Mastering Your Brother LS-1217: A Comprehensive Guide to Threading Success

The Brother LS-1217 sewing machine is a reliable and user-friendly option, perfect for beginners and experienced sewers alike. However, like any sewing machine, proper threading is crucial for smooth and consistent stitching. Incorrect threading is a common cause of skipped stitches, thread breakage, and uneven seams. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of threading your Brother LS-1217, ensuring you get the best possible results from your machine.

## Understanding Your Brother LS-1217: Key Components for Threading

Before we dive into the threading process, let’s familiarize ourselves with the key components involved:

* **Spool Pin:** This is where you place your spool of thread.
* **Bobbin Winder Spindle:** This is where you place the bobbin when winding thread onto it.
* **Bobbin Winder Stopper:** This stops the bobbin winder when the bobbin is full.
* **Thread Guides:** These small metal or plastic loops guide the thread along the correct path.
* **Tension Disc:** This regulates the tension of the upper thread.
* **Take-Up Lever:** This lever moves up and down, pulling the thread to form stitches.
* **Needle Clamp Screw:** This screw secures the needle in place.
* **Needle:** The needle carries the upper thread through the fabric to create a stitch.
* **Bobbin Case:** This holds the bobbin in the machine.
* **Feed Dogs:** These teeth-like protrusions beneath the needle plate move the fabric forward during sewing.
* **Bobbin Cover/Slide Plate:** This covers the bobbin case.

## Part 1: Winding the Bobbin

Before threading the machine, you need a bobbin filled with thread. Follow these steps to wind the bobbin correctly:

1. **Place the Thread Spool:** Position your spool of thread on the spool pin. Secure it with a spool cap if your machine has one. This helps prevent the thread from getting tangled.

2. **Thread Guide 1 (Bobbin Winding):** Locate the first thread guide for bobbin winding. It’s usually a small metal hook or eyelet positioned near the spool pin. Pass the thread through this guide.

3. **Wind the Thread onto the Bobbin (Manual Start):** Most Brother LS-1217 models require you to manually wind the thread a few times around the bobbin before starting the bobbin winding process. Place the empty bobbin onto the bobbin winder spindle. Wind the thread clockwise around the bobbin several times, securing it in place. Some machines have a small hole in the bobbin; threading the end through this hole first can help secure the thread.

4. **Engage the Bobbin Winder:** Push the bobbin winder spindle to the right, towards the bobbin winder stopper. This engages the bobbin winding mechanism.

5. **Start Winding:** Gently press the foot pedal. The bobbin should begin to wind with thread. If it doesn’t, ensure the thread is properly secured and the bobbin winder is fully engaged.

6. **Automatic Stop (Most Models):** The bobbin winder should automatically stop when the bobbin is full. If your model doesn’t have this feature, monitor the bobbin and stop winding when it’s about 80-90% full to prevent overfilling.

7. **Disengage the Bobbin Winder:** Push the bobbin winder spindle back to the left, away from the bobbin winder stopper. This disengages the bobbin winding mechanism.

8. **Remove the Bobbin:** Carefully remove the full bobbin from the bobbin winder spindle. Cut the thread connecting the spool to the bobbin.

## Part 2: Inserting the Bobbin

The Brother LS-1217 typically uses a front-loading bobbin system. Here’s how to insert the bobbin:

1. **Turn Off the Machine:** For safety, always turn off your sewing machine before handling the bobbin.

2. **Open the Bobbin Cover/Slide Plate:** Locate the bobbin cover or slide plate on the front of the machine, just below the needle. Slide it open to expose the bobbin case.

3. **Remove the Bobbin Case:** In most LS-1217 models, the bobbin case is removable. Gently pull out the bobbin case. If you encounter resistance, check your manual for specific instructions. Some models may have a lever or button to release the bobbin case.

4. **Insert the Bobbin into the Bobbin Case:** Hold the bobbin case in your left hand. Hold the bobbin in your right hand, ensuring the thread unwinds *counter-clockwise* when you pull the thread tail. Insert the bobbin into the bobbin case. The thread should be coming off the left side of the bobbin as you look at the case.

5. **Thread the Bobbin Case:** Locate the small slit or slot on the bobbin case’s edge. Guide the thread through this slot and then under the tension spring (a small metal arm). You should feel a slight click as the thread slips under the spring. This spring provides tension to the bobbin thread.

6. **Replace the Bobbin Case:** Carefully reinsert the bobbin case into the machine, ensuring it’s properly seated. You should hear a click or feel it lock into place. If it doesn’t seat properly, the machine won’t sew correctly. Make sure the small finger or tab on the bobbin case is correctly aligned with the slot inside the machine.

7. **Close the Bobbin Cover/Slide Plate:** Slide the bobbin cover or slide plate closed.

## Part 3: Threading the Upper Thread

Now, let’s thread the upper thread. This part requires careful attention to detail to ensure the thread follows the correct path.

1. **Turn Off the Machine:** Again, ensure your sewing machine is turned off for safety.

2. **Raise the Presser Foot:** Use the presser foot lever to raise the presser foot. This releases the tension on the tension discs, allowing the thread to seat properly.

