Brother Sewing machines are most popular worldwide due to their creativity and heavy commercial use. People who use these machines for the first time don’t know how to thread a brother sewing machine and look around for it. Threading the machine is one of the basic and first things that any stitching master should know to start the work.
Threading a brother sewing machine isn’t a complicated task if you follow all the steps accordingly. You might find instructions in the manual, the starter guide, or on the machine’s body. However, there isn’t detailed information that any naive user can understand. That’s why we have decided to write on it and let you know in detail.
How to Thread a Brother Sewing Machine?
The initial thing that needs to be done is to have a well-lit workstation, and then it comes to start stitching. It is time to thread your brother’s sewing machine. In this regard, we are explaining a step-by-step guide to complete the task properly and let you start stitching without any worries.
Step 1: Set the needle in the right position:
Before threading the machine, you need to set the right position of the needle so you can see the hole on the needle and thread it. For this, rotate the wheel located on the side of the machine. In simple words, lift the needle in such a position where it is away from the surface of the cloth that you are going to sew.
Step 2: Loading the Bobbin:
As a stitching guy, you may know better what the bobbin is. It looks like a little reel of thread. If there is any thread on it, remove it. Usually, it is located in a small compartment of the machine. After getting the bobbin, replace the thread on it and again fit to its place.
Before doing all the job done, make sure your sewing machine is loaded with the right thread. This means you got the right size, color, and type that suits your job.
Step 3: Adjust the Tension
After loading the bobbin, it’s time to set the tension for the right stitches. For this purpose, take the end of your thread and meander it through the tension loop. The loop is made of metal that is located on the side of the sewing machine. Through this tension loop, your thread will be nice and tense and remain in a straight line. In this way, the thread will not get tangled and flop around everywhere.
Step 4: Back to Needle
Now, the next step is to thread the needle. After getting the tension right, hold the end of the thread and pull it gently so it can reach the needle. Make sure it should be a minimum of one inch more than reaching the needle’s hole.
You will observe a small hole in the needle thread through this little hole. Here, one thing needs to be clear: there is no need to tie a knot in the end or middle of the thread. Just make sure that the thread is one inch or more on the other side of the hole.
Step 4- Engaging the Needle
Once you have done all the steps, take the needle to the original position near the cloth. To do this, rotate the wheel until you hear a little click. This click will let you know the needle is back at its original point. Make sure the thread will make the stitch and doesn’t get out on the needle’s hole.
Problems While Threading the Needle
If you follow all the above steps, we are sure you will not face any problems. However, we know the circumstances and what could be the problems. The most common problem is the end of the thread is frayed. If so, the thread will be so chunky that it can’t pass through the needle’s hole. Remediate it by cutting the edge of thread cleanly with your sewing scissor and give it a clear cut edge again.
On the other hand, you can try wetting the end of the thread and twist in between your fingers for a little. However, if we see brother sewing machines, they have generally wide and nice holes. So, threading them is straightforward without facing any problems.
Automatic Needle Threading
If you feel that threading a machine is a bit complicated and messy task, then it will be worth looking for a sewing machine that offers auto needle threading. It is a very common feature in the modern sewing machine and trending around the world. Basically, its working depends on using a lever that guides the thread through the needle’s hole.
This feature is absolutely fantastic for beginners who are not confident how they can thread the sewing machine. However, this feature is equally liked by professionals as it makes the job easier and more convenient. But sometimes, you may face problems with the auto threading feature.
How to Use an Automatic Needle Threader?
Since it is the latest feature in sewing machines, many people don’t know how to use it. Follow the below steps to utilize the most convenient feature.
- Raise the whole needle
- If it’s necessary, lower the presser foot
- Press the lever
- Wrap the thread on the elbow-shaped bracket
- Pass the thread into the cage where thread-catch hook exists
- Release the needle threader lever
- Pull the loop through the needle’s eye
Tips to Use Automatic Needle Threader:
To get maximum success of using an automatic needle threader, follow the below tips.
Needle’s position:
Make sure you have inserted the machine’s needle. In addition, ensure that it is not loose. If it is loose, it may not thread correctly and may damage the automatic needle threader. Moreover, the needle should be in the topmost position. If it is not, turn the handwheel till the needle reaches the highest position.
On the other hand, if the needle is not at the topmost position or not seated correctly, the auto needle threader will hit the needle instead of passing the thread from the hole. It may damage the sewing machine.
Needle’s Size:
It is our recommendation to use the auto needle threader on bigger needles. We highly discourage using this feature on needle sizes smaller than 70/10. Smaller needles have smaller hooks to pass through, and forcing the needle threader can cause damage to both needle and threader.
