Penny's mom,
Most machines that use a shuttle type bobbin are set up similar to this. There might be a bit of difference here and there but they'll all be close enough this pic should work.
>From the spool run the thread to the left around or through the thread guide. The thread guide could be a hole or a notch in the corner of the face plate like this one, or a little hook on the machine head like a Singer 127. They work the same.
>Bring the thread back to the right over to the winder. Guide it through the little hook at the bottom of the winder.
>Then up between the moving fingers of the thread guide.
> Then capture the end of the thread between the end of the spool and the spool driver.
>Turn the bobbin winder by hand a couple times to make sure thread is caught and snip off any sticking out.
>Make sure the stop motion knob is released and apply power to the machine. Electric, treadle, or hand crank.
>Sometimes if the spool shakes and bounces around I'll gently hold a finger on top of it. This seems to add a wee bit of tension to the bobbin winder as well.
Hope this helps.
Joe