How to Thread a Singer Sewing Machine: 6 Easy Steps (Beginner’s Guide 2025)

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Threading a Singer sewing machine is simpler than it sounds.

First, turn off the machine for safety (nobody wants accidental stitches!), raise the needle to its highest point using the handwheel, and lift the presser foot.

Place your spool of thread on the spool pin and guide the thread through the top thread guide, then loop it down around the tension mechanism and back up through the second thread guide.

Table Of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• How to Thread a Singer Sewing Machine
  • Step 1: Power Off and Raise Needle and Presser Foot
  • Step 4: Lead Thread Through Lower and Upper Slots of Thread Guide
  • Step 5: Pass Thread Through Second Thread Guide
  • Step 6: Lead Thread Down and Around Tension Mechanism
  • Step 8: Thread Guide(s) Above Needle
  • Step 9: Thread Needle From Front to Back
  • Step 1: Place Spool of Thread on Spool Pin
  • Step 2: Thread The Bobbin
  • Step 3: Place Bobbin on Bobbin Winding Pin
  • Step 4: Engage The Bobbin Winding Function
  • Thread Guide Positions
  • Tension Mechanism Adjustment
  • Bobbin Case Loading

  Sewing Machine Needle Sizes & Types Guide (FREE Chart!)

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  When I first started sewing, I used the same type and size of needle for MONTHS.

  The pack of needles came with my machine, so I thought they worked for every project.

  I only changed my needle when it broke or bent, and I sure didn’t consider my fabric or thread type before I started sewing.

  Fast forward many years, and I now know that picking the right needle for your purpose makes a HUGE difference in your success–choosing the wrong needle can damage the machine, the needle, and the fabric.

  So, let’s discuss sewing machine needle sizes, sewing machine needle types, and how to pick the right needle for your projects.

  I’ve even put together a free printable sewing machine needle chart that you can print out at the end of this post to keep next to your machine for future reference!

  (And, if all this information seems overwhelming, I’ll give you a rundown at the end of which needles I think are best to keep in your sewing box.)

  Table of Contents

  Raising the Bobbin Thread

  You have to raise the bobbin thread for many Singer sewing machines before starting to sew.

  While holding the upper thread, gently turn the handwheel (using your other hand) towards you to advance the needle down and then up. Pull the upper thread gently as the needle comes back up, thus drawing up the bobbin thread through the small hole in the needle plate.

  Put both threads underneath and behind the presser foot.

  You’ve now learned how to thread a Singer sewing machine! This includes threading the upper thread, threading the Singer bobbin, inserting the bobbin, and raising the bobbin thread. I know it may seem daunting at first, but once you’ve practiced, you’ll be a pro.

  And, if you need help with differentiating thread types and brands, check out how to choose the best thread for a Singer sewing machine.

  Troubleshooting Thread Tension Issues

  
  Now that you’ve got your thread picked out, let’s tackle those pesky tension problems that can turn your sewing dreams into a tangled reality.

  Just like Goldilocks, you want your thread tension to be just right. Understanding thread tension issues is essential to achieving the perfect stitch.

  Here are the most common singer threading problems you’ll face:

  Remember, quality thread prevents most sewing delays and keeps those stitches looking professional.