How do I set the tension on my sewing machine? Once I do that, how do I put in the bobbin?

Question

I haven't used a sewing machine in 30 years.

Answer 1

The tension wheel should be sticking out of the machine on the base that holds the presser foot. It should have numbers on it. Of course, you should check your owners manual to be sure. The bobbin insertion/winding is specific to the machine, so that would be in the manual too. You can definitely find them online, I recently had to find a manual for a 70 year old singer I got from my grandma. Go to your manufacturers website with your model number off the machine to be able to find it.

Answer 2

The tension will always be set by a knob on the surface of the machine. If there's a manual, refer to it, but if there's no manual, chances are the machine hasn't been serviced in a long time so it needs a tuneup, and the tuneup person can tell you the optimum tension settings for that machine, depending on what kind of thread you want to use.

Never touch the bobbin tension. They don't give you a way to figure out how far you turned it or how to get it back.

After winding the bobbin, insert it into the metal bobbin case with the thread tail coming out into your left hand. Then get the thread into the little slot in the bobbin case. The bobbin case needs to snap precisely into place in the machine. Draw up the bobbin thread with the handwheel before you start to sew. Don't sew until you have the top and bobbin thread tails in your hand or carefully swept away from you on the fabric. You don't want them anywhere to the sides or front of the needle as you begin to sew.
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Answer 3

I'm going to assume that you don't have the owner's manual that came with your machine. Most of the manufacturers have websites where you can either find the answers or find where you can order a manual for your machine. Do an Internet search on the manufacturer's name of your machine to locate their website.

Alternatively, take it to a local dealer who carries your brand of machine - preferably a dealer who has an on-site repair shop. Your machine, if it's been sitting for many years, should be cleaned, oiled and adjusted before using. A repair shop will most likely be able to show you how to thread and insert the bobbin in your machine.