{"id":2923,"date":"2021-09-24T10:38:53","date_gmt":"2021-09-24T10:38:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/?p=2923"},"modified":"2022-06-01T20:22:52","modified_gmt":"2022-06-01T20:22:52","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-sewing-machine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/how-to-set-up-your-sewing-machine\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Set Up a Sewing Machine (Beginner&#8217;s Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sewing is fun once you have your sewing machine up and running. However, knowing how to get started, especially if you are a beginner, can be so intimidating. In this article we will show you exactly how to set up a sewing machine.<!--more--><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The good news is setting up your sewing machine can be quick and straightforward. This article will walk you through the basic steps and give you some tips that every beginner should know.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0So let&#8217;s get started!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_57 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662cb0e9e08db\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662cb0e9e08db\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='insert-page-1 insert-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/how-to-set-up-your-sewing-machine\/#How_To_Set_Up_Your_Sewing_Machine\" title=\"How To Set Up Your Sewing Machine\">How To Set Up Your Sewing Machine<\/a><ul class='insert-list-level-3'><li class='insert-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/how-to-set-up-your-sewing-machine\/#1_Insert_the_Needle\" title=\"1. Insert the Needle\">1. Insert the Needle<\/a><\/li><li class='insert-page-1 insert-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/how-to-set-up-your-sewing-machine\/#2_Wind_the_Bobbin\" title=\"2. Wind the Bobbin\">2. Wind the Bobbin<\/a><\/li><li class='insert-page-1 insert-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/how-to-set-up-your-sewing-machine\/#3_Thread_the_Machine\" title=\"3. Thread the Machine\">3. Thread the Machine<\/a><\/li><li class='insert-page-1 insert-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/how-to-set-up-your-sewing-machine\/#4_Attach_the_Presser_Foot\" title=\"4. Attach the Presser Foot\">4. Attach the Presser Foot<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='insert-page-1 insert-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/how-to-set-up-your-sewing-machine\/#Helpful_Tips\" title=\"Helpful Tips\">Helpful Tips<\/a><\/li><li class='insert-page-1 insert-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/how-to-set-up-your-sewing-machine\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Set_Up_Your_Sewing_Machine\"><\/span><b>How To Set Up Your Sewing Machine<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Insert_the_Needle\"><\/span><b>1. Insert the Needle<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the first step, once your sewing machine is free of all packaging.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check both sides of the needle &#8211; one side is flat while the other has a slightly sharp point. Make sure the flat side of the needle is facing towards the back of your machine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Locate the small hole in the needle plate (the metal piece that makes contact with your fabric). Slide the flat end of your needle into this hole.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to insert the needle straight without applying too much or not enough pressure to keep it from sliding out.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once inserted completely, tighten the screw on either side of your needle plate.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you&#8217;ve inserted your needle! The next step is checking whether your needle is positioned correctly (the set screw should be in line with the flat part of the needle).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make adjustments while carefully noting any effect on stitch formation while sewing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2530\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/needle-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Close up photo of the sewing machine needle and the presser foot\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/needle-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/needle-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/needle-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/needle-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/needle-1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Important Tip<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may want to remove needles when changing thread colors or re-threading a machine. Just remember to insert a new one before moving forward!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, different tasks require <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kresent.com\/types-of-needles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">different types of needles<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so there&#8217;s no harm in being prepared for what comes next!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Wind_the_Bobbin\"><\/span><b>2. Wind the Bobbin<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This part might be challenging if you&#8217;re new to sewing, but following the threading diagram on your machine together with these guidelines is usually sufficient! Before<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">long, it will be second nature for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We recommend using a bobbin that&#8217;s been specifically designed for your machine.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Place the thread spool on the spool pin.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pull the thread from the spool and insert it into the thread guide.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The thread should be wrapped around the tension disk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insert the thread end into the bobbin and drag the thread until you have a 4-5 inch tail.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder and secure it with a click.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pull the thread tight and firmly grasp the tail end of the thread. Step on the foot control to start the bobbin spinning until it is full. The thread on the bobbin should be equally dispersed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cut the thread and remove the bobbin. Open your machine&#8217;s manual and find where to insert the bobbin for your particular <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomasnet.com\/articles\/custom-manufacturing-fabricating\/industrial-sewing-machines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">type of sewing machine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And your bobbin is ready to go!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2520\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/bobbin-4-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Bobbin thread bunching\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/bobbin-4-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/bobbin-4-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/bobbin-4-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/bobbin-4-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/bobbin-4.