| When the sewing machine is properly threaded and all | | | | the machine. Thread nets may be helpful. Smooth |
| is operating correctly, it is great fun. The satisfaction of | | | | thread flow if vital, so double check by drawing a few |
| creating with fabric and thread is huge. | | | | inches of thread while you feel for snags. |
| But inaccurate threading commonly causes so much | | | | Then thread the tension mechanism. This mechanism |
| user frustration that they either stop sewing or require | | | | may be mounted on the front or enclosed under the |
| professional sewing machine repair. | | | | machine cover. Nonetheless, the assembly consists of |
| If there is no thread, there can be no sewing. Thread is | | | | two or more metal discs designed to press against the |
| vital. It is needed by the sewing machine to join fabrics. | | | | thread as it moves through the mechanism. This |
| Two threads are used by most sewing machines. | | | | pressure is what we call tension. |
| One fills a bobbin and is placed under the arm of the | | | | Here is a trouble spot. Threading the tension assembly |
| sewing machine. One comes from above through the | | | | can be tricky. The key is to seat the thread through |
| eye of the needle. | | | | tension discs. It may snag on rough spots, rust, or lint |
| The mechanism moves the needle up and down | | | | trapped inside the tension assembly. More often the it |
| through the needle plate and into the bobbin area. The | | | | will ride along the top of the tension discs and fail to be |
| upper thread is picked up by the hook and pulled | | | | properly seated. In the first case, excessive tension will |
| around the bobbin. As the needle pulls out and moves | | | | be created. In the second case, little or no tension will |
| higher, it tightens the threads into a locked stitch in the | | | | result. The thread must be properly seated to insure |
| middle of the fabric. | | | | proper tension operations. |
| However, improper threading can leave a mess when | | | | Prevent this problem by lifting the presser foot when |
| you try to sew. Each make and model has its own | | | | you begin threading. Keep it up until you have threaded |
| special threading, and it must be followed precisely | | | | the needle. The raised presser foot keeps the tension |
| every time. | | | | discs open, making it easy for it to slide into position. |
| What is the procedure for a Janome MC4000? Or a | | | | Also clean out the tension assembly. Remove any lint, |
| Singer 730? Or a Bernina 240? What steps are | | | | debris, rust, or rough spots. |
| needed to insure proper functioning? What is the | | | | With the tension threaded, stability is insured by the |
| proper procedure for most machines? What easy | | | | tension take up spring. Failure to thread the tension |
| techniques helps make sure threading is right? | | | | spring will result in flopping thread and will mess up the |
| If you follow this procedure, you will achieve perfect | | | | tension. |
| threading almost every time. It is a quick and easy | | | | Next the take up lever must be threaded. Make sure |
| way for most machines. | | | | this lever is threaded or the stitches will be a mess. |
| Begin by threading the upper thread. Your thread is | | | | Follow any remaining threading guides to the needle. |
| wrapped around a spool with a hole down its center. | | | | Test the upper threading now by taking hold of the |
| The spools are made in a variety of shapes and | | | | thread with your left hand and gently tugging. The |
| designs, yet they all work alike. The spool of thread is | | | | thread should flow freely. If it drags or snags, there is a |
| placed on a spool pin which may be horizontally or | | | | problem that you must trace back to its origin. Now |
| vertically mounted to the sewing machine. It may by on | | | | release the presser foot. Test the thread again. When |
| the back or at the top. Place the spool over the spool | | | | you tug on the thread you should feel significant |
| pin on top of the machine. If the pin is horizontal, you will | | | | resistance. If you do not, double check the threading of |
| need to use a spool cap to prevent snags. | | | | the tension assembly. This completes the upper |
| Across the top of the sewing machine are a series of | | | | threading once you thread the needle. |
| thread guides. Check them for rough surfaces, thread | | | | In conclusion, take the filled bobbin after checking it for |
| scores, or other problems. Repair as needed. Pull the | | | | smooth windings, and insert it into the bobbin carrier. |
| thread from the spool (right to left) through each guide. | | | | Thread the bobbin tension spring by pulling the thread |
| Monitor the thread as it flows from the spool through | | | | through the spring. |
| the guides. Make sure the thread draws smoothly | | | | Hold the thread behind the needle with your left hand. |
| without resistance or snagging. | | | | Turn the hand wheel forward with your right. Advance |
| Some spool pins attach to the back of the machine, | | | | the needle all the way down and back up. Tug on the |
| and a few sewhave spool pins at the base behind the | | | | thread with your left hand to draw the bobbin thread |
| machine. Many people use an optional free standing | | | | through the needle plate. |
| accessory spool pin stand. These are usually sit behind | | | | |