The Anatomy of a Sewing Machine Bobbin
A bobbin is an essential part of a sewing machine because it holds the thread and is responsible for controlling the tension of that thread as you sew. The bobbin is an object that looks like a little spool with a hole in the center and is made of plastic or metal. Sewing machine bobbins come in a variety of sizes, materials, and shapes and are available in different colors. Bobbins should be selected based on the type of sewing machine and type of fabric being used.
How Does A Bobbin Work?
Bobbins are used to form an “invisible stitch” which is a type of lockstitch created when two or more threads are interlaced over and under each other. This is done by the needle taking the thread from one spool, or bobbin, to the other. With a lockstitch, the bottom thread, which is taken from the bobbin, forms a type of a loop and interlocks with the top thread.
The bobbin is found in the lower part of the sewing machine, and the bobbin thread is wound before you begin to sew. The thread is passed through a small eye on the needle plate and is then guided around the bobbin and secured by the tension regulator which prevents the bobbin from unwinding. Once the bobbin is secured and the top thread is set in place, you can start sewing. As the needle moves up and down it will thread the needle and bobbin thread to make your stitch.
The tension of the thread is one of the most important parts of successfully creating the invisible stitch. If the thread tension is too low, your fabric will start to bunch, while too high of tension can cause the threads to break and the stitch to unravel. Different fabrics require different tension settings, and the tension is usually adjusted using the tension regulator located in the machine. Changing the tension setting helps to ensure the best fit and finish for the fabric being used.
Maintaining Your Bobbin
In order to get the most out of your bobbin, it is important to keep the spool clean and free of dust or lint. This will help maintain the tension of the thread, which affects the look and quality of the stitch. Additionally, it is important to regularly examine your bobbin for any signs of fraying or damage. If the thread is starting to fray, it is best to replace it as soon as possible. Having quality bobbins and properly maintaining them will aid in creating better stitch patterns, prevent unraveling, and overall give the best results for your sewing projects.
Bobbin Winder Tips
When winding your bobbin, it is important to first use the thread guide, which is usually found on the left side of the machine. This will help ensure the bobbin thread is wound evenly and in the right direction. It is also important to set the correct thread tension. Different types and weights of thread will require different tension settings. Loose and thick threads require a higher tension and finer, slimmer threads require a lower tension. If the thread is wound too tight, it will be difficult to get the needle through the fabric, and the thread won’t be able to move properly past the needle.
Conclusion
Sewing machine bobbins are an important part of any sewing machine. Without them, it would be impossible to create stitches. It is important to know how to maintain them and wind them properly. Additionally, it is important to have the best bobbins for your specific type of machine and fabric. Taking these steps will ensure that your sewing projects will always turn out looking great.
