Threading the Machine
Bobbin winding is a precise operation and should be approached with patience. The first step is to thread the machine correctly; this involves both the top thread and bobbin thread. To achieve this, raise the presser foot and use the hand wheel to turn the needle until it is in its highest position. Then feed the power cord through the hook provided and plug it in.
Bring the top thread to the front and thread it through the take-up lever, guide and the bobbin winding tension disc. Generally, the tension disc should be left in the loose position for bobbin winding. Now, insert the desired colour and type of thread into the bobbin thread holder and thread it through the slots in the bobbin.
Wind the Bobbin
Next, attach the bobbin onto the bobbin winder. This is usually done by a curved hook at the top of the winder. Make sure the bobbin spins freely and faces the right way; this should be indicated with a picture on the machine. An adjustable pin should be used to keep the thread in place.
Now the bobbin needs to be wound. To begin, press the foot pedal down to run the machine. Holding onto the thread will assist in providing tension and control over the winding. Stop the bobbin winding when it is full by pressing the bobbin winding stop button.
Remove the bobbin from the holder and cut off the excess thread; a nail-clipper is ideal for this purpose. Sometimes removing and reinserting the bobbin can help to ensure that it is correctly positioned. Finally, remove the bobbin-winding pin.
Slip the Bobbin
Slipping the bobbin is the third, and arguably the most important, step of bobbin-winding preparation. On some machines this can be done manually; for others, it requires a button to be pressed. Once initiated, the bobbin-slipping process should take around a minute.
An indicator light is often provided on the machine, indicating when the bobbin is full and ready to use. The bobbin winding should be tested on a scrap piece of fabric to check the tension. If the bobbin is not winding correctly, adjustments should be made to the release tension. The tension should always be set as low as possible while still allowing the bobbin to feed properly.
Testing Thread Tension
Correct thread tension is essential for successful bobbin-winding. It is important to check the top thread tension before starting because this affects the bottom thread tension. A good way to do this is to segment stitches or make a quilt sandwich using the same type of fabric, thread and needle.
This should be done in order to check if the bobbin is winding properly and if the top thread tension is correct. If the top thread tension is too loose, it will cause looping on the underside of the fabric. If it is too tight, the fabric will be pulled down when stitching or will pucker after stitching.
Conclusion
Bobbin winding is not a complex process, but it needs to be done correctly in order to achieve the best results. With the right tools, some patience and careful preparation, bobbin winding can be achieved in a few simple steps. Following these guidelines will ensure that the top and bottom threads are both correctly tensioned and that the bobbin is full and ready for use.
Other Considerations
When bobbin winding, it is important to always use the correct type and size of thread for the specific fabric and machine. Using the wrong type or size of thread can cause the bobbin to jam or not wind properly. Additionally, throwaway or pre-wound bobbins can also cause issues with thread tension.
Further, checking that the bobbin and bobbin case are clean and free from residue is key. Any dust or lint can cause the bobbin to jam, and the threads to slip or become tangled. It is also important to ensure the bobbin case is the right way round, so the thread winds off the bobbin in the right direction.
Troubleshooting
If the bobbin is not winding properly, it could be due to a number of issues. It could be that the bobbin is wound incorrectly, in which case the tension of the thread needs to be adjusted. Additionally, it could be that the fabric is not being held firmly in place, or the take-up lever is not being released smoothly. If the top thread is looping on the underside, it is likely that the tension is too loose and needs to be adjusted.
If, however, the thread is slipping, it could be that the bobbin is not winding tightly onto the bobbin thread holder. It is important to check that the thread is not being wound too tightly onto the bobbin. It could be that the tension is too low and needs to be increased.
Finally, an issue might be caused by an old and malfunctioning bobbin holder. If this is the case, it is important to replace the bobbin holder as soon as possible. A worn-out bobbin holder can cause the bobbin thread to slip, leading to tension problems and knotting of the threads.
Safety Measures
With any machine, safety is always important. It is important to wear safety glasses to protect against any loose threads and pieces that may be ejected from the machine. Additionally, hands should be kept away from the needle at all times in order to reduce the chance of cuts or needle pricks.
Also, it is important to keep the machine clean and free of dust or lint. Lint and dust can cause the bobbin to not work properly and can be a fire hazard. A good practice is to use a brush or vacuum occasionally to keep the area clean.
Finally, it is important to be aware of any suspicious noises or smells coming from the machine. Any odd noises may indicate a problem and should be looked at by a professional as soon as possible.
