Whether you’re an experienced sewer or just getting started, mastering the basics of operating a sewing machine is essential. One of those basics? Loading a bobbin. But don’t worry—it’s not as hard as it looks!
What is a bobbin? The bobbin is a small, round spool of thread or yarn which is inserted into the machine to provide the underside or “wrong” side of the fabric you’re sewing with top-stitch thread. It’s important to use the correct bobbin for your machine for optimal results—consult your manual for details about size, style and bobbin type.
Now, let’s get started. First, you’ll need to prepare your bobbin. Make sure the bobbin is wound evenly and snugly with the appropriate thread color. The tension must be precise to ensure your stitches will not unravel or pucker. To guarantee even tension, use a bobbin winding machine to wind the bobbin, if available.
After the bobbin is prepped, you’ll need to insert it into the machine! Begin by opening the machine’s bobbin case. Consult your manual to find out how to open the case on your particular make and model of sewing machine. This is usually done by pressing down on a lever and removing the case.
Once the bobbin case is removed, insert the bobbin spool into the holder. Make sure that the thread is coming from the spool in a clockwise direction so that when inserted into the machine, it will pull the thread down instead of up.
Now it’s time to start winding. To start, place a thread onto the bobbin—it should travel from the spool, up the bobbin, to the tension disc. Make sure it’s snug. Then, reinsert the bobbin case into the machine and snap it into place. Consult the manual to learn how to do this, as the process will vary depending on the machine.
Finally, turn the hand wheel of the machine in a movement away from you. This will lower the needle, while at the same time winding the thread onto the bobbin. The thread you’ve pulled through the bobbin case tension should appear between the bobbin case and the plate as the bobbin is being wound. Stop winding when the bobbin is full, by manually pushing the winding bar down against the spool.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully loaded a bobbin on your sewing machine. Now that you’ve got this skill down, you’ll be ready for your next project.
Thread Tension
Thread tension is one of the most important elements when it comes to sewing. When the thread tension is too loose or too tight, you may find that the underside of the fabric leaving lumps or stitches pulled too tight. To create a secure and even stitching, the tension should be set to the middle.
The way to set the right tension is to test the thread tension of your machine with a sample scrap of fabric. Through trial and error, adjust the tension dial until the stitches are neither too tight nor too loose. If your machine has a tension lock, it will hold the tension in place and make it easier to adjust the tension without having to re-thread your machine or the bobbin each time.
You can also check the tension manually by pulling the thread up from the bobbin. When you do this, a tiny loop should appear. Now, pull on both ends of the thread. If the loop gets larger, loosen the tension and if it gets smaller, tighten the tension. The loop should stay the same size. Keep adjusting until you get the right tension.
Thread Considerations
When selecting thread, the thread weight and fiber content should be considered in order to best work with the fabric and design of the chosen project. For instance, when working with lightweight fabrics like silk or chiffon, use lightweight thread such as size 50 or 60. For heavier fabrics like denim or leather, use a heavier thread such as size 40 or 30.
The fiber content of the thread also affects the quality of the stitch. Natural fibers like cotton or silk are breathable and give some elasticity to the fabric. For added strength, a blend of nylon and cotton or polyester and cotton can be used. Synthetic threads, like polyester or nylon, are best for their color-fastness and durability.
Important Tips
Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when loading a bobbin:
- Allow yourself plenty of light – Reading the manual and working on or near your machine can be difficult with inadequate light.
- Start with empty bobbin – Before winding the bobbin, make sure it is empty.
- Right direction – When inserting the bobbin into the machine, make sure the thread is facing the right direction.
- Tightly wound thread – Wrap the thread tightly around the bobbin to ensure even tension.
- Manually wind – Manually wind the bobbin in order to more accurately determine when the bobbin is full.
Seam Guides
After loading a bobbin, it’s important to have a few seam guides around the sewing machine. Measure, mark and attach a length of ribbon to the machine, then use it as a guide for top stitching. This will help maintain a consistent seam width, making it easier to sew without having to constantly measure the seam.
You can also use the seam guide for zigzag or decorative stitches. By using a color-coded seam guide matched with their corresponding thread color, you can easily switch between stitches without having to rethread the bobbin.
Keeping Bobbins Organised
Whether you’re someone who enjoys hand-sewing projects or use a machine, being organised and having a designated place for supplies and bobbins is essential. This will help ensure your supplies and bobbins are close at hand and will free up space.
Creating your own bobbins storage space is quick and easy. You can use a shoebox, a drawer divider or a wall holder with plenty of compartments. Label each compartment according to the bobbin and thread type or another system that works for you. If you are using a wall holder, use sharpie to label the compartments or purchase a set of colorful labels for a more decorative look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about bobbin loading:
- Can I hand wind a bobbin?
Yes, you can hand-wind the bobbin with a special bobbin winder handle or tool. However, it is best to use a machine with a winding tensioner for more consistent thread tension. - Do I need a separate bobbin case for each thread type?
Yes, it is best to use a different bobbin holder for each thread type to get the best results. This helps to avoid any tension issues or errors for different threads. - How long does a bobbin last?
A bobbin’s life span depends on the amount of usage and the type of thread used. A cotton thread lasts longer than synthetic threads, so it will affect how many bobbins you go through.
