By Jasmine Harding | Published Jan 20, 2022 10:34 AM

Knowing how to use a sewing machine opens the door to a whole new world of DIY projects. These tabletop machines are convenient to use and make it easier and faster to flex your creativity. Setting up your sewing machine is the first step to create something new—but the first time using a sewing machine can feel overwhelming. While these machines look complex, getting started is straightforward once you know how to use the dials, levers, and bobbins. Learn how to use a sewing machine by following the steps ahead.

Before learning how to use a sewing machine, it’s important to become familiar with its key components.

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This guide outlines the basic steps for sewing machine setup and operation, but keep in mind that directions can differ between machines. When in doubt, refer to your sewing machine’s manual for exact setup and operation instructions.

Before proceeding, place the sewing machine on a sturdy table at a comfortable height. Ensure both the needle and presser foot are installed before moving ahead to the next steps.

Many sewing machines have an automatic bobbin winder. To use the bobbin winder, place the thread spool on the spool pin. Follow instructions on the sewing machine (or in the manual) that show how to guide the thread to the bobbin winder. Slide the end of the thread through the small hole in the bobbin before placing the bobbin on the bobbin winder.

Slide or click the bobbin winder into the winding position. Hold the end of the thread and press the foot pedal to start winding the thread onto the bobbin.

Stop winding once the bobbin is full. Trim the thread, take the bobbin off the winder, and install it into the machine under the bobbin cover. The bobbin slot can vary across different sewing machines, so check the manual for exact instructions on how to insert the bobbin if you are having any trouble.

Sewing machines create stitches using a bottom thread from the bobbin and a top thread from the thread spool. Now that the bobbin is installed, it’s time to thread the machine.

The thread spool should already be in place on the spool pin. Take the end of the thread and follow the threading guide on the sewing machine (or in the manual) to correctly place the thread. Once the thread is weaved throughout the machine, push the thread through the eye of the needle. Threading the needle can be done by hand or with an automatic threader, if your sewing machine has this feature.

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Both threads need to be pulled out before you can start sewing. To pull the thread up from the bobbin, use your left hand to hold the needle thread taut. Use your right hand to turn the handwheel on the right side of the sewing machine. Turn it one full revolution to allow the needle to catch the bobbin thread and bring it up above the needle plate. The exposed bobbin thread should be looped. Pull on the loop to bring up the bobbin thread tail.

You will now have two threads: one threaded through the needle at the top and one thread coming up through the needle plate at the bottom.

You’re almost ready to start sewing. Use the stitch selector dial to choose your desired stitch. To test if the machine is properly threaded, you can run a few stitches on a piece of scrap fabric.

When you’re prepared to start sewing, get your fabric ready. The sewing machine needle should be raised, and the fabric should be in line with the needle. Keep the bulk of the fabric on the left side of the machine for smoother sewing. Using the presser foot lever, lower the presser foot to hold the fabric in place.

It’s time to start stitching. Make sure the foot pedal is positioned comfortably under the table. Hold the loose ends of the threads out of the way for your first few stitches; this will also prevent the threads from retreating into the fabric. Gently press the foot pedal to start sewing your first stitches.

To keep the stitches securely in place and prevent them from being pulled out, you will need to do a reverse stitch (also known as backstitching) at the beginning and end of each seam.

The feed dogs will move the fabric along when you start sewing, so you only need to gently guide the fabric through the machine as you stitch. Pulling or tugging the fabric can damage the needle, so let your sewing machine do the work.

After a few regular stitches, click or hold down the reverse stitch button or lever. This will reverse the sewing direction. Reverse stitch for a few stitches (along where you just stitched) to secure the seam.

Switch off or remove your finger from the reverse stitch control to revert to regular stitching. Continue sewing until the end of your seam. Do a few more reverse stitches to secure the seam.

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When you’re finished, use the hand wheel to raise the needle out of the fabric. Use the presser foot lever to raise the presser foot and then remove the fabric. Cut the threads to detach your project from the sewing machine, making sure to leave a bit of thread coming from the machine so you can easily sew your next seam.

While learning how to use a sewing machine isn’t too difficult, it will take time and practice to master the process. By following the above steps and referring to your sewing machine’s manual, you can get your next textile project off the ground more easily than ever before.

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