Threading a Singer Simple sewing machine is a crucial step in preparing it for use. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your machine is properly threaded and ready to sew seamlessly. Whether you’re a seasoned sewer or just starting out, understanding the correct threading technique will help you achieve optimal performance from your Singer Simple sewing machine.
To begin the threading process, locate the thread spool pin on the top of the machine. Place the spool of thread on the pin, ensuring that the thread unwinds smoothly from the spool. Next, guide the thread through the thread guide on the left side of the machine. This guide helps prevent the thread from tangling or breaking as it travels through the machine.
Once the thread has passed through the thread guide, lift the take-up lever, which is located on the right side of the machine. This action will create a small loop of thread. Pass the end of the thread through the loop and pull it down to the needle. Now, thread the needle by passing the thread through the eye of the needle from front to back. Finally, pull the thread through the needle and down to the bobbin area. This completes the threading process, and your Singer Simple sewing machine is now ready to use.
Insertion of the Bobbin
1. Wind the Bobbin
Begin by winding the bobbin using the thread you intend to sew with. Ensure the thread is evenly wound onto the bobbin without any loose or tangled segments. This will prevent thread jams and ensure smooth stitching.
To wind the bobbin, follow these steps:
- Insert the spool of thread onto the bobbin winder spindle.
- Thread the thread through the tension disc and guide it around the bobbin.
- Press the foot pedal or activate the winding mechanism.
- Allow the bobbin to wind until it is full, but not overfilled. Remove it from the winder and cut the thread.
2. Insert the Bobbin into the Bobbin Case
Next, open the bobbin case cover and remove the empty bobbin. Insert the newly wound bobbin into the bobbin case, ensuring it is facing the correct direction. The direction may vary depending on your specific Singer Simple model, so refer to the user manual or observe the markings on the bobbin case.
3. Thread the Bobbin Thread
After inserting the bobbin, pull the end of the thread about 6 inches (15 cm) out of the bobbin case. Guide this thread through the thread guide and into the tension disc. Hold the thread taut to prevent it from becoming tangled.
Winding the Bobbin Case
The bobbin case is a cylindrical-shaped part that houses the lower thread in a sewing machine. It needs to be filled with thread before you can start sewing. Follow these steps to wind the bobbin case:
1. Insert an Empty Bobbin
Insert an empty bobbin onto the bobbin winder spindle. Ensure it is pushed on securely.
2. Guide the Thread Through the Thread Guide
Unwind some thread from the spool and guide it through the thread guide located near the bobbin winder. The thread guide helps ensure the thread is wound evenly.
3. Start the Bobbin Winder
Press the bobbin winder pedal or push the bobbin winder lever (depending on your machine model) to start winding the thread onto the bobbin. Hold the thread end to prevent it from tangling.
4. Stop Winding When Full
The bobbin winder will automatically stop once the bobbin is full. You may also feel some resistance when the bobbin is nearly full.
| Tips for Winding the Bobbin: |
|---|
| – Use the correct thread type and weight specified for your sewing project. |
| – Ensure the bobbin is wound evenly without any loose ends or tangles. |
| – Do not overfill the bobbin as it can cause tension issues during sewing. |
Threading the Tension Assembly
To thread the tension assembly, follow these steps:
1. Lift the thread-guide lever up and over the top of the assembly. Insert the thread into the thread guide, then pull it under the tension disc. Ensure that the thread is seated in the groove of the tension disc correctly.
2. Pull the thread to the right and insert it into the slot in the tension spring. Ensure that the thread is positioned correctly in the slot, as indicated by the arrow marking.
3. Continue guiding the thread to the right and insert it into the guide hook on the right-hand side of the assembly. Check that the thread is threaded correctly through the guide hook, as shown in the diagram below:
| Step | Diagram | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Diagram of thread being inserted into the guide hook] | Insert the thread into the guide hook from the left side. |
| 2 | [Diagram of thread being wrapped around the guide hook] | Wrap the thread around the guide hook’s neck in a clockwise direction. |
| 3 | [Diagram of thread being pulled out from the guide hook] | Pull the thread out from the guide hook’s right side. |
4. Lower the thread-guide lever back into place.
Guiding the Thread into the Needle Case
**Step 1: Lower the Needle Bar**
Rotate the handwheel clockwise until the needle reaches its highest point, then turn the machine off. Lower the needle bar by turning the handwheel counterclockwise.
Step 2: Open the Needle Clamp
Locate the needle clamp at the top of the needle bar. Use your thumb and forefinger to gently slide the clamp open.
Step 3: Insert the Thread
Take the end of the thread and insert it through the hole in the needle case. Pull the thread through the needle eye from back to front.