3. **Raise the Needle to its Highest Position:** Turn the handwheel (the large wheel on the right side of the machine) towards you until the take-up lever is at its highest position. This is crucial for proper threading. The needle should also be in its highest position.

4. **Place the Thread Spool:** Position your spool of thread on the spool pin. Secure it with a spool cap.

5. **Thread Guide 1 (Upper Thread):** Locate the first thread guide for the upper thread. It’s usually located near the spool pin. Pass the thread through this guide.

6. **Thread Guide 2:** Follow the thread path indicated by the arrows or diagrams on your machine. The next thread guide usually directs the thread down towards the tension discs.

7. **Tension Discs:** This is a critical step. Guide the thread down between the tension discs. Ensure the thread sits snugly between the discs. This controls the tension of the upper thread. If you’re having tension problems later, double-check that the thread is properly seated here.

8. **Thread Guide 3:** After passing through the tension discs, the thread usually goes up to another thread guide. Pass the thread through this guide.

9. **Take-Up Lever:** This is another crucial step. Bring the thread up and over the take-up lever, ensuring it’s properly seated in the lever’s eye or slot. This lever pulls the thread to form the stitch.

10. **Thread Guide 4 (Near the Needle):** Guide the thread down towards the needle. There’s usually a small thread guide just above the needle clamp. Pass the thread through this guide.

11. **Threading the Needle:** Thread the needle from front to back. This is the standard threading direction for most Brother LS-1217 models. If you’re having difficulty, try using a needle threader (if your machine has one) or moistening the end of the thread to stiffen it.

12. **Pull the Thread:** Pull a few inches of thread through the needle’s eye.

## Part 4: Bringing Up the Bobbin Thread

Now, you need to bring the bobbin thread up to meet the upper thread.

1. **Hold the Upper Thread:** Hold the end of the upper thread loosely in your left hand.

2. **Turn the Handwheel:** Slowly turn the handwheel towards you (counter-clockwise) one full rotation. This will cause the needle to go down and then back up, hopefully catching the bobbin thread.

3. **Pull Up the Bobbin Thread:** Gently pull on the upper thread. You should see a loop of bobbin thread being pulled up through the needle plate.

4. **Separate the Threads:** Use a pin or the tip of your scissors to gently pull the bobbin thread loop completely out of the needle plate opening.

5. **Position the Threads:** Place both the upper and bobbin threads under the presser foot and towards the back of the machine.

## Troubleshooting Threading Issues

If you’re experiencing problems with your stitches, here are some common threading issues and their solutions:

* **Skipped Stitches:**
* **Problem:** Incorrect threading of the upper or bobbin thread.
* **Solution:** Retread both the upper and bobbin threads, carefully following the steps above. Make sure the thread is properly seated in the tension discs and take-up lever.
* **Problem:** Incorrect needle size or type.
* **Solution:** Use the correct needle size and type for the fabric you’re sewing. Refer to your machine’s manual for recommendations.
* **Problem:** Bent or damaged needle.
* **Solution:** Replace the needle.
* **Thread Breakage:**
* **Problem:** Incorrect threading.
* **Solution:** Retread both the upper and bobbin threads.
* **Problem:** Too much tension on the upper thread.
* **Solution:** Loosen the upper thread tension.
* **Problem:** Nicks or burrs on the needle plate or bobbin case.
* **Solution:** Smooth out any imperfections or replace the damaged parts.
* **Problem:** Old or poor-quality thread.
* **Solution:** Use new, high-quality thread.
* **Uneven Stitches:**
* **Problem:** Incorrect tension.
* **Solution:** Adjust the upper and bobbin thread tension. Practice on a scrap of fabric until you achieve balanced stitches.
* **Problem:** Incorrect fabric feed.
* **Solution:** Make sure the feed dogs are clean and free of lint. Use a walking foot if you’re sewing multiple layers of fabric or slippery fabrics.
* **Bobbin Thread Showing on Top of Fabric:**
* **Problem:** Upper thread tension too loose.
* **Solution:** Tighten the upper thread tension.
* **Upper Thread Showing on the Bottom of Fabric:**
* **Problem:** Upper thread tension too tight.
* **Solution:** Loosen the upper thread tension.

## Tips for Successful Threading

* **Consult Your Manual:** Your Brother LS-1217 manual is your best resource. Refer to it for specific diagrams and instructions for your model.
* **Use Good Quality Thread:** Cheap thread can break easily and cause tension problems. Invest in good quality thread for smoother sewing.
* **Change Your Needle Regularly:** A dull or damaged needle can cause skipped stitches and thread breakage. Change your needle every 6-8 hours of sewing time, or more often if needed.
* **Clean Your Machine Regularly:** Lint and dust can accumulate in the bobbin area and tension discs, causing problems. Clean your machine regularly with a brush.
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** Don’t be discouraged if you have trouble threading your machine at first. With practice, you’ll become more familiar with the process and be able to thread it quickly and easily.

## Conclusion

Threading your Brother LS-1217 sewing machine correctly is essential for achieving beautiful and durable stitches. By following these detailed steps and troubleshooting tips, you can confidently thread your machine and enjoy your sewing projects. Remember to consult your manual for specific instructions and practice regularly to improve your threading skills. Happy sewing!