Threading the Bobbin
The bobbin is one of the essential components of a Brother sewing machine, and taking the time to thread it properly can save time, effort and frustration. To begin, locate and remove the bobbin from its case. If you have a slide-in bobbin, make sure the catch is open before inserting your bobbin. Depending on your model, there is likely an arrow to show the direction of the thread.
Hold the spool securely in one hand and the bobbin in the other. Place the spool of thread on the spool pin or the spool holder. Pull the thread through the guide or slot and move it around the bobbin tension dial. On most Brother models, it is the upper leftmost spool pin. Run the thread around the bobbin about four or five times, ensuring the thread is secured on the bobbin’s underside.
Now insert the bobbin into the case, checking that the arrow is pointing in the correct direction. If your machine has a slide-in bobbin, push the catch to the locked position. Pull the thread to the left to draw it through the hole in the case, and slot it beneath the retriever. At this point, you should be able to gently pull the thread and see the bobbin turning counter-clockwise. If it is turning clockwise, remove the bobbin and reinsert it, following the directions on the previous step.
Tensioning the Bobbin
Now that the bobbin has been threaded and inserted, the tension needs to be adjusted so that it can successfully supply the upper thread with its base. This setting is particularly important when working with different types of fabrics. To adjust the bobbin tension, locate the basic tension dial on the top of the machine, beneath the handwheel. One general rule of thumb is to turn the dial clockwise if the machine is producing loose knots, and counter-clockwise if the machine is producing tight knots.
It is also important to note the nature of the fabric being sewn. In general, thinner fabrics require less tension, and thicker fabrics require more. Adjust the dial in small increments until both the upper thread and bobbin thread are creating small, uniform stitches. If the fabric is puckering, you might have too much tension; loosening the tension should correct this.
Positioning the Bobbin in the Sewing Machine
Once the bobbin has been threaded, tensioned and locked securely in place, it is ready to be dropped into the sewing machine. To load the bobbin, raise the presser foot; the upper thread must be in the take-up lever. Locate the bobbin case, which will typically be hidden beneath the needle plate. Flip the bobbin case holder and remove the case. Pull the upper thread to the left and slot the bobbin into the case until it clicks into place.
Hold the end of the thread and lower the presser foot. The bobbin should start turning in the case, supplying the upper thread with its base. At this point, extend the upper thread until it reaches the first needle hole and insert the thread into the needle from the back to the front. Pull the thread towards the back over the presser foot and resume sewing.
Cleaning and Caring for the Bobbin
To ensure a longer life for your Brother sewing machine and its components, regular maintanance is essential. This includes making sure that the bobbin is clean and well-maintained. Over time, it is possible for threads and fibers to become wrapped around the bobbin, damaging the bobbin and disrupting the clarity of the stitches.
To clean a bobbin, first remove it from the machine. Wipe the bobbin;s casing with a soft cloth, dampened with rubbing alcohol. Replace the bobbin in its case and reposition the bobbin so that it is wound in the same direction that it was wound originally.
Finally, when the bobbin is not in use, store it in its case and replace the lid to keep lint and dust away from the bobbin. This can help to extend the life of your Brother sewing machine and keep your stitches neat, precise and consistent.
Using Different Colors of Thread
Having extra spools of thread on hand can be useful for creating more complex design elements with a Brother sewing machine. Before switching from one color to the next, make sure to free the excess thread from the needle and bobbin case. Otherwise, this thread can become tangled and cause your machine to malfunction.
When replacing the thread, slide the old bobbin out and the new bobbin in, ensuring the thread is facing in the same direction as before. Attach the thread guide and run the thread around the bobbin tension dial according to the machine’s instructions. Make sure the thread is secured to the underside of the bobbin and double check the direction of the thread.
Before loading the bobbin, the upper thread must be in the take-up lever. Pull the upper thread towards the left and insert the bobbin into the case, ensuring the thread is looped under the retriever. You can gently pull the thread and check the bobbin is turning counter-clockwise. If all is in order, proceed to insert the thread into the needle and finish the stitch.
Troubleshooting Your Bobbin
If your brother sewing machine is jamming, and the bobbin appears to be wound incorrectly, check to see if the upper thread has been pulled completely to the left when inserting the bobbin into the machine. You can also refasten the thread to the bottom of the bobbin if needed; this ensures the thread has no loose ends and is not unevenly distributed.
If you are finding that the thread keeps breaking, check for any lint or dust particles that may have become tangled in the thread’s path. The thread may have also become worn from overuse, so be sure to replace the thread spool if necessary. Finally, check that the tension is set properly; a setting that is too tight or too loose will cause the thread to break.
Using the Right Needle for Your Fabric
The fabric you use will have a great influence on how well the bobbin functions within the sewing machine. Certain fabrics will require specific types of needles in order to create successful stitches. Generally speaking, thicker fabrics require thicker needles with a larger eye and larger groove, whereas lighter and thinner fabrics require smaller needles.
If you are using specialty fabrics, it may require a special needle shape and size. You can consult the machine manual to get a better understanding of the appropriate needle type and size for your fabric. It is important to ensure the needle you use is not too large or too small, as this can cause the fabric to pucker or the thread to break.
Test Your Patches
Before completing a project, it is important to test if the needle and bobbin are working together properly. To do so, set the Brother sewing machine to a faster stitch and make sure the tension is set correctly. Select a patch of fabric from your project and sew a few inches of stitches, then cut the stitches and check the quality.
If the stitches are looping or appear uneven, check all the variable settings again and make adjustments where necessary. You can also apply a drop of oil or emulsion oil in the areas where the needle and bobbin meet to reduce friction and promote smoother operation. If all is in order, proceed to finish your project with confidence.
Safely Storing Your Bobbin
Regular cleaning of your Brother sewing machine is key to ensuring optimal performance. Once your bobbin has been cleaned and threaded, place it in its case and rest securely. A loose bobbin can cause lint and dust to accumulate in and around the bobbin area, reducing the quality of stitches and potentially damaging the machine.
Make sure to keep your bobbin case away from direct sunlight and heat, as this could cause the thread to degrade and weaken. Additionally, you should never leave your bobbin in the machine when not in use and avoid storing your machine and bobbin in moist areas.
Keeping your bobbin and machine clean and properly stored are essential for a long-lasting, reliable machine. Paying attention to the details will keep your Brother sewing machine in excellent condition and help you to create beautiful projects with confidence.
