Threading a Brother sewing machine is a quick and easy process, but it’s essential to do it correctly to ensure smooth and even stitching. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, taking a few minutes to thread your machine properly will save you time and frustration in the long run. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to thread a Brother sewing machine like a pro.
First, you’ll need to insert the spool of thread into the spool holder, which is usually located on the top of the machine. Make sure the thread is unwinding in a clockwise direction and that it’s not tangled. Next, draw the thread through the thread guide located near the spool holder, which helps keep the thread in place. From there, you’ll need to thread the needle. This can be done by using the needle threader, which is a small hook that can be found on most Brother sewing machines.
Finally, you’ll need to thread the bobbin. To do this, open the bobbin case, which is usually located on the front of the machine. Place the bobbin into the case and draw the thread through the tension spring. Once the thread is threaded, close the bobbin case and pull the thread through the needle plate. Now that your machine is threaded, you’re ready to start sewing! Remember to always refer to your machine’s user manual for specific instructions on threading.
Winding the Thread
Materials Required:
- Brother sewing machine
- Thread spool
- Empty bobbin
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Insert Empty Bobbin: Place the empty bobbin onto the bobbin winder spindle.
-
Thread the Bobbin:
- Cut a length of thread (approximately 6 inches).
- Guide the thread through the hole in the center of the bobbin.
- Wrap the thread around the bobbin spindle 4-5 times to secure it.
- Pull the thread through the thread guide on the winder.
- Press the bobbin winder pedal or switch to start the winding process.
- Wind the Bobbin:
| Recommended Thread Usage | |
|---|---|
| Thread Type | Winding Speed Setting |
| Nylon | High |
| Polyester | Medium |
| Cotton | Low |
- Stop Winding:
- Once the bobbin is about 80% full, the machine will automatically stop winding.
- If it doesn’t, press the pedal or switch again to stop it.
- Cut and Secure the Thread:
- Use scissors to cut the thread from the spool.
- Hold the thread down on the bobbin and wind the excess around it to secure it.
Inserting the Needle
1. Raise the needle bar to its highest position by turning the handwheel towards you. This will expose the needle clamp screw.
2. Loosen the needle clamp screw with a screwdriver. Remove the old needle by holding it by the flat side and gently pulling it straight down. Be careful not to cut your fingers on the needle’s sharp tip.
| Needle Size | Fabric Type |
|---|---|
| 60/8 | Very lightweight fabrics, such as silk or chiffon |
| 70/10 | Lightweight fabrics, such as cotton or linen |
| 80/12 | Medium-weight fabrics, such as wool or canvas |
| 90/14 | Heavyweight fabrics, such as denim or leather |
3. Insert the new needle into the needle clamp with the flat side facing the back of the machine. Push the needle up into the clamp as far as it will go. Tighten the needle clamp screw snugly, but do not overtighten it.
Securing the Thread
7. Finally, you will need to secure the thread:
- Pull the thread through the needle hole by 20 cm (8 inches) and grasp both ends.
- Tie a small knot at the end of the threads, leaving about 1 cm (1/2 inch) of thread after the knot.
- Pass the knotted end of the thread back through the slit.
- Pull on both ends of the thread to tighten the knot and secure it.
- Trim the excess thread close to the knot.
- Pull the upper thread under the presser foot and place it in the groove in front of the needle.
- Raise the presser foot and thread the lower thread through the hook as follows:
| 1 | Turn the handwheel towards you until the needle is at its highest position. |
|---|---|
| 2 | Gently pull the bobbin case towards you so that the latch opens. |
| 3 | Remove the bobbin from the bobbin case. |
| 4 | Wrap the thread around the bobbin several times in a clockwise direction. |
| 5 | Insert the bobbin back into the bobbin case, ensuring that the thread is coming out in the correct direction. |
| 6 | Hook the thread onto the hook and close the latch. |
| 7 | Pull the thread out gently and trim any excess. |
| 8 | Close the bobbin cover and pull the thread end through the small hole on the left. |
Testing the Tension
Once you have threaded your Brother sewing machine, it’s important to test the tension to ensure that it’s correct. Here’s how:
1. Cut a piece of scrap fabric that is at least 6 inches long and 4 inches wide.
2. Place the scrap fabric under the presser foot.
3. Lower the presser foot and start sewing.
4. Sew a few stitches and then stop.
5. Examine the stitches. They should be even and not too loose or too tight.
6. If the stitches are too loose, tighten the upper thread tension. If the stitches are too tight, loosen the upper thread tension.
| Too Loose | Correct | Too Tight |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
Continue adjusting the tension until you are satisfied with the results.
Step 9: Thread the Upper Threading Path
Now that the needle is threaded, you need to thread the upper threading path. This involves passing the thread through a series of guides and tension discs to ensure that the thread is properly tensioned and can flow smoothly through the machine without breaking or tangling.
Here are the detailed steps for threading the upper threading path:
- Raise the presser foot. This will release the tension on the thread and make it easier to thread.
- Pull the thread from the spool onto the thread guide. The thread guide is usually located at the back of the machine, near the spool pin.
- Follow the thread guide to the first tension disc. The tension discs are typically located on the top of the machine.
- Pass the thread between the tension discs. Be sure to follow the arrows or instructions on the machine to ensure that the thread is passing through the discs in the correct direction.
- Continue following the thread guide to the second tension disc.
- Pass the thread between the tension discs and then through the second thread guide.
- Bring the thread down to the needle bar.
- Thread the needle from the front to the back.
- Pull the thread through the needle and down to the bobbin case.
- Lower the presser foot to engage the tension.
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The thread breaks when sewing. | The thread is not properly tensioned. | Adjust the tension dials on the machine. |
| The thread tangles in the bobbin area. | The bobbin is wound incorrectly. | Rewind the bobbin, making sure to wind it evenly and tightly. |
| The thread loops on the underside of the fabric. | The needle is not the correct size or type for the fabric. | Change the needle to the correct size and type for the fabric. |
| The thread puckers the fabric. | The stitch length is too short. | Increase the stitch length. |
How to Thread the Brother Sewing Machine
Threading a Brother sewing machine is a simple process that can be completed in a few easy steps. Follow these instructions to ensure your machine is properly threaded and ready to sew.
- Raise the presser foot. This will allow you to access the threading path.
- Insert the spool of thread onto the spool pin. The spool pin is located on the top of the machine.
- Pull the thread through the thread guide on the spool pin. This will help to keep the thread in place.
- Thread the lower thread through the tension discs. The tension discs are located on the left side of the machine.
- Pull the thread up through the needle hole. The needle hole is located on the front of the machine.
- Lower the presser foot. This will secure the thread in place.
- Begin sewing!
People Also Ask About How to Thread the Brother Sewing Machine
How do I know if my Brother sewing machine is properly threaded?
If your Brother sewing machine is properly threaded, the thread will be taut and there will be no loose ends. You should also be able to see the thread through the needle hole.
What do I do if I can’t get the thread through the needle hole?
If you can’t get the thread through the needle hole, try using a needle threader. Needle threaders are available at most sewing stores.
How often should I thread my Brother sewing machine?
You should thread your Brother sewing machine every time you change thread or bobbin.
