Two tips to threading your machine
 

Thanks BellaBoo!

I was taught to always turn the handwheel toward me,she turned it the other way. Any thoughts?

All these years later, I learn that now!

Same here.......always turned it TOWARD me

The first thing I noticed, she turned the wheel away from her.

Thanks for the link...

I don't think you are supposed to turn the wheel the opposite way. You can get the same result by turning the wheel toward you (unless its a White or other brand that is supposed to turn away from you.). Just my opinion.

The main reason we're taught not to turn the handwheel backwards is that the thread (when making a stitch) can get bound up in the bobbin case area. (On the old treadles, it would usually snap the thread)

It doesn't hurt the machine in any way, and if it's not threaded, it really doesn't matter. The biggest thing is... basically muscle memory. If you always turn it towards you, you always will, and you won't mess your work up.

Often if the take up is way closer to the top if I turn to the back, I will, if I'm threading or whatever. I turn both ways when servicing my machines. Whichever gets me to the grunge faster