THIS LESSON IS PART OF THE SEWING WITH KIDS E-COURSE

This course requires that you know how to thread your machine, in order to teach it.  If you’re unfamiliar with how to do any part of this, refer to the Threading the Machine lesson in the Introduction to Sewing course.

For you, it may be easiest to remember how to thread your sewing machine with step by step instructions, including the names of each part of the machine you’re threading.  Most likely, that will overwhelm a kid.  The best way to teach a kid how to thread a sewing machine is to show them.  Over and over again.

THE UPPER THREAD

Start by showing them the general threading direction with your finger, moving from point A, to point B, to point C, etc.

Then demonstrate threading the machine with the thread a few times, and let them try.  First, just watch them quietly.  See which mistakes they’re making (if any) and then show them again, trying to emphasize the steps they may have forgotten.  Try not to criticize them, but rather remind and encourage them.

Remember, they haven’t actually gotten to USE this machine yet for any sewing projects, and you wouldn’t want them getting discouraged before they even start.  It can be a lot to remember, even for an adult, but once they’ve practiced it enough, threading the sewing machine will become mindless to them.

THE BOBBIN

Determine if your sewing machine has a front loading bobbin with a bobbin case, or a top-loading bobbin.  Only teach the bobbin type that your particular machine has.  Teaching both is unnecessary at this point.

For a front-loading bobbin with a bobbin case, first demonstrate how to load the bobbin into the bobbin case a few times and let them practice.  Lay the bobbin on a flat surface and have them pull on the thread.  If the bobbin is spinning to the right, they’re ready to load the bobbin case.  Then move on to show how to put the bobbin case into the machine, telling them to turn the bobbin case to the right (clockwise) until the arm is straight up and they hear it click in place.

For a top-loading bobbin, lay the bobbin on a flat surface and let them pull on the thread.  If the bobbin spins to the left they’re ready to continue.  This is different from the bobbin case method, which is another reason to only show them how to insert the bobbin type that applies to them.  Show them how to hook the thread properly a few times and then let them try it themselves.

Again, demonstrate this a few times, and then let them try.  have them thread the bobbin several times, until they feel comfortable with it.

HOMEWORK

None.  Isn’t that what every kid wants to hear?

If they’re having a bit of a hard time, don’t worry about it, you can always thread the machine for them for the first few projects.

‘Sewing with Kids’ Lessons:
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8