When learning how to sew, it can be highly frustrating to deal with the intricate winding of a bobbin on a Singer sewing machine. Breaking the process down into simple steps can help to reduce tangles, time and effort.
Before tackling the winding of a bobbin, it is advisable to have the correct equipment to hand. The tension on a Singer sewing machine should be adjusted before winding, and the bobbin and shuttle hook should be clean. This is done by wetting a cotton swab with motor oil and wiping away any fluff or dirt.
The bobbin itself should be placed on the bobbin winder shaft, ensuring it is facing the correct direction. The bobbin winder should be positioned in line with the arrow and the shaft should be turned to the right to lock it into place. It is important that the shuttle hook doesn’t travel whilst the bobbin is being wound.
A Singer sewing machine also needs its belt to be correctly positioned before winding commences. This can be tricky to orient correctly, as the belt should not be too loose or too tight, so a little trial and error may be required. Finally, the power switch should be set to ‘On’.
When the machine is ready, the spool pin should be raised and the spool of thread should be placed onto the bobbin in an anti-clockwise motion. Once the spool is secure on the pin, the presser foot can be lifted, which will start a winding cycle on the bobbin.
It is vital that a steady hand is kept throughout the winding process. This will reduce any chance of interruptions or tangles in the thread. The thread should also be pulled slowly and evenly so that it wraps smoothly onto the bobbin, allowing it to be filled evenly and securely. When the bobbin is full, the winding should be stopped, and the presser foot should be lowered.
It is recommended that a Singer sewing machine is tested after the bobbin winding has been undertaken. When the machine is turned on and the foot pedal is pressed, thread should travel quietly and seamlessly, ensuring the bobbin has been wound to the correct tension. If any snarls or tangles occur during testing, the bobbin should be removed, the tension should be adjusted, and the entire process should be repeated.
Troubleshooting a Singer Sewing Machine when Bobbin Winding
Once a bobbin has been wound on a Singer sewing machine, the next the step is to test it. Common issues can arise however, and a few troubleshooting tips could come in handy. Routine maintenance of the machine will help to avoid these issues and is recommended before winding the bobbin.
Thread tension can also be an issue and can be adjusted appropriately if necessary. Typically, the upper thread tension should be looser than the bobbin thread, as this will help to reduce any snagging. If the thread won’t pull out of the bobbin case, the tension is most likely too tight.
Occasionally, a bobbin thread may tangle itself around the shuttle hook of a Singer sewing machine. This can be easily sorted; the bobbin case should be removed, and the shuttle hook to be dismantled, after which the thread can be easily untangled.
Loose Bobbins on Singer Sewing Machines
A common issue on Singer sewing machines is a bobbin that is loose and has no tension. This means that when the sewing project is underway, the bobbin thread can start to unravel itself, leading to bunched-up and unbalanced stitches.
This issue is caused by the bobbin case being inserted incorrectly into the machine. To fix this, the bobbin case should be taken out and re-seated in the same direction. Upon carefully reviewing the position of the case, a certain amount of pressure should be applied when re-seating it into the shuttle.
Care must be taken as to not apply too much pressure as this could cause further problems. After the bobbin case has been re-seated into the shuttle, the tension should be readjusted.
Weaving Unattractive Bobbin Thread on Singer Sewing Machines
If a Singer sewing machine is working well and is producing acceptable stitches, however, they look inelegant as the bobbin threads don’t seem to weave correctly within the fabric, the issue most likely caused by the foot pressure.
Bobbin thread needs a certain amount of pressure to properly sink into the fabric. If the foot pressure isn’t adjusted correctly, the bobbin thread can appear loose and poorly woven. To resolve this issue, the presser foot pressure should be changed accordingly.
Usually, most Singer models feature a small screw at the back of the foot that can be used to raise and lower the pressure on the fabric. To reduce any chances of this issue arising, the foot pressure should be adjusted every time the bobbin case is changed.
Singer Sewing Machine Bobbin Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting bobbin issues on a Singer sewing machine can be a tricky process. If all other steps have been taken and nothing appears to be working, the bobbin should be taken out and checked.
The bobbin should be freed of debris or fluff, prior to winding the thread again. Mostly, these issues are caused by grit and dust interfering with the threading process. If the bobbin passes these tests and the threading process is still unsuccessful, the machine may need to be serviced.
Bobbin winding on a Singer sewing machine does not have to be a daunting process. Following a few simple steps whilst also understanding what to expect can become a valuable part of machine maintenance.
Finetuning a Singer Sewing Machine when Bobbin Winding
When winding a bobbin on a Singer sewing machine, the entire process should be closely monitored and slightly adjusted if necessary. Adequate maintenance on the machine will help to avoid any tangles or disruptions.
It is important that the belt is correctly positioned before beginning the winding process; it should not be too tight or too loose. Keeping a steady hand is also paramount as it will help to pull the thread smoothly and without any tensions.
Finally, when the bobbin is full, the foot pedal should be lowered as this will disengage the winding process. At this point, the bobbin can be tested, and any adjustments and corrections can be made accordingly.
How to Prevent Tangles and Disruptions During Bobbin Winding
The main goal when winding a bobbin on a Singer sewing machine is to avoid any tangles and disruptions. If a constant rolling motion is achieved when threading the spool, this will reduce any snarls.
Additionally, the machine should be kept as clean as possible to reduce the chances of debris and dirt accumulating, as this can cause all manner of technical problems. A regular cleaning and adjustment of the tension screw before winding will also prevent any tangles.
It is also important to ensure the bobbin is the correct size, shape and material according to the specifics of the machine. This will help the bobbin to wound securely and evenly. Dropping the bobbin or spinning it too fast can also cause disruptions during the winding process.
Highlighting Common Winding Problems with Singer Sewing Machines
Inconsistent or erratic stitches often occur when the bobbin is wound too quickly. This can be seen on Singer sewing machines if the tension screw is too tight. A simple change to the tension of the upper thread will usually rectify the problem.
If the bobbin is wound too slowly, the machine can lag and the hard work of winding it will be for naught. Although, this can easily be avoided by winding the bobbin slowly but steadily, whilst maintaining a consistent pressure on the spool.
Unfortunately, winding the bobbin on a Singer sewing machine can take time, patience and experience. If something doesn’t seem to be working correctly, the whole process should be restarted again. Some issues can be sorted quickly, however, ultimately, it will take trial and error to get the hang of winding a bobbin correctly.