Step 4: Threading the Needle Threader (Optional)
Most Singer Simple machines come equipped with a needle threader. If yours has one, follow these additional steps:
- **a. Lower the Threader:** Turn the handwheel clockwise until the needle reaches its highest point, then turn it off. Lower the needle bar and lower the needle threader by pressing the lever on the side of the machine.
- **b. Hook the Thread:** Guide the thread over the hook at the top of the needle threader.
- **c. Raise the Threader:** Lift the needle threader back up by pressing the lever again.
- **d. Pull the Thread:** The thread should now be threaded through the needle eye. Pull the thread through the needle case to secure it.
Step 5: Tighten the Needle Clamp
Slide the needle clamp closed to secure the thread.
Preparing the Machine
Before you can start threading your Singer Simple, you need to prepare the machine. This involves raising the needle to its highest position and opening the thread guide.
Raising the Needle
To raise the needle, turn the handwheel towards you until the needle is at its highest point. You should see a small notch or mark on the handwheel that indicates the highest position.
Opening the Thread Guide
The thread guide is located on the top of the machine. It is a small, metal loop that helps guide the thread onto the take-up lever. To open the thread guide, simply pull it up and back towards you.
Threading the Spool Pin
Insert the spool of thread onto the spool pin, which is located on the top of the machine. Make sure that the thread is unwinding in a clockwise direction, and that there is about 6 inches of thread hanging loose.
Threading the Tension Discs
The tension discs are located on the side of the machine. They are two small, round discs that help control the tension of the thread. To thread the tension discs, simply pass the thread through the hole in the first disc, and then through the hole in the second disc. Make sure that the thread is taut, but not too tight.
Threading the Needle
The needle is located on the front of the machine. To thread the needle, simply pass the thread through the hole in the eye of the needle. Make sure that the thread is coming from the back of the machine, and that there is about 6 inches of thread hanging loose.
Inserting the Needle
Inserting the needle into the Singer Simple is a crucial step in the threading process. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure proper needle insertion:
1. Open the Needle Clamp
Locate the needle clamp on the left-hand side of the machine. Push the top part of the clamp to the right to open it.
2. Insert the Needle
Hold the needle with the flat side facing the back of the machine and the scarf (the notch at the top of the needle) facing towards you.
3. Push the Needle Up
Insert the needle into the hole in the needle bar until it reaches the stop pin. Push the needle firmly up until it clicks into place.
4. Close the Needle Clamp
Bring the top part of the needle clamp back down to its original position. Ensure it securely holds the needle.
5. Check the Needle Position
Rotate the handwheel towards you to raise the needle. Check if the needle is sitting in the center of the needle hole in the throat plate.
6. Fine-Tune the Needle Height (Optional)
For optimal stitching results, you may fine-tune the needle height by adjusting the needle bar screw. Use a small screwdriver to loosen the screw slightly. Then, gently lower or raise the needle bar until the needle is about 1-2mm above the fabric when it is at its highest point.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the needle clamp. |
| 2 | Insert the needle with the flat side facing the back of the machine and the scarf facing you. |
| 3 | Push the needle up until it clicks into place. |
| 4 | Close the needle clamp. |
| 5 | Check the needle position in the throat plate. |
| 6 | Fine-tune the needle height (optional). |
Threading the Needle
Threading the needle correctly is crucial for smooth sewing with your Singer Simple sewing machine. Here’s a step-by-step guide to threading the needle:
1. Raise the Needle
Turn the handwheel towards you to raise the needle to its highest position.
2. Lift the Threader Guide
Lift the threader guide on the front of the machine by pressing the lever next to it.
3. Insert the Thread Through the Top of the Machine
Insert the thread from the spool into the guide at the top of the machine, following the thread path.
4. Pull the Thread Through the Tension Discs
Pull the thread through the tension discs located at the top of the machine.
5. Thread the Needle
Thread the needle from front to back, following the curve of the needle. Use the needle threader if desired.
6. Thread the Bobbin
Insert the bobbin into the bobbin case and pull the thread through the guide next to it.
7. Thread the Needle Thread Through the Machine
Pull the needle thread through the following points in order:
| 1. | 2. | 3. |
|---|---|---|
| Take-up lever | Needle thread guide | Presser foot |
8. Lower the Presser Foot
Lower the presser foot to secure the thread in place.
Tension Adjustment
Understanding Tension
Tension refers to the tightness with which the thread is held in place as it’s stitched. Proper tension ensures that the stitches are secure and evenly spaced, resulting in a professional-looking seam.
