I saw this tip on one of Nancy Zieman's shows . She mentioned that it will "floss" the machine if there is any lint along the thread path. I have to admit I don't always remember to do it.

I learned this in Home Ec as well. I think I have mostly used it because when I made all my clothing, I used thread to match everything. I would cut the thread at the spool, tie it to the next color thread I wanted to use and pull it through right before the needle. Then the new color would be on and no total threading of the machine. We did the same thing when I worked at a custom embroidery shop. You wouldn't want to have to thread all those needles if you didn't have to.

My Bernina instructions clearly states to cut the thread at the spool and pull the thread from the needle. Otherwise it can cause damage. I thought it was only for my machine. I have other machines so it's good to know I need to do this for all my sewing machines.

I have done it that way since forever. My grandmothers said it was like fraying the thread and making it unusable. And when you pull it out the correct way knot it at the end. that way you know which end to stick in the eye of the needle. I do that and stick it in my pincushion for an emergency button repair or tack job.

learned something new today.

I was taught this when I bought my first nice machine at a sewing machine shop about 14 years ago.. It makes sense, but I'd never have thought of it if I wasn't told...

Thank you, I never knew that either. I have often thought when I pulled it out that it does not seem like it could be good for the machine.

Thanks for the tip! Now I just need to remember to do it.

Wow learn something new everyday! I never heard that in either HS or college home ec. Of course since my kids they'll me that was in the prehistoric era, maybe that's why. Lol!

This was a major issue with the tension, I was told. My new machines by Baby Lock don't have this issue. But how can that be, my mind asks? So sometimes I do it right and sometimes I do it wrong. Sometimes my Scottish blood just doesn't like me wasting so much thread. Of course, I do clean my machine often.