Last Updated on 10 months by Susan Mayrich
Are you wondering how to thread a sewing machine? Sewing machines are great, but threading the needle can be painless.

Anyone who has tried to use a sewing machine knows it’s not easy to figure out how to thread it properly. It takes forever, and you risk breaking your expensive needles if you’re not careful.
We’ve created this guide on threading a sewing machine with step-by-step instructions and pictures so anyone can do this easily at home or in class!
This is an extremely useful guide for any beginner sewer or quilter looking for tips on threading a sewing machine. After reading this article, you’ll know exactly how to thread your sewing machine like an expert.
How To Thread The Sewing Machine
So, how to thread a sewing machine? Check your sewing manual if you don’t have a sewing instructions manual. It should show diagrammatical directions on how to thread your make of machine. If your manual is lost, you can download here sewing machine manuals online.
Choose the color thread you’ll be using and fill the bobbin. Always utilize high-quality threads which are appropriate for the fabric you’re using.
Steps On How To Thread The Sewing Machine

Top spool
At the top of the machine, place the cotton on the spool. This may be an upright peg or a laying down on your machine model. Some machines have a plastic disk on top of the spool to keep it in place and prevent it from flying off the top once you begin stitching.
Threading the guide
Pull the thread through the top of the thread guide. This sewing machine has a relatively large thread guide. The most common form is a tiny button-like knob.
At the tension knob
Begin by pulling the thread toward you and looping it around the tension discs below.
Second thread of the guide
Take up the thread and form a U shape with it (you do not have to pull it out). The take-up lever, typically called a lever with an eyelet, creates a U form with the thread.
Then above the needle hook
Bring the thread down to the needle and then wrap it around any hooks to keep it there.
Now threading the needle
From the front to the rear, thread the needle.
Insert the bobbin
As per your type and manual instructions, load the wound bobbin. Your machine’s bobbin may be inserted from the top of the front.
Most sewing machines have a detachable case that the bobbin drops into, while others have a fixed location. Turn the flywheel (the large wheel on the right side of the machine) in your direction so that the needle catches both yarns.
Bring the thread from the bobbin to the machine plate, where the needle moves in and out.
Join the top thread and the bobbin
Pull the loop of bobbin thread that is being caught to the top. You might need tweezers or a pin to assist you in grabbing it.
Pull the threads to the back
Gently tug both threads to the rear. They should slide easily as you pull them.
Test on a scrap
Take a small piece of fabric and check your stitching and tension. Start sewing slowly at the rear with your fingers lightly grasping the threads to prevent the top and bottom threads from tangling. Remember to lower the foot to steady the material and connect with the feeder mechanism. You may also be interested to know about best sewing machines.
How To Thread Your Sewing Machine – Video Tutorial
It’s A Wrap!
Now, you’ve known how to thread a sewing machine! If you have any other questions as you proceed with your sewing project, don’t hesitate to ask!
In the meantime, enjoy our video tutorial above on how to thread the sewing machines, and good luck! You may also want to read about why is my sewing machine not sewing and why is my sewing machine not moving the fabric – here are the causes.