How To Set up a Sewing Machine?

how to set up a sewing machine

How To Set up a Sewing Machine? 5 Easy Steps

When you decide to get a sewing machine of your own, the first thing you need to do after buying one is to set it up properly.

Because the setup is not right no matter how good and sophisticated your machine is, you will find all shots of troubles popping out of it.

how to set up a sewing machine

One problem will cause the other one and then nothing will work properly. Even it may lead to the complete failure of your machine.

You will get frustrated and not realizing the right cause, start blaming the wrong things. Finally, end up leaving your whole project.

So, proper set up is very important and it can be very simple if you pay attention to every detail and follow along with the instructions.

So, let’s get into those instructions.

Before Getting Started: How To Set up a Sewing Machine

Nowadays, modern sewing machines come in all different sizes and shapes.

The same brand offers different models with different load and capacity which can be electric or manual.

So, it is always good to keep the user manual at hand that came with your particular one.

But if somehow you don’t have it or it’s not making complete sense with all its different fancy named components and functions, therefore, need assistance, no worries!

When it comes to the primary main functionality and basic components of those different sewing machines, they are usually the same.

So, if you don’t or do have your manual or can manage one, keep it at hand, and let’s go side by side.

We will get the whole process done perfectly in no time. There are only five main steps you need to follow. 

And the steps are:

  • Get all the accessories ready. 
  • Set the needle up.
  • Prepare the bobbin by winding.
  • Complete threading the machine. And, finally
  • Set the pressure foot then have a test sewing.

1. Get all the Accessories Ready 

Let’s start by getting your machine out of the case. If it’s already out then put in a suitable position.

All most all sewing machines come with some accessories which are normally listed in the manuals.

Accessories like needles, bobbins, foot paddle, power cable, thread components, tools, etc. Make sure all the components are there.

So, that you can avoid wasting time looking for this tor hat again and again during the whole process.

2. Set the Needle up 

The first accessory we are going to set up is the needle. If you look carefully you will see usually there are two particular sides of the needle.

One side is flat and the other side is a bit round. This particular shape is for helping you to set the needle properly into your particular machine.

Find the screw jack which holds the needle, loosen it enough so that you can insert the needle, matching its both sides, and then tighten up. The needle is good to go. 

Make sure you frequently change the needle to get skipped stitches less and smooth sewing. 

3. Prepare the Bobbin by Winding

The next thing we need to do is wind the bobbin. Now there are all sorts of different sized and shaped, plastic, and metal bobbins that can be found in the market.

So, be certain to use the bobbin best fit for your machine. In most modern machines there are automatic bobbin winders.

If you also have one put the thread spool on the top middle bar and follow the guide (usually arrows painted on top of the machine) to wind the bobbin.

Put the thread through the clip or clips on top of your machine. Wrap around the knob while checking the proper tension of the thread.

Put the thread through one of the holes in the bobbin if any otherwise just wrap the thread so that it holds with the bobbin.

Then wound the bobbin evenly in the clockwise direction by pressing the pressure foot.

Now, insert the bobbin into the bobbin holder compartment below the needle, wrap the thread, and put the cover on. The bobbin is ready to go!  

4. Complete Threading the Machine

After winding the bobbin, we will thread the machine. To do that first you need to place the spool onto the spindle, which is on top of the machine.

And then the thread onto it. Now run the thread through the particular clips of your machine.

As it is subjective to the model of your machine you can take a look in your manual and follow along.

Do not miss to catch the thread take-up lever. Through the last clip (generally helps to stabilize the thread) along the needle, thread the needle.

Most of the time the machine comes with an automatic threader. If you have that, it’s even easier! 

5. Set the Pressure Foot Then Have a Test Sewing 

Finally, what we are left with is attaching the presser foot. In your machine, it can be a case of clipping it on by lowering the presser foot using the lever.

You can take a look at your manual if otherwise. If you reached up to this successfully, now it’s time for you to a test sewing.

Plugin the power cable, switch it on. Grab a scrap of fabric and start stitching. Getting a nice and smooth stitch?

Congratulations, your machine is threaded correctly. But if it doesn’t stitch smoothly or stuck then try rethreading the needle and then the bobbin too if needed.

Hopefully, the problem will resolve. It’s very common to miss something in one of those steps.

And one last thing, there is a hand wheel at the rightmost side of your machine.

Whenever you use it like for putting the very first or last stitch, always rotate it towards yourself. 

Final Words

You might think it a very long process, but once you get it done it will very much be worth it.

A proper setup always gives you full control and satisfaction of good work.

So, get that set upright and get the most from your machine from the very first day. Now you’re ready to sew! Happy sewing!