SewHQ: Your Online Sewing Club

Access 1,000+ sewing patterns and become a part of our sewing community!
JOIN FROM JUST £4.99!

NO COMMITMENTS. CANCEL ANYTIME

Home   Tutorials   Upper threading

Upper threading

Most machines are threaded in a similar way, following four or five steps. Make sure the needle and presser foot are raised.

Upper threading

1.

Follow the diagram on the top of your machine to begin threading the top thread. Take it round the notch as shown.

Upper threading

2.

Take the thread down and round the rectangle marked with an arrow in the direction shown. This takes it through the tension discs.

Upper threading

3.

Take the thread up to the metal hook, which should be raised and visible. If it is not, turn the balance wheel on the right to raise it. Pull the thread round the hook from right to left and down to the needle.

Upper threading

4.

Feed the thread behind the hook above the needle. Lower the presser foot.

Upper threading

5.

If you have a needle threader, pull it down fully with your left index finger and hold it down. The threader arm will wrap round the needle.

Upper threading

6.

Holding the thread in your right hand, hook it under the left fork of the threader, then under the smaller right fork.

Upper threading

7.

Release the threader. There should be a loop of thread coming out of the back of the needle. Pull on the loop.

Upper threading

8.

To pick up the bobbin thread, turn the balance wheel by hand towards you. This takes the needle down and up again and brings up the bobbin thread. Pull the loop free to pull out the thread end.

Upper threading

9.

Hold both threads to the back and put on the lid to the bobbin compartment.

More Helpful Tips...

Shape Up Your Sleeves

Give extra shape to frocks and tops with this handy sleeve enhancement. You can easily add interest to the head…

Improve Your Rolled Hems

Guarantee flowing hemlines that hang like a dream. Keen dressmaker Sarah Greeff has colourful memories of her first attempts at…

Know Your Overlocking

Get to grips with the best overlocking finishes for everyday stitching. The overlocker has a different feel to a regular…

Master French Seams

Get to grips with a clever seam favourite for a continental finish! French seams are common in clothes for children,…

Fix a Frayed Pocket

A quick fashion fix with Amanda Bowden's classic miracle mend. The dread of torn stitching can be traumatic. Pockets are…