To the novice, threading a sewing machine for the first time might seem intimidating. However, with a little information and practice, it is a simple task that will soon become automatic. It does require a certain hand-eye coordination, keen eyesight (the far-sighted will want to have glasses handy) and a steady hand, but the vast majority or seamstresses achieve facility with the task after only a few tries. Once you know how to thread a sewing machine, you can feel confident and begin to go wherever the creative urge leads you.

1. Begin with the sewing needle at its highest position. To achieve this, turn the hand wheel toward you.

2. To allow the thread to glide through the threading points and keep the needle from becoming unthreaded when you begin to sew, raise the presser foot.

3. There should be a spool pin on the top of the machine. Place the spool of thread on the spool pin. Secure the pin as needed.

4. Pass the thread through the designated threading points along the top of the machine, then down toward the tension assembly.

5. Pass the thread under the tension assembly, between the two tension disks, and through the hook that might be attached at the left of the tension dial. Then pass the thread back up to the next designated threading point at the top left of the machine.

6. Push the thread through the remainder of the threading points, through the lever that may be at the top left of the machine, then down through the bottom left and above the needle.

7. Depending on the make and model of the machine, the thread should now be passed through the needle itself either from the front or from the back. Consult the owner’s manual if unsure.

8. Pass about 2 or 3 inches of thread through the eye of the needle and over to your left.

9. Put a wound bobbin in place and close the throat plate, allowing a few inches of bobbin thread to stick out from under the throat plate.

10. Pull gently on the thread of the needle as you turn the hand wheel towards you. Turn the hand wheel until the needle disappears into the bobbin case, then comes back up to its highest position. A loop of bobbin thread should come out of the bobbin case at this point.

11. Pull the thread out until the bobbin thread comes out further from the bobbin case.

12. Place both threads under the presser foot and to the back and right of the sewing machine.

13. Start sewing!