Shut Up and Sew: Threading Your Machine and Bobbin

When I started Shut Up and Sew last month, I was surprised (and excited) to discover that so many of you are a little like me. You have a sewing machine, you want to use it (at least in theory), but you don't know much about it, and don't really know where to start. So today, I'm going to go over a few of those basic, "I'm sitting in front of my machine, now what?" things. Many of you asked about threading the machine and the bobbin, so today you've got it.

First thing's first, you need to thread the machine.

My sewing machine is my mom's old machine, a 1975 Singer. Now obviously there are many differences in sewing machines, but for those of you with an oldie but a goodie like mine, maybe this can help you out a bit.

I was startled to discover that there are 8 steps to threading the machine including actually pushing the thread through the needle!! Seems a little excessive, am I right? But like most things, it just take a little getting used to. My machine has a little cheat sheet tucked away on the inside door, does yours? If not, grab your manual, dog ear that page and try it out.

Now that your machine is threaded, next up is winding the bobbin. My bobbin is tucked away in this little door right below my needle.

I simply flip this little switch over to the left, which tells the machine that I want to wind the bobbin.

Then, I just push down on the pedal and watch in amazement as the needle fills the bobbin with thread.

When the bobbin holder is 3/4 of the way full, I stopped winding the thread, making sure that it doesn't go past the last white line. I don't know what happens, but I was told that you shouldn't do this, so I won't.

Now time to raise the bobbin thread.

I switched the top thread to red so that you can distinguish which is which a little better.

Start off with the top thread to the left and the bobbin thread to the right. Hold onto the top thread snugly and turn the sewing machine wheel towards you.

The red thread moves across the bobbin from left to right and grabs the white thread...

and pulls it through the little hole.

Close the door that holds the bobbin, make sure both pieces of thread are to the left and you are ready to sew!!

Are you ready?!

So many of you asked about pillow projects, so I asked Lemon Tree Creations' resident pillow expert if she had any tips to offer and she has plenty!! Come back tomorrow and next Tuesday to see Tiffany's take on a few different pillow projects. She always makes the most incredible pillows so I can't wait to see what she's come up with!!

Have a great week!