I tend to agree with both of these posts.
Originally Posted by C.
Here is what was told to me from two different dealers: the tension discs were made to work in the one direction, which is coming down to the needle. When we (I used to do this) pull the thread out from the top rather than from the needle, we are going in the opposite direction the discs were made to work. Therefore, in the long run it will create tension problems in the future. They also stated it is the number one reason a machine needs repaired, because of the tension. So, I clip my thread up by the take up lever and pull the cut strand thru the needle, I save those pieces in a jar and use for hand sewing bindings etc. Hope this helped explain it......
It just reduces the chances of lint lodging in the tension mechanism. Thread is spun with directionality. Rubbing it against the grain will dislodge more lint than rubbing with the grain.
Actually, the same applies to bobbin thread -- long lengths should not be pulled backwards through the tensioning system. In that case, I think the bigger risk is eventually scoring the metal.
I don't find it any more difficult to snip thread first, so I just made it a habit to always pull thread through with the grain.
Hand quilters are taught to thread their needle with the grain of the thread (knot goes at spool end of the cut thread). This also is because friction is reduced if you pull thread through fabric with the grain of the thread instead of against the grain of the thread.
Prism99