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Your Sewing Machine Is Not Threaded Correctly
Even people who have been sewing for years sometimes thread their sewing machine incorrectly. This is the first thing you should check if your automatic needle threader is not working. If your thread does not line up through the guide above your needle, it won’t be in the correct position for the hook on your automatic needle threader to grab it.
Your Thread Is Too Thick
The little hook on your automatic needle threader cannot grab certain types of thread. You will have to thread the eye of your needle manually if you use decorative thread, metallic thread, or transparent nylon thread. Also, any thread with a thickness of 130/120 or more cannot be used with your automatic needle threader.
Your Thread Hook Is Dull or Bent
The little hook on your automatic needle threader that grabs your thread and pulls it through the eye of your needle can get bent. Sometimes you can move it with your fingernail to line it up where it’s supposed to go. Eventually, you’ll need to replace the hook when it gets dull, but this will take a long time to happen.
Your Needle Is Not in Its Highest Position
Your needle must be in its highest position with your presser foot lowered out of the way for your automatic needle threader to work. Turn your handwheel toward you until your needle is in its highest position. Some sewing machines also have a button you can press to raise your needle for you.
Your Needle Is Damaged, Bent, or Dull
Over time, your sewing machine needle can get damaged or bent, especially if you are sewing through thick fabric. Sewing machine needles also have natural flaws or burs that happen during manufacturing. You will occasionally come across a needle that is bent or damaged before you insert it in your machine. This isn’t very common, but it does happen. If your needle is damaged, your automatic needle threader hook won’t line up properly. Replace your needle. It’s a good idea to always have replacement sewing machine needles on hand.
You Are Not Using the Correct Needle
Certain fabrics require certain types of needles. For example, a ballpoint needle is better for knit fabric than a sharp needle because it won’t snag and make your fabric run. However, your automatic needle threader is not designed to thread every type of needle. It works best on standard, size 11 needles through size 16. You cannot use your automatic needle threader with a smaller size needle or a twin needle.
Your Needle Is Not Inserted Correctly
A little screw holds your needle in place as you sew. Over time, the screw can loosen and cause your needle to fall out a bit. You also might bump the screw and loosen it. If your needle is not held in all the way, it will not line up with your automatic needle threader. Make sure your sewing machine needle is all the way up and tighten the screw as much as possible.
Also, make sure not to insert your needle backward on your sewing machine. The top shank of your needle is rounded with one flat side. The flat side should face toward the back of your sewing machine when you insert it. If you insert your needle the wrong way, it can hit your bobbin case or throat plate and break.
Your Automatic Needle Threader Spring Is Broken or Missing
The spring inside your automatic needle threader is flimsy and breaks easily. If you pull down on your threader and it does not spring back up on its own, your spring is missing or broken. Get your automatic needle threader spring replaced or do it yourself. It is not an expensive part.
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What if my needle threader goes up and down, but does not rotate?
Sounds like your semi-automatic needle threader might be broken. Are you able to pull it down completely? It doesn’t rotate until it is down all the way.
what if my needle threader comes down but wont go back up? It will rotate just wont go back up.
I’ve been having trouble with the automatic threader, it goes down all the way but does not clamp together to thread the needle, it seems to get stuck instead of closing.
auto needle not lining up whit threder
My initial experience with a sewing machine and all the problems I’ve had are putting me off. The brand new machine I’m using is the most unreliable piece of equipment I’ve ever used. For every 5 minutes of use, I spend another 30 minutes trying to set up and re-thread. Been practising for a month now and instruction manuals are just irritating with their “this is easy to do” comments. I accept that there will be setup procedures and a learning curve, but so far, sewing is causing more frustration and irritation rather than the creativr pleasure others claim it to be !
Problems –
(1) Automatic threader works 1 time out of 100. Can sometimes spend a whole hour trying to get it to thread. When it finally does thread, the next problem happens.
(2) Machine will do a few stitches and then, for no reason, thread has come out of needle. Less than 5 minutes of stitching practice and adjusting tension and settings and then I’m back at (1) all over again.