Most Sewing Machines Need Upper And Lower Thread
by Kelsi Watts: Most sewing machines require both upper and lower thread in order to function properly. The upper thread is fed through the needle and forms the top stitches, while the lower thread is fed through the bobbin and forms the bottom stitches.
Both threads are interlocked as the needle moves up and down, creating the stitches that hold the fabric together.
Some sewing machines, such as sergers and coverstitch machines, may use multiple threads instead of just one upper and one lower thread. These machines are designed for specific types of sewing and may have different threading requirements.
It's important to follow the instructions for your specific sewing machine to ensure that it is properly threaded and ready to use. This will help ensure that your machine functions properly and produces high-quality stitches.
The difference between threading and sewing
Thread is a long, thin and flexible material used in sewing. The act of sewing attaches two or more materials together tightly with multiple individual passes of a threaded needle.
Threading is the process of passing thread through material(s) in preparation for later securing the materials together tightly, each individual threading pass is not tightened until later.
Engage your thread guide to keep thread in place
The thread guide on your home sewing machine is a small metal hook-shaped ring typically located on the upper needle assembly. By running thread through the thread guide it is kept in place during the sewing process.
Engage the thread guide to keep the thread moving smoothly between the spool and needle and to avoid frustrating tangles.
How to thread your sewing machine needle
- Place a spool of sewing thread on your machine
- Pull the thread out and wind it around your bobbin
- Put the bobbin on your machine's bobbin pin
- Engage the bobbin winder by pressing the peddle
- Cut and wrap the spool thread around the guide
- Pull the thread down around the catch
- Wrap the thread around the takeup lever
- Lastly, thread the needle and drop in your bobbin
Bobbin thread does not need to be the same color
When your top thread tension is properly set on your sewing machine the bobbin thread will not be visible in the finished product. For that reason your bobbin thread does not need to be the same color as your top thread.
To be safe avoid using high contrast color combinations, however, typically any bobbin thread color will work.
The strongest sewing thread is …
Nylon thread is considered the strongest sewing thread due to its high strength to weight ratio. Nylon thread is a great choice for stitching upholstery, leather, and vinyl. For smooth stitches while sewing at high speed use Nylon thread treated with a friction reducer.
The best thread for embroidery
Stranded cotton thread, sometimes called embroidery floss, is the preferred thread for embroidery. It is the most commonly used thread on embroidery projects, including cross stitch, because of durability and ease of use. 6 individual strands of fine cotton thread are combined to make a single embroidery floss.
How to spot good bobbin thread
Good bobbin thread is as strong as any sewing machine top thread. Go ahead and compare their tensile strength by seeing how easily they break. Pull the bobbin thread tight and scratch it lightly to see if it frays. Good bobbin thread should not be any more breakable than standard high quality thread.
You can use any thread in a bobbin
Quality of thread makes a difference, however, any thread can be used to fill a bobbin. I highly recommend using only the best quality bobbin thread you have available but in a pinch you can use any thread in your sewing machine bobbin with good results.
Typical maxi-lock all purpose thread weight
Thread weight is a measurement of length and the lower the number the heavier the thread. Typical maxi-lock thread is 40 weight, meaning that 40 kilometers of 40 weight thread would weigh 1kg.
A 30 weight thread would be heavier and only require 30 kilometers to weight the same. 40 weight maxi-lock thread works best with a 90/14 size needle.
