LIC Basic Sewing Instructions

Winding a bobbin

diagram of how to wind a bobbin

  • Place thread and corresponding spool holder on to spool pin (1 & 2)
  • Snap thread into thread guide. (3)
  • Wind thread clockwise around bobbin winder tension discs. (4)
  • Thread bobbin as illustrated and place on spindle. (5)
  • Push bobbin spindle to right. (6)
  • Hold thread end. (7)
  • Step on foot control pedal. (8)
  • Cut thread. (9)
  • Push bobbin spindle to left (10) and remove.

When the bobbin winder spindle is in "bobbin winding" position, the machine will not sew and the handwheel will not turn. To start sewing, push the bobbin winder spindle to the left (sewing position).

steps showing winding a bobbin

Inserting the Bobbin

When inserting or removing the bobbin, the needle must be fully raised. Turn power switch to off ("O") before inserting or removing the bobbin.

  1. Insert the bobbin in the bobbin case with the thread running counterclockwise direction (arrow).
  2. Pull the thread through the slit (A).
  3. Draw the thread clockwise until it slips into the notch (B).
  4. Pull out about 15 cm (6 inches) of thread and attach the bobbin cover plate. (C)
    diagram of inserting the bobbin

Threading the Upper Thread

Threading is a simple path, but it is important to do it correctly as failing to do so can cause multiple machine problems. For safety, it is strongly suggested you turn off the power before threading.

  • Start by raising the needle to its highest point (1), and continue turning the handwheel counterclockwise until the needle just slightly begins to descend. Raise the presser foot to release the tension discs.
  • Lift the spool pin. Place the spool of thread on the holder with the thread coming off the spool as shown. For small thread spools, place small side of spool holder next to spool. (2)
  • Draw thread from spool through the upper thread guide (3) and pull thread through pre-tension spring as illustrated. (4)
  • Thread tension module by leading thread down right channel and up left channel. (5) During this process it is helpful to hold the thread between the spool and thread guide.
  • At the top of this movement pass thread from right to left through the slotted eye of the take-up lever and then downwards again. (6)
  • Pass the thread behind the horizontal thread guide, and then behind the thin wire needle clamp guide (7) and then down to the needle which should be threaded from front to back.
  • Pull about 6-8 inches of thread to the rear beyond the needle eye. Trim thread to length with built in thread cutter. (8)
    diagram of sewing machine threading upper thread

Raising the Bobbin Thread

Hold the upper thread with the left hand. Turn the handwheel (1) towards you (counterclockwise) lowering, then raising needle.

If it is difficult to raise the bobbin thread, check to make sure the thread is not trapped by the hinged cover or the removable extension table.

Gently pull on the upper thread to bring the bobbin thread up through the needle plate hole. (2)

Lay both threads to the back under the presser foot. (3)

diagram of raising bobbin thread

Thread Tension

Upper Thread Tension

Basic thread tension setting: "4". (1) To increase the tension, turn the dial to the next number up. To reduce the tension, turn the dial to the next number down.

  1. Normal thread tension for straight stitch sewing.
  2. Thread tension too loose for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to higher number.
  3. Thread tension too tight for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to lower number.
  4. Normal thread tension for zig zag and decorative sewing. Correct thread tension is when a small amount of the upper thread appears on the bottom side of fabric.

Lower Thread Tension

The bobbin tension has been set correctly at the factory, so you do not need to adjust it.

Notes

  • There is no single tension setting appropriate for all stitch functions, thread or fabric.
  • A balanced tension (identical stitches both top and bottom) is usually only desirable for straight stitch construction sewing.
  • 90% of all sewing will be between "3" and "5".
  • For zig zag and decorative sewing stitch functions, thread tension should generally be less than for straight stitch sewing.
  • For all decorative sewing you will always obtain a nicer stitch and less fabric puckering when the upper thread appears on the bottom side of your fabric.
    diagram about thread tension

Choosing a Pattern

The diagram on this page displays the stitch patterns available on the machine. Stitches in the top of the diagram are indicated on the Pattern Selector Dial in gray. To select the patterns indicated with the gray color, turn the Pattern Selector Dial. (e) Use the Stitch Length Dial (d) to adjust the stitch length as desired for the project. Use the Stitch Width Dial (c) to adjust the width of the stitch as desired. To obtain the other patterns, turn the stitch length dial to "S1" or "S2", select the pattern desired with pattern selector dial and adjust the stitch width with the stitch width dial. The Pattern Selector Dial may be turned in either direction. The diagram displays:

  1. Reverse Sewing Lever
  2. Three Needle Position Dial
  3. Stitch Width Dial
  4. Stitch Length Dial
  5. Pattern Selector Dial
    diagram on how to choose a pattern