We all know that proper threading makes for happy sewing machines and happy stitchers. And while we emphasize
threading with your presser foot up- there are a few other things to keep in mind while threading your machine to make sure your sewing time is happy time!
Have you ever been sewing along on a project, decided to change threads, and all of a sudden you hear a THUNK CLUNK THUNK when you start sewing again?
If not, good for you. But I know that this has happened to a lot of our customers for sure!
Often, this sound comes from not getting your thread in the take-up lever while threading.
If you have a new needle that is the appropriate size/type and your machine is clean, but you start to hear a clunking sound after rethreading, this is the first thing to check. And it's such an easy fix. In fact, I think some people are so surprised when we tell them to simply rethread, because the sound is so terrible they think something is seriously wrong with their machine.
Now, there could be something really wrong with your machine, but the biggest clue that it's a missed take-up lever is that the problem starts suddenly, most of the time after rethreading. (machine was sewing just fine before that).
How do you make sure to thread your take-up lever?
On some machines, it's very easy to see the take up lever, and on others it's hidden behind the machine casing. Here's what you should do to try and ensure success.
-Raise your presser foot!(Full rant
here)
-Put your needle in the highest position (use the needle up down button or line up the notch on your handwheel with the casing of your machine- more info
here)
-Clear the thread path. Make sure there's no thread wrapped around a spool cap or trapped under your spool.
-Feel it! If your presser foot is up and your needle in the highest position, hold the thread near the spool with your right hand and thread with your left, you'll be able to feel the thread slide into the take-up lever.
-STOP immediately if you hear a THUNKing sound and re-thread. What's happening is that your top thread is not regulated, and it can ball up undereath the feed dogs and cause issues.
-Clean out your bobbin area and re-thread if you think you missed your take up lever.
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