Hello there fellow amateur seamstresses! I know a lot of people who struggle with this part of their sewing machine and while I was working on another project I got the idea to share this. I included how to load a bobbin with thread, if you don’t need that part just skip ahead. I hope this helps!
This should be what the top of your machine looks like when it’s facing you. That little one in front is gonna get the bobbin and the big one in the back to the right is gonna get the thread.
Now take the bobbin and wind the thread (while it’s still attached to the spool) around it in whatever direction you want. Enough to make it stay when you stop, 10x maybe.
Using the bobbin like the end of the thread wrap it around the little metal circle on the top left of the machine (called a thread guide). I wrap clockwise, and I do it twice.
Then put your bobbin on the little spot in front of your thread with the thread.
After it’s on push it to the right, it should click into place allowing bobbin mode on the machine.
Most sewing machines will allow you to pull out (or push in) the hand wheel on the side to keep the needle from moving while you load the bobbin.
Trim the little piece of thread sticking out from your bobbin if you have one leftover.
Now push the pedal down a little with your foot. If the bobbin spins the wrong way just turn it upside down and try again.
Go slowly but steadily and try to stop before the thread builds up enough to hit the bumper on the right. It’s alright if it hits it, that’s what it’s there for!
Now you are ready to put your bobbin in place to sew. Remember to push your bobbin back to the left and push in (or out) the hand wheel on the side. Unwind it from that little circle on top (the thread guide) and cut it from the thread spool.
Unwind a little thread from your bobbin then place it in the bobbin casing.
Pull the thread through the little slit in the side of the bobbin until you get to the larger area.
Put the whole thing into the little bobbin spot underneath. Pull out the little hinged part and line up the little metal piece on top with the indent for it.
Once it is in you can release the hinged piece.
Your ready to thread your machine now.
Once threaded, you can hold the thread out to the side with one hand and turn the hand wheel (towards you) with the other. After once or twice the top thread should catch the bottom (bobbin) thread.
Pull them both out straight, close up your machine and your ready to start sewing!
If you have any questions or comments please let me know!
RedLipstickReviews 
very nice tutorial – I always had students that might skip a step and the bobbin tension would be all crazy. Instead of unwinding and throwing out the thread – replace your thread spool with icky bobbin and wind it (threaded correctly) unto a new bobbin 🙂
Thank you so much! I know I sound a little green but what, may I ask, is an icky bobbin? I do understand what you’re saying about saving the bobbin thread. I find myself disposing of it quite a lot. Thank you again!
I just call it an icky bobbin when the tension isn’t correct – you are done winding only to find that the thread is very loose. This is usually rare but I have seen it happen to a lot of beginners that may skip a threading step or the machine may be acting up.
I see! Thanks! I haven’t had that happen yet, but when it does I will know why!
Wonderfully detailed tutorial, with superb photos– beautifully constructed and laid out. Was mightily impressed with your attention to detail. Loved your short bio, too: writer, seamstress, artist, food truck owner and drummer– whoa! And I’ve got a feeling you’ll get there, too– stay the course!! : )
Thank you so much Mark! I feel like your praise and support came at a time when I could really use it!