| A few weeks ago I wrote a column on how to | | | | tension. |
| choose your sewing machine. If you have made your | | | | Your stitch is formed by interlocking the bobbin and |
| choice, we will continue on with getting your machine | | | | needle thread. Every time the needle goes down, a |
| ready to sew. | | | | hook catches the needle thread and wraps the bobbin |
| Threading the machine is something that is pretty | | | | thread around it. It is a tug of war that must be |
| basic, yet a little different on every machine. It is VERY | | | | synchronized for a good stitch result. |
| important to refer to your manual when first learning | | | | If your needle thread tension is stronger, your bobbin |
| the procedure. If the threading isn't correct, nothing else | | | | thread will be pulled to the top of your fabric. If your |
| will work either. | | | | bobbin thread tension is stronger, the needle thread will |
| Here is a basic rundown of threading a sewing | | | | be visible on the underside of your fabric. When the |
| machine. Remember, each machine is different. This is | | | | tension is just right and evenly balanced, the stitch will |
| just the general idea. | | | | lock in the middle, halfway between the top and |
| 1. Put your spool of thread on the spindle on top of the | | | | bottom of your fabric. This is what you want and have |
| machine. | | | | to find. It might take some playing around with your |
| 1a. A vertical spindle or post - position the spool so that | | | | tension guide, but worth the extra bit of time it takes. |
| the thread runs clockwise as you sew. | | | | TEST - TEST- TEST |
| 1b. A horizontal spindle - the spool is held in place by an | | | | The easiest way to test your tension is to thread your |
| end cap. If your spool has a small cut in it, be sure to | | | | machine and put one colour thread in your machine |
| have the cut to the right. | | | | with a totally different colour in your bobbin. Neither one |
| NEWBIE TIP: If your spool is brand new and there are | | | | should match your fabric. You need to examine your |
| labels covering the holes, uncover yhour holes | | | | stitches. |
| completely to allow the spool to turn easily. | | | | If your tension is too tight, you will see your bobbin |
| 2. Pull thread to the left of the spindle and thru your | | | | thread on top. |
| first thread guide. | | | | If your tension is too loose, you will see your top thread |
| 3. Draw thread down thru your tension guide. (It is | | | | on the bottom of the fabric. |
| extremely important to have your presser foot UP | | | | If your tension is correct, you will see machine thread |
| when threading your machine.) | | | | only on the top of the fabric and bobbin thread only on |
| 4. Draw thread thru the next thread guide. | | | | the underside of the fabric. |
| 5. Insert thread thru the take up lever. | | | | MAKING ADJUSTMENTS: |
| 6. Bring thread thru next thread guide. | | | | BEFORE you start adjusting your tension, make these |
| 7. Finally! - thread your needle. Most needles are | | | | three checks. This is very important. |
| threaded from front to back, some from left to right. | | | | 1. Be certain your machine is threaded properly. Even |
| Practise threading your machine. It is no small chore if | | | | long time sew-ers can miss a thread guide. |
| you are a beginner, but after a while you will be able to | | | | 2. Be sure your bobbin is properly installed. |
| do this with your eyes closed. | | | | 3. Make sure your needle is inserted properly. |
| WINDING YOUR BOBBIN - THE NEXT STEP | | | | After going thru the three checks, you may have to |
| Follow the instructions from your manual carefully | | | | adjust the tension in order to sew a good stitch. Check |
| when winding your bobbin. | | | | your manual to see how this is done. Each time you |
| If your bobbin case is built in, the bobbin will be wound | | | | have adjusted, sew a line of stitching. You should only |
| in place with the machine fully threaded. | | | | have to make small, slight adjustments to correct your |
| Removable bobbins are wound on the top or side of | | | | stitch. |
| the machine. Your machine must be threaded before | | | | If after what seems like an eternity of changes, you |
| bobbin filling. | | | | still don't have a balanced stitch, leave your machine. |
| Your bobbin thread must be drawn thru the tension | | | | Don't even look at it for a few hours, maybe a day or |
| spring. For wind in place bobbins, this is already taken | | | | so. Then go back and try again. It could be you are |
| care of. You MUST make sure this is done if you are | | | | tired, frustrated or distracted. It happens to all of us. |
| using a bobbin that already has thread in it. | | | | Or, it could be that your bobbin needs adjusting. Most |
| BALANCING THE TENSION: | | | | sewing machine manufacturers don't want you to |
| Balancing your tension is a huge issue when you first | | | | adjust your bobbin tension. If your manual doesn't |
| start to learn about your sewing machine. There is | | | | cover this area, then it is best to take your sewing |
| nothing that will cause you more grief than your | | | | machine in to a dealer or reputable repair man. |