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Important Tip<br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use bobbins that match your thread. For example: if you use size 65\/9 polyester thread, only use the same type and weight of bobbin. Otherwise, you could end up with a machine that doesn&#8217;t wind correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re using the same bobbin for several colors, make sure to wrap the thread around the bobbin before inserting it into your machine. This prevents possible color transfer or bleeding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Thread_the_Machine\"><\/span><b>3. Thread the Machine<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that your machine is ready, you will need to thread it. The general rule of thumb is to thread the machine in this order:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Place the thread spool on the spindle provided on the top of the machine with the thread going under and around.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drag the thread through the thread guide and pull it down around the tension knob.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the tension knob, bring the thread up through the second guide and insert the thread on the eyelet of the take up lever (the bar that moves back and forth with a small hook at the end).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pull the thread down following the path of the needle bar and over the top of the needle.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lastly, thread the needle. Make a small loop with the end of the thread and insert it in between the flat side of the needle from front to back. Pull gently so that the thread comes out through the top of the needle.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you have threaded your needle, bobbin, and the sewing machine, you are ready to attach the presser foot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2925\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-set-up-a-sewing-machine-3-1024x576.png\" alt=\"A person threading her sewing machine\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-set-up-a-sewing-machine-3-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-set-up-a-sewing-machine-3-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-set-up-a-sewing-machine-3-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-set-up-a-sewing-machine-3-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-set-up-a-sewing-machine-3.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Attach_the_Presser_Foot\"><\/span><b>4. Attach the Presser Foot<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The presser foot is the metal or plastic piece at the bottom of your machine, near the needle (the one that goes against the fabric and pushes it along as you sew).<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To attach it to the sewing machine, slide it up from underneath and guide the two small pegs on either side into their corresponding holes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The presser foot should fit snugly against the arm of your sewing machine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If it appears too loose, tighten the screw on the presser foot mount by turning clockwise.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If it appears too tight, loosen the screw by turning counter-clockwise.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower the feed dogs. The feed dogs are the teeth near the presser foot that help move the fabric along as you sew.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To lower them, turn the handwheel towards you (counter-clockwise) until they reach their lowest position.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">If they do not drop all the way down when turning your handwheel, hold down the lever on the side of the handwheel. And manually push the feed dogs to their lowest position. And you&#8217;re done! It&#8217;s time to test your new stitch.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2924\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-set-up-a-sewing-machine-4-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Attaching a presser foot\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-set-up-a-sewing-machine-4-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-set-up-a-sewing-machine-4-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-set-up-a-sewing-machine-4-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-set-up-a-sewing-machine-4-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-set-up-a-sewing-machine-4.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Helpful_Tips\"><\/span><b>Helpful Tips<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To test, load a piece of scrap fabric in the machine. Hold the material with your hand as you sew to keep it from bunching beneath the presser foot for extra stability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The presser foot should rise at a consistent speed, and your stitches should look balanced and not crooked or wobbly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s normal for the thread to get caught underneath the presser foot occasionally, especially if you&#8217;re just starting. But this situation shouldn&#8217;t happen every time. Adjust your needle position slightly and try again if you&#8217;re having problems with the thread getting caught.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;ve adjusted all the parameters, but the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/sewing-machine-isnt-catching-thread\/\">thread is still catching<\/a> underneath, it is probably that your presser foot or bobbins are not installed correctly. Make sure to double-check this before you sew, as it is easy to miss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><b>Conclusion<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proper installation in every part of your sewing machine will make a massive difference in how your machine performs. In the end, you need to have a little patience and know that it will be worth your time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By following the outlined steps above together with your manual, you will not have any problems later down the road. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Happy sewing!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"responsive-video-wrap clr\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Set Up a Sewing Machine (SEWING BASICS) | WITHWENDY\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XhNz0xQWKWo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sewing is fun once you have your sewing machine up and running. However, knowing how to get started, especially if you are a beginner, can be so intimidating. In this article we will show you exactly how to set up a sewing machine.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2927,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"modified_by":"Jennifer Salvo","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2923"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2923"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2923\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3533,"href":"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2923\/revisions\/3533"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2927"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2923"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2923"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sewkitkit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2923"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}