Why Does My Needle Keep Unthreading When I Begin to Sew?

Rethreading the needle every few minutes is one of the more tedious sewing frustrations, especially without an automatic needle threader. The good news is that it is almost always caused by one of three simple, fixable things.

1. The Machine Is Not Threaded Correctly

Incorrect threading is the most likely cause. If the thread is not passing through every guide and tension disc in the correct order, there is nothing to hold the thread in place at the start of a seam. The first stitch pulls the tail right out of the needle.

Unthread completely and start over. Make sure the take-up lever is at its highest position before threading. Follow your user manual exactly, passing through every guide in sequence. Finish by threading the needle and leaving a four-inch tail under the presser foot.

2. The Thread Tails Are Too Short

Even if the machine is threaded correctly, starting with short thread tails causes the same problem. When the needle descends and the hook grabs the upper thread to form the first stitch, there needs to be enough thread tail to complete the loop without pulling the thread back out of the eye.

Leave at least three to four inches of thread hanging from both the needle and the bobbin before you start sewing. For the first few stitches, hold both tails lightly toward the back of the machine without pulling on them. After three or four stitches, the thread is locked in and you can let go.

This is especially important on knit and stretchy fabrics, which create more resistance against the thread on the first stitch.

3. The Needle and Take-Up Lever Are Not at Their Highest Position

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When you stop sewing mid-seam and the needle is in a lowered position, the take-up lever is also low. Restarting from this position means the machine has very little thread in reserve to form the next stitch, so it pulls the tail out of the needle instead.

Always bring the needle to its highest position before stopping and starting. On computerized machines, this is often a dedicated needle-up button. On older mechanical machines, turn the handwheel toward you until the take-up lever reaches its highest point and cannot go any further.

Always turn the handwheel toward you only. Turning it away from you can disrupt the timing of the machine.