Sewing machine will not thread

[guggenheim]

because it is a bastard.

Can anyone suggest easy ways to thread a needle on a sewing machine?

I have 2 main problems- I cannot thread the bloody needle,partly because my eye sight isn't great.
2- once the needle is threaded,I can't get it to link properly with the lower thread.

Then the sodding thing de threads itself entirely and sits there laughing at me.
What am I doing wrong?

I wish I'd bought a self threading machine but they are more expensive.Shall I hurl my one through a top floor window and save hard for a self threader???

Self threading machines are the devils spawn IMO. Use a needle threader and a magnifying glass. Self threaders make it worse. I teach textiles, and I make them all thread the needles properly. Those self threaders just over complicate everything..and the kids try to thread the threaders. They are horrible complex temperamental pieces of crap, that thread the machine properly about once in every ten times.

You need to pull the thread through more before you try to get the bobbin thread up. Either that or your bobbin is in the bobbin case the wrong way round.

Once the needle is threaded, I have to use my glasses!- then hold on to the top thread loosely whilst turning the hand wheel towards you. This should allow the top thread to 'fish' and pull up the bottom thread. Always have both threads at the back of the machine and fairly long before starting to sew. Always start with the needle in the fabric. Good luck!

Also, they can dethread ( I like this new word) if you don't leave a long enough tail of thread when you cut it, when you pull your fabric out from under the presser foot.

I have a machine with an automatic needle threader and I never use the automatic function as it is too fiddly. If your needle keeps coming undone / thread breaking off then it might be the quality of your thread. Older or cheap fluffier thread doesn't stay in the needle in some machines.

Ooh thank you very much! I am determined that this machine will not break me. I will follow suggestions.

Which threads are good to use? Anything I can do about being 40 +,grumpy and rubbish eye sight? : )

I was always taught to hold both the needle thread and the bobbin thread behind the foot whilst you lower the needle for the first stitch. It can't dethread itself that way.

And yes you hold on to the needle thread to hook up the bobbin thread.

Basically once the needle is threaded (and I have never got the self threading thing to work either) don't let it go until you start sewing.

Threads depend on what you are sewing. As a rule of thumb use the same thread as the fabric you are using so for cotton fabric use cotton thread, manmade fabrics use polyester. It isn't set in stone though especially not these days with the developments in threads.

The thicker the fabric the thicker the thread too. 60 or70 weight thread for very light weight fabric, 40 or 50 for slightly heavier fabrics. Thick fabrics might need a 30 weight thread.

You need to find a brand that suits you and your machine. A lot of people like Guttermans for example but my machine (and by extension me!) hated it. I like Coats for most stuff.

Good threads to try are guttermann or coats duet. They are pricey in comparison to the 1000m for £1 spools but they save a whole lot of swearing and frustration so are worth it IMO. I will never go back to using cheap thread as I actually enjoy sewing since I resolved the thread constantly snapping and tangling issues.

I feel your pain! I never use my automatic threader - it's a pain to use.

I am well past 40 and even with my glasses I struggled threading the needle until I read a really good blog.

1. Raise the needle to the highest point.

1. Put a finger tip of your non threading hand directly behind the eye of the needle.

1. Then thread the needle with your other hand. I don't know why it works, but three quarters of the time I manage to thread it first time.

When you thread the needle always make sure the presser foot is in the raised position - this opens the tension discs so the machine threads properly.

Another tip I read recently which has saved me tons of (not literal) pain is to ensure the needle is in the highest position (with the arm that you thread (can't think what it's called sorry) above the sewing machine,) before you start stitching, every time. My machine kept unthreading itself and since I started following this it doesn't happen. Brilliant.

Brilliant stuff! Right,I'm going to find some time today to show that machine who's boss! (it is)

When it deliberately dethreads I try to maintain some dignity by practising other sewing related skills. So I've pinned and cut out my fabrics, which is great but pointless if I can't then sew them together.

If you still struggle to thread needle, as I do sometimes, try taking out the needle, threading it with a magnifier if necessary, then putting needle back up inside. Make sure you have it facing the same way when you thread! Long tail, and hang on tight for a few stitches.

Self threading machines are the devils spawn IMO

Mine works brilliantly every single time. I love it. :)