Sewing Trick: Stop Holding Your Trailing Threads With This Easy Trick

Watch our clever sewing trick for an easy way to not hold your trailing threads when you begin sewing. Believe us — it works! Not only that, it works on all sewing machines, not just Sailrite® machines.

How is it done? At the very start of a single sewing cycle, the take-up arm is fully up so it is not in a position where it would pull the thread up to tension a lockstitch. Since the tension at the tension assembly is greater than the starting loose thread (trapped by the presser foot only), the thread potentially gets pulled out of the needle. Trapping the loose thread by finger overcomes this issue but at the risk of bending the needle. So this new approach is a very good way to start sewing without the need to trap your trailing threads. 

You won’t believe how easy this technique is! Watch the video to learn this ingenious sewing trick.

How simple was that? Did you already know this sewing trick, or did this surprise you? What other clever sewing tricks or hacks do you know? Share your expertise in the comments section below for your fellow DIYers to discover and enjoy.

If you’re looking for more sewing inspiration and ideas you’ve come to the right place. Our website is packed with DIY tutorials, tips and tricks blogs, and product buying guides to inform you and help you place your next project order with confidence. Click here to browse through the best educational DIY content that will help you succeed on your sewing journey.

Sailrite is your one-stop DIY shop! We are a passionate crew of do-it-yourselfers who strive to equip you with the supplies and how-to knowledge you need to tackle your next project. Do you want to learn upholstery, leatherwork, canvaswork, hobby sewing, bag making or more? We have the fabric, tools, hardware, sewing machines and notions you need to master any DIY. Get started on your next DIY masterpiece today!

Footnote:

We’d like to thank the presenter at the 2025 Marine Fabricators Conference in Corpus Christi, Texas, for teaching Sailrite and the rest of the attendees this cool trick.