A drive arrangement for the drive elements for the threading of the upper thread into the eye of a sewing machine needle is provided. Instead of individual drives for lowering the threading device and rotating it as well as threading the thread regulator to deflect the upper thread around the thread brake, drives not used at that time for the needle rod, the presser foot pressure, and the thread brake are utilized. In this way, two to three additional electric drives can be omitted and thus the controlling expense can be reduced.