Thread:
Make sure that the thread and needle size match. If you force the auto needle threader to pass the thick thread through a narrow needle eye, it may damage the threader and lead to an unpleasant sewing experience.
Don’t ever use stiff or metallic thread with an automatic needle threader. It may damage the threader hook and machine as well.
Fixing Problems on an Automatic Needle Threader:
Since auto needle threader has made most sewing tasks easier, it may sometimes seize up and require to stop sewing work. However, by following the below simple steps, you can easily diagnose the problem and easily rest the super convenient feature. Fixing the problems on your own will let you avoid visiting the repairing shop. Let’s have a look at the steps to diagnose and fix the problem in the auto needle threading feature.
Step One:
Turn the handwheel counter-clockwise to raise the needle. Rotate the wheel till the wheel mark is pointing up and now operate the machine again. In this way, most of the issues will resolve if the machine has appropriate thread and needles. In addition, make sure you have cleaned and threaded it well.
Step Two:
Break the electricity connection so you can diagnose the problem.
Step Three:
Free the automatic feeder by unthreading it.
Step Four:
Now, turn the handwheel counter-clockwise to remove the needle. The handwheel mark should be pointing upward. Use a small screwdriver to lose the needle and pull it down to remove it.
Step Five:
Remove all the bits of thread that are caught in the automatic needle threader. Use tweezers to clean the threader from thread bits.
Step Six:
Use quick bursts of condensed air to remove any debris or dust caught in the automatic needle threader.
Step Seven:
Now, replace the needle and thread the machine again to check whether the machine is working correctly or not. Use a test cloth to check the working of the machine.
How to Choose the Correct Thread?
It is highly important to match the thread that you are using with the type of fabric. Moreover, make your clear goal whether you are going for darning, embroidering, or sewing. Finalizing your goal will let you decide which type of thread is important.
Furthermore, it is also very important to match the fabric and thread color correctly. It is great to have all types of threads in the same color. In this way, you will get great flexibility and multiple options when working.
Here we are explaining some common types of threads
Cotton Threads:
Cotton threads are the most common types of threads that you can utilize for common sewing practices or dealing with delicate fabrics. These threads are often mercerized, and they blend exceptionally well in the fabric. It will allow to soak up dyes better than other types of threads.
Polyester Threads:
This type of thread will give you excellent output, and they are incredibly strong. Usually, they have a silicon finish or are coated with wax for minimal friction. Such thread is perfect for fabrics having a bit more stretch, like woven synthetics or knits.
Heavy-Duty Threads:
These threads are usually used for upholstery, soft furnishings, or heavy leather garments. These threads are made from a polyester-cotton blend with size-40 and work really well on heavy-duty fabrics.
Silk Threads:
Silky threads are known for their incredibly fine results, and they are often used for complex embroidery work. However, you can also use them when working with wool fabrics or silk. The good thing is that this thread is flexible and doesn’t leave holes while sewing. It will lead you to a great tailoring experience.
FAQs
What number should the tension be on a Brother sewing machine?
The normal tension setting that is commonly used is 4.0. Ensure that the bobbin thread and the upper thread should cross near the center of the fabric. Moreover, bobbin thread should be visible from the wrong side of the fabric and the upper thread from the right.
Why is my thread bunching underneath?
It usually happens when the thread tension is too tight. Make sure the weight thread is the same on both bobbin and upper thread. If it’s not the same, it means the tension is uneven, and the thread can bunch up under your fabric. If the thread’s tension is too tight, it can break the thread and interrupt your work.
Why won’t the needle go up and down on my sewing machine?
If your needle is not going up and down, it could be due to a broken drive belt, disengaged clutch, or internal drive gear failure. If the problem is disengaged from the clutch, unplug the machine and restart it. Moreover, change the belt if it is broken.
How do I adjust the speed of my Brother sewing machine?
Adjusting the sewing speed on the brother sewing machine is really simple. Just slide the speed controller to the left and right to adjust the speed. If you slide it to the left, it will slow down the speed. Similarly, sliding to the right will boost the sewing speed.
Why is my automatic needle threader not working?
In case, if your auto needle threader is not working, make sure the hook is lining up precisely with the eye of the needle. If it’s not, you need to set it up by using a small screwdriver and gently push it to the right position.
Conclusion
It is a very important and basic step to know how to thread a Brother sewing machine to start working. Once you have followed the right steps to thread the machine properly, you can start work without any worries. If you forget how to thread the machine, you can follow the above instructions. On the other hand, most brother sewing machines have instructions on the body of the machine.
That’s all. So far, you know how to thread the brother sewing machine and tackle different problems that you will face while operating the machine. Moreover, the selection of the right thread will lead you perfect stitching according to your fabric type. We hope this article was helpful for you and looking forward to your feedback.