Thread a Sewing Machine
Brittany McCrigler and 6 other contributors
Last updated on Feb 20, 2026
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Introduction
Go to step 1 ↓You don’t need a sewing machine to sew. But a machine can save you a lot of time when you make repairs, so if you have access to a sewing machine, here’s how to thread it. In this guide we’re using a Bernina 830, but the process will be similar for most sewing machines. Refer to your sewing machine’s owner’s manual for specific directions on how to thread the machine.
What you need
Tools
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Place a spool on the pin. Pull the thread from the spool straight out, following the length of the machine.
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Hook the thread under the eyelet on the outer edge of the machine.
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With one hand, hold the spool steady. Using the eyelet as a pivot, pull the string perpendicular with the other hand. Lay the thread into the slot, which bisects the top of the machine.
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Pull the thread all the way across the slot on the top of the sewing machine. Then, pull the thread down toward the presser foot.
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There is a lever just above the presser foot. Hook the thread under the lever until it rests in the crux.
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Pull the thread back up toward the top of the machine.
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At the top of the machine, lead the thread along the groove of the take-up lever.
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Once you've fed the thread into the crux of the take-up lever, pull the thread back down towards the presser foot.
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Hook the thread behind the small, bent arm where the needle attaches to the machine.
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Guide the thread, from front to back, through the eye of the needle, leaving a loose end of approximately 10 cm.
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After you've guided the thread through the eye of the needle, pull the thread down and through the large groove in the presser foot.
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Hook the thread along the groove and pull it perpendicular toward the body of the machine.
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While continuing to hold the top thread advance the sewing machine with the balance wheel (also know as the hand wheel), to pick up the bobbin thread.
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Grasp these two threads between pinched fingers and pull them in unison toward the body of the machine, leaving two to three inch tails.
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Slide the sewing machine table onto the machine.
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Hold the sewing machine table so that is lays flush with the sewing machine.
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Lock the sewing machine table into place by pushing the clamp lever to the right until it engages.
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