How to work a sewing machine? Please Help.?

It's really old, but it does work. I got it threaded but I realized there is thread coming out of the bottom (like where the needle goes in. Why is there thread in there and how can I get it out. (I don't need it, right? It's the wrong color anyways.) I thought it was just a little bit so I pulled on it and it didn't come out. Help Please?
Thank you!

Anonymous2009-01-06T11:19:23Z

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Sounds like you need a copy of your sewing machine manual, which will get you through a lot of problems and help you keep your machine in good working order.

What's the make and model of the machine, and I may be able to help you find the manual for it?

In the meantime, look at http://www.sewusa.com -- there may be threading diagrams online for your machine (as well as the possibility of buying a copy of the manual).

Yes, you need both top and bobbin thread to make a stitch on most sewing machines. Here's how sewing machines work:
the NERDS version of how a sewing machine works... very suitable after a glass of wine or three...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAhmYzmkvcY

Or the straight version, if you prefer:
http://home.howstuffworks.com/sewing-machine2.htm
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2007/04/sewing_machines_how_a_bobbin_w.html

Some troubleshooting sites for you:
http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingmachineindex/a/mtroubleshot.htm
http://www.delawaresewing.com/dsc/troubleshootsewmachprobweb.htm
http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Repair/Sewing%20Machine%20Troubleshooting.htm

and prevention:
http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00022.asp

pattiann422009-01-06T22:06:47Z

This machine may not look like the one you have, but the basics are the same. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm83zA5-Yyk

The bottom thread is the bobbin. You should have a few spares, filled or empty.

The bobbin is usually wound with the same thread as the top thread so you have two thread sources.

If you give us the brand and model, there may be more information that we can supply and not over burden you will nonsense.

Psalm2009-01-06T03:22:25Z

That thread on the bottom is the bobbin thread. Yes, it's necessary. The two pieces of thread lock together when you sew. That's how the stitch is made. If you want to change the bobbin thread, slide the metal plate toward you and pop out the bobbin and put in a new one. You'll probably need to consult a manual to show you how to do this for your model.

saaanen2009-01-06T19:38:00Z

Please don't be offended, but I think a couple of sewing classes would be really beneficial to you.

Or, better yet, if you have a friend who sews, maybe an extended lunch with a lot of questions would be even nicer.