Threading a Brother sewing machine is a fundamental skill that every sewer must learn. While it may seem complex at first, once you understand the basic steps, you will be able to thread your machine confidently. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of threading both the top and the bobbin on a Brother sewing machine. This includes threading the upper thread, inserting the bobbin, and ensuring your machine is ready to sew.
Materials You’ll Need:
Brother Sewing Machine
Sewing Thread: Polyester or cotton thread works best for most sewing projects.
Bobbin: The small spool that holds the lower thread.
Fabric: Optional, for testing your machine after threading.
Step 1: Prepare Your Machine
Before you start threading your Brother sewing machine, make sure it’s powered on and placed on a stable surface. If your machine has a foot pedal, ensure it is plugged in and positioned where you can easily reach it.
Raise the Needle and Presser Foot: Begin by raising the needle and presser foot using the hand wheel and presser foot lever. This will ensure you have plenty of space to thread the machine.
Turn Off the Machine (Optional): Some people prefer to turn off their sewing machine while threading to avoid accidental starts, though this is a personal choice.
Step 2: Thread the Spool on the Upper Thread
Place the Spool of Thread: Start by placing the spool of thread onto the spool pin located on top of the sewing machine. The spool should unwind counterclockwise.
Guide the Thread Through the Thread Guide: Next, take the thread end and guide it through the first thread guide located just above the needle area. This guide ensures the thread is properly aligned for the next steps.
Step 3: Thread the Tension Discs
Pass the Thread Through the Tension Mechanism: Pull the thread down and pass it between the tension discs on your machine. These discs control the tightness of your stitches. Make sure the thread is securely placed between the discs but not too tight, which could cause tension issues.
Ensure the Thread is Tensioned Correctly: Pull the thread down a bit more and make sure it is threaded smoothly through the tension mechanism without skipping or twisting.
Step 4: Guide the Thread Through the Take-Up Lever
Locate the Take-Up Lever: The take-up lever is usually found on the right side of the machine. It moves up and down as you sew, pulling the thread from the spool to make stitches.
Thread Through the Take-Up Lever: Pull the thread upwards and pass it through the take-up lever, following any arrows or markings on the machine to guide you. This is a crucial step in ensuring your sewing machine functions properly.
Step 5: Thread the Needle
Lower the Needle: Turn the hand wheel towards you to lower the needle to its lowest position. Then, turn it back up slightly to ensure the needle is in the correct position for threading.
Thread the Needle: Once the needle is in place, thread it through the eye of the needle from front to back. Many Brother machines come with an automatic needle threader, which simplifies this process. If your machine does not have an automatic needle threader, carefully guide the thread through the eye of the needle.
Step 6: Set the Bobbin in Place
Remove the Bobbin Case: If you’re working with a bobbin case, carefully remove the case from the sewing machine. On some models, the bobbin case is on the side or beneath the needle plate.
Place the Bobbin in the Bobbin Case: Wind the thread around the bobbin in a counterclockwise direction. Make sure it is secure and that the bobbin will unwind smoothly.
Insert the Bobbin into the Machine: Once the bobbin is wound, insert it into the bobbin compartment. Make sure it clicks into place and the thread is able to unwind without resistance.
Step 7: Pull the Thread Through the Needle
Draw Up the Bobbin Thread: Hold the upper thread, and using the hand wheel, turn it toward you to lower the needle and pull up the bobbin thread. The upper thread will catch the bobbin thread. Gently pull both threads to the back of the machine.
Ensure Both Threads are Correct: Make sure both the upper best mini sewing machine and bobbin threads are pulled through the machine and are not tangled. You can use a small pair of scissors or your hands to adjust them if needed.
Step 8: Test the Threading
Test on Scrap Fabric: Place a piece of scrap fabric under the presser foot, lower the foot, and sew a few stitches to make sure everything is working properly. Check for even stitches on both the top and bottom of the fabric.
Adjust Tension if Necessary: If the stitches appear uneven or the fabric bunches up, adjust the thread tension using the dial on your machine until you achieve the desired result.
Conclusion
Threading a Brother sewing machine is an essential skill that every sewer should master. While it may seem daunting at first, with practice, it becomes second nature. By following these steps—threading the spool, guiding the thread through the tension discs, passing it through the take-up lever, and correctly setting the bobbin—you’ll be ready to sew. Always take your time to double-check the threading process and perform a test on scrap fabric to ensure everything is in order. Once you’ve threaded your machine correctly, you’ll be able to sew with confidence and start on your creative sewing projects.