Adjusting Upper Thread Tension
1. Locate the upper thread tension dial on your Singer Simple sewing machine. It’s typically a round knob with numbers.
2. Turn the dial clockwise to increase tension (make stitches tighter) and counterclockwise to decrease tension (make stitches looser).
3. Start with the tension set to the middle setting and adjust as needed.
Adjusting Bobbin Thread Tension
1. Remove the bobbin case from the machine.
2. Examine the tension spring located on the side of the bobbin case.
3. Turn the tension screw clockwise to increase tension and counterclockwise to decrease tension.
4. Reinstall the bobbin case and test the tension.
Tension Table
| Tension Setting | Stitch Appearance |
|—|—|
| Too loose | Stitches are loose and uneven |
| Optimal | Stitches are secure and evenly spaced |
| Too tight | Stitches are puckered or skipped |
Tips for Adjusting Tension
* Test the tension on a scrap piece of fabric before sewing an actual garment.
* Use the highest tension setting that still produces a secure stitch.
* If the thread is breaking, try decreasing the tension.
* If the fabric is puckering, try increasing the tension.
* Clean your machine regularly to prevent lint and dust from affecting tension.
Troubleshooting Issues
9. Tension Issues
If the stitches are too loose or too tight, the tension may be off. To adjust the tension, follow these steps:
- Turn the handwheel to bring the needle to the highest position.
- Insert a small screwdriver into the tension screw (located on the top of the machine, above the needle).
- Turn the screw clockwise to increase the tension or counterclockwise to decrease it.
- Test the tension by sewing a few stitches on a scrap piece of fabric.
- Adjust the screw until the stitches are even and not too loose or too tight.
If you are still having tension issues, consult the machine manual for specific instructions or contact Singer customer support.
| Tension Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Stitches are too loose | Increase tension |
| Stitches are too tight | Decrease tension |
| Uneven stitches | Adjust tension until stitches are even |
Maintenance and Upkeep
1. Clean the Machine Regularly
Use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove any accumulated dust or threads. Pay special attention to the needle area, bobbin case, and feed dogs.
2. Lubricate the Machine
Apply a drop of sewing machine oil to the following areas: the needle bar, hook race, and feed dogs. Avoid over-oiling, as this can attract dirt and debris.
3. Change the Needle
Replace the needle every few months, or whenever it becomes dull or bent. A sharp needle ensures smooth stitching and prevents fabric damage.
4. Adjust the Thread Tension
If the stitches are too loose or too tight, adjust the thread tension dial located on the machine. Start with a medium setting and adjust accordingly.
5. Check the Bobbin
Make sure the bobbin is wound correctly and securely placed in the bobbin case. Insufficient winding or improper placement can cause thread jams.
6. Clean the Bobbin Case
Over time, lint and thread can accumulate inside the bobbin case. Remove the bobbin and use a small brush or cotton swab to clean it.
7. Inspect the Throat Plate
The throat plate may have small holes or grooves that can become clogged. Check for any obstructions and clean them with a toothpick or needle.
8. Oil the Hook
Apply a drop of sewing machine oil to the rotating hook that engages with the needle. This reduces friction and ensures smooth operation.
9. Adjust the Presser Foot
The presser foot pressure should be adjusted according to the fabric thickness. Heavier fabrics require more pressure, while delicate fabrics need a lighter touch.
10. Deep Cleaning
For a thorough deep clean, you can use a sewing machine cleaner or a specialized brush designed for this purpose. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and safety precautions.
How to Thread a Singer Simple Sewing Machine
Threading a Singer Simple sewing machine is a quick and easy process. By following these simple steps, you can have your machine ready to sew in no time.
- Raise the needle to its highest point by turning the handwheel towards you.
- Open the thread guide by pushing the lever to the left.
- Thread the thread through the thread guide, making sure that the thread goes through the small hole at the top.
- Close the thread guide by pushing the lever back to the right.
- Pull the thread down through the tension discs and under the presser foot.
- Thread the needle by passing the thread through the eye of the needle from front to back.
Your Singer Simple sewing machine is now threaded and ready to sew. For more detailed instructions, please refer to your machine’s manual.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my Singer Simple machine is threaded correctly?
You can check if your machine is threaded correctly by sewing a few stitches on a scrap piece of fabric. If the stitches are even and there is no looping or puckering, then your machine is threaded correctly.
What type of thread should I use with my Singer Simple machine?
You can use all-purpose thread with your Singer Simple machine. However, for best results, use a thread that is specifically designed for sewing machines.
How often should I clean and oil my Singer Simple machine?
You should clean and oil your Singer Simple machine every 25-30 hours of sewing time. This will help to keep your machine running smoothly and prevent problems.
