Using the Built-In Needle Threader on the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200 QCP Special Edition Sewing Machine couldn’t be easier. Learn the tips and tricks in this quick tutorial from Hooked on Sewing!
The Needle Threader
Not all sewing machines have a needle threader. Except, of course, you are the needle threader!
What is a Needle Threader?
A needle threader is a tool that is used to thread a sewing machine needle. Or, let’s put it this way, a needle threader is a tool used to insert thread through the eye of a sewing machine needle.
What Types of Needle Threaders are Available?
Oh, geez! There are so many different types of needle threaders. In fact there are needle threaders available for every type of needle. Here are a few of the most common:
- automatic hand sewing needle threader
- machine needle inserter
- plastic and wire needle threader
- sewing machine needle inserter
What’s the Best Needle Threader?
Another, oh, geez! If we are talking about sewing machine needle threaders, the best needle threader I have ever used is the needle threader on Janome. I have used each of the above needles and I really wish I had another alternative to recommend.
They all have their strengths and weaknesses. What it boils down to is this: What needle threader works accurately and consistenly? I don’t really have an answer for that other than the needle threader on my Janome sewing machine.
My runner-up would have to be the good old fashioned plastic and wire needle threader. (The original ones were are metal.)
But, let’s get back to today’s tutorial which is all about how to use the needle threader on the Janome 8200.
How to Use the Built-In Needle Threader on the Janome 8200 QCP SE Sewing Machine
Using the built-in needle threader on the Janome 8200 sewing machine is pretty easy! I’ve only had one issue with the built-in needle threader and I’ll share about that in a moment.
Video Tutorial
If you learn better by watching videos, be sure to watch my YouTube video on how to use the built-in needle threader on the Janome 8200 sewing machine.
Step One: Raise Your Presser Foot
Make sure your presser foot is in the raised position. If your machine (like the 8200) has two raised positions, only raise it to the first position, not the highest.
The reason you raise your presser foot is that releases the thread discs so that the thread can move freely through your machine. Once you lower your presser foot it engages the discs and the thread will not move freely through your machine.
Step Two: Thread the Sewing Machine
That’s simple enough. Simply thread the upper part of your sewing machine with your sewing thread. Stop when you get to the needle. But, make sure your thread is behind the thread guide bar beside your sewing machine needle.
Step Three: Lower the Needle Threader
Next you will lower the needle threader. To do so, grab ahold of the tab or handle part of the needle threader with your left thumb and pointer finger. Lower it all the way down. It should now be even with the bottom of your machine’s needle.
Step Four: Wrap the Thread
What you will do next is to grab ahold of the thread with your right hand (so, thumb and pointer finger).
Pull the thread down towards the hook on the left bottom of the needle threader.
Then pull the thread across and in front of the sewing machine needle.
Now move the thread in your right hand away from you and directly back, then raise the thread up and over (towards you) the little hook on the far right side of the needle threader. DO NOT LET GO OF THE THREAD.
You should now have your thread between your thumb and pointer finger of your right hand.
Step Five: Raise the Needle Threader
Next, use your left hand to raise the needle threader back into it upmost position. You should see the loop of thread that you just fed through the eye of the needle.
Grab ahold of the loop and pull the thread through the eye of the sewing machine needle. Your machine is now threaded!
Troubleshooting
Remember that I told you I sometimes have an issue with the loop of the thread catching or not releasing properly from the needle threader? That is the only problem I have ever had trying to use the built-in needle threader on my Janome.
Here’s how to fix that little problem when it happens.
- Slowly lower the needle threader until the looped thread releases (you will literally see this happen).
- Once the loop of thread is free from the threader, slide the threader back up into its stowed position.
- Then grab ahold of the loop and pull the thread all the way through the eye of the needle.
Simple fix, right?!
More Janome Tutorials
If you sew with a Janome, and especially if you sew with the 8200 QCP SE sewing machine, you might find these other tutorials (most, if not all have video as well) helpful:
- Startover Function Key on the Janome 8200
- How to Use the Function Keys on the Janome 8200
- How to Thread a Sewing Machine
- How to Properly Wind a Bobbin
- The Straight Stitch Needle Plate
Like I said, most, if not all of these tutorials have videos to accompany them. So, be sure to check out my YouTube channel. And while you’re there, it would be awesome if you would subscribe to my channel (THANK YOU)!
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