's needle clamp (the small metal piece that holds the needle) has a slot that accepts only one orientation. Usually the flat side faces the back or the side, depending on your machine type. Check your manual or look at the diagram on the machine body.

Loosen the needle clamp screw (usually a small screw on the side of the clamp). Slide the needle up into the clamp as far as it will go—you should hear or feel a small click. Tighten the screw firmly but do not overtighten, or you'll crack the needle.

If you insert the needle backward, the machine will not pick up the bobbin thread and you'll see no stitches form, only loops on top of the fabric. If this happens, stop, remove the needle, flip it, and reinsert it.

Wind a bobbin or prepare a pre-wound one

The bobbin is a small spool that holds thread on the underside of the machine. Most machines come with empty bobbins you wind yourself. To wind a bobbin, place an empty bobbin on the bobbin winder (a small post, usually on the top or side of the machine). Place the thread spool on the main spool pin and guide the thread to the bobbin winder, following the path marked on your machine.

Press the bobbin winder against the machine body (it usually clicks into place). Hold the thread end and press the foot pedal or press a start button—the bobbin will spin and wind thread onto itself. Stop when the bobbin is full (the winder usually stops automatically). Cut the thread and remove the bobbin.

If your machine uses pre-wound bobbins, you can skip this step and use those instead. Check your manual to see which type your machine accepts.

Insert the bobbin and pull up the bobbin thread

Open the bobbin case door (usually on the front or side of the machine, below the needle). The bobbin case is a small metal or plastic compartment. Insert your wound bobbin so the thread unwinds in the direction marked inside the case—usually counterclockwise. The thread should sit in the tension spring (a small metal clip inside the case).

Close the bobbin case door. Now you need to pull the bobbin thread up to the top. Hold the top thread (the one coming from the needle) in your left hand. Turn the hand wheel (the large wheel on the right side of the machine) toward you one full rotation. As the needle goes down and comes back up, it will catch the bobbin thread and pull a loop to the surface.

Reach under the presser foot and pull that loop up gently. You should now have both the top thread and the bobbin thread lying under the presser foot, with about 4 inches of each extending behind the foot. Trim the tails if they're very long.

Test your threading with scrap fabric

Place a small piece of scrap fabric under the presser foot and lower the foot (push the lever down or press the button). Set your stitch length to medium (usually marked as 2.5 or 3 on the dial). Hold both thread tails and sew a few stitches on the scrap.

Look at the stitches. On the top, you should see a line of thread that looks even and smooth. On the bottom, the same thread should appear. If the top stitches look loose or loopy, the top thread is not threaded correctly—rethread it, making sure it passes through every guide and the tension discs. If the bottom stitches look loose, the bobbin thread is not threaded correctly or the bobbin is not wound tightly enough.

Once the stitches look even on both sides, trim the thread tails and you're ready to sew your project.

Common mistakes to avoid when starting

Threading with the presser foot down is the most common error. The tension discs stay closed, so the thread sits on top of them instead of between them. This causes loose stitches. Always raise the foot first.

Skipping a guide or the tension discs happens when you thread too quickly or don't follow the marked path. The thread looks like it's in the machine, but it's not threaded correctly. Slow down and touch each guide as you go.

Inserting the needle backward means the machine won't catch the bobbin thread. If you sew and see only loops on top with no stitches forming, stop when ready and check the needle direction.

Not pulling the bobbin thread up before sewing causes the first few stitches to be messy or the machine to jam. Always turn the hand wheel once to pull the bobbin thread to the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my machine make a clicking sound when I try to sew?

A clicking sound usually means the needle is hitting something, often because it's inserted backward or upside down. Stop when ready and check the needle direction. If the needle is correct, the needle may be bent—remove it and insert a new one. A bent needle can damage the machine if you keep sewing.

What if the thread keeps breaking while I'm sewing?

Thread breaks when tension is too tight or the needle is wrong for your fabric. First, check that the presser foot is raised and the machine is rethreaded correctly—a threading mistake can feel like a tension problem. If the thread still breaks, try a fresh needle (old or bent needles break thread easily) and check that your needle size matches your fabric weight.

Can I leave the machine threaded between sewing sessions?

Yes, you can leave the machine threaded. However, if you won't sew for several weeks, it's good practice to lower the presser foot (which closes the tension discs and relieves pressure on them) and loosen or remove the thread. This prevents the tension discs from becoming permanently compressed.

Do I need to rewind the bobbin every time I sew?

No. A bobbin holds enough thread for many projects. You only need to wind a new bobbin when the current one runs out of thread. You'll notice the bobbin is empty when stitches stop forming on the bottom of your fabric.

What's the difference between a top-loading and a front-loading bobbin case?

Top-loading bobbins drop straight down into a case on top of the machine. Front-loading bobbins slide into a case you access from the front or side. Your manual will show which type your machine uses. The threading method is the same—follow the path marked inside the case.