Let us learn to thread the double thread machine and practice stitching. This requires much care, but is not difficult. The Pleasant Valley girls enjoyed this lesson very much.

As we learned, there are many different makes of sewing machines. All are based on the principles of the one invented by Mr. Howe. If we know the important points to remember in threading a machine, it will be very easy to follow the book of directions which comes with the machine. The names of some machines are the New Home, Domestic, Singer, Wilcox and Gibbs. Here are the things to think about in threading : 1. Find the spool holder, and put the spool on it.

2. Find all the little eyes and holes through which the thread must pass. The book of directions will help.

3. Find the tension. Be sure the thread passes between the tension plates and pulls evenly.

4. Find the needle, and thread it from left to right, towards the wheel.

5. Find the shuttle. Look at your book of directions. Miss James helped Barbara to put the bobbin in its place, and to thread it into the shuttle. Ask your teacher to help you if you do not know how.

6. Put the shuttle back in the shuttle holder.

7. Turn the wheel and hold the upper thread. This will bring the under thread up through the little hole in the needle plate. Both threads should be on top before beginning to stitch.

Now you are ready to begin to practice stitching with a thread.

Try to remember these things, while stitching with a thread:

1. To treadle evenly.

2. To hold the material on the table at the left hand and to pass it on lightly. Do not pull it or push it with your left hand.

3. To turn corners evenly. Have the needle down in cloth. Raise the presser foot and turn the work. Put the foot down and continue.

4. Be sure to turn the wheel in the proper direction, or the thread will break.

5. Practice stitching parallel rows. Make good square corners. Use some scraps of cloth for this sewing, and practice at home.

Those who have not practiced on the machine may do so during study periods, if there is time. We can move the machine into the coat room.

Exercises And Problems

1. Barbara Oakes does not turn good square corners on her practice piece. Why ?

2. Marjorie says her thread breaks every time she starts. Why?

3. Show some one how you can bring the under thread up through the needle plate, preparatory to stitching.

4. Practice threading the machine, following book directions if you do not know how.

5. Practice rows of good straight stitching.