How to thread a sewing machine

In order to be able to sew using your sewing machine you must run the thread through the machine. We learned on my previous post that the bobbin provides the thread for the bottom stitch. The spool of thread provides the thread needed for the top stitch.

These are the steps I personally follow when setting my machine ready to sew.

Once we have wound our bobbin, place it into the bobbin case. If you do not know how to wind the bobbin go to my tutorial  here.

bobbin inside the bobbin case and ready 
to be inserted into the shuttle assembly
This is where we left off on my previous tutorial.

Let's begin by setting the bobbin into place, just to get it out of your way.

Insert the bobbin case with the bobbin inside it 

into the shuttle assembly.

Make sure the hole in the bobbin and bobbin case 

go rightinto the shaft on the shuttle assembly.

Also, make sure the handle aligns with the groove.

Press until you hear it click.

You are done with this part!

Once you have completed the bobbin part, let's move on to threading the top thread.

Place the spool of thread on the spool holder and secure it with the attachment.

1. First, run the thread through the top thread guide.

2. Then run the thread through the tension disc.

Pull the thread through the thinner groove to the right in 

the direction indicated by the arrows.

Pull the thread around the round thing at the bottom.

Pull the thread up through the larger groove on the left,

 again following the arrows.

Loop the thread up and around the metal bar 

at the top of the larger groove.

Pull the thread down and feed it through the bottom thread guide, as shown above.

Thread the needle from the front.

Pass the thread below the presser foot, 

pulling about 4 inches of thread through. 

You are all done with the top thread!

Now pull the bottom thread from the bobbin to the needle plate.

While pulling on the top thread with your left hand, with your right hand turn the wheel clockwise to move the needle all the way down. Keep turning the wheel and bring the needle back up. When the needle moves up again, it brings the bottom 

thread with it.

See how the two threads are intertwined

Pull the threads so they are both on the needle plate. Leave at least 4 inches of thread free.

DONE! You are ready to sew!

Tote bags

I've always loved tote bags. I think they are very practical and useful. They can be used as a personal bag or as a carry-the-extra-stuff bag. Taking up sewing made me want to make my own. I wanted to make it quilted and colorful, just for myself. Searching all over the internet trying to come across a free tutorial was hard. Most of the patterns I found were for sale. I wasn't willing to pay. I am trying very hard to make this hobby as inexpensive as possible. Eventually, I came across this wonderful lady who is my sewing angel! She has a lot of tutorials on almost everything sewing. I have learned a lot from her. You should check her out here. At the time I was trying to make everything with 60° triangles. I was more worried about the design on the bag then the bags' own design. I made this one for my mom as a Christmas present.

I came to find that this bag was too basic and was missing pockets, a zipper and snaps. I did not know how to add any of these. I went again on a search to find a tutorial, but nothing made sense. I saw somebody post a very neat tote bag on instagram, big and fancy with all the things I mentioned I was missing before. After digging around Instagram I found out it was noodlehead's super tote. I just had to buy the pattern. I love the bag, loved her blog, and loved her entrepreneurial spirit. All of a sudden I wasn't worried about spending money on patterns. I bought two of them! Check her out! You will also like her work.

I really really loved the super tote. Have I mentioned that already? Well I can't stop making them!

Inside out!

Guess what?! I have not made one for myself yet! So far I've made a bag for my mom. I made a super tote for my mother-in-law. I loved it! So, I went on to make one for Seth's grandmother and another one for his great aunt. It is very satisfying and makes sewing much more fun to sew for someone you already have in mind. I put projects for myself on hold because sewing for a loved one fills my heart. Does this happen to you too?