Putting Bobbin Case On A Sewing Machine
Learning how to install a bobbin case onto a sewing machine can seem daunting for a beginner. Knowing what to do and how to avoid critical bobbin problems will help with your sewing projects. Bobbin cases come in many shapes, sizes, and colors and are specific to the machine.
To start, raise and lower the sewing machine needle to its highest position and then remove the needle plate cover. Beneath the needle plate is an empty bobbin case. The bobbin case must fit correctly into the machine and the bobbin. Hold the bobbin and turn the fork in the bobbin case that holds the bobbin in place to the right so the bobbin can slide down into the bobbin case.
At this stage, the bobbin case must be tensioned. Many people make a common mistake of tensioning it too tight. The best way to tension the bobbin case is to place your index finger against the top of the bobbin case, and then turning the tension dial one-quarter of a turn clockwise. This is the most important step of putting bobbin case on the sewing machine, because if the tension is not just right, the thread will easily jam up and will not form a proper stitch.
Once the bobbin and bobbin case are installed, pull the thread spool and threading guide posts, so the short end of the thread can fit into the bobbin case. As the metal threading guide post is an important part of the sewing machine, take care when pulling it up, to ensure it is returned to its processing position.
Tension the threads properly and carefully draw them, making sure the threads do not catch each other or the bobbin case. Test it with a scrap piece of fabric to make sure the sewing machine is functioning properly with the new bobbin.
Checking Bobbin Threads
In order to check the threads in the bobbin, you must stop the machine at the beginning of a stitch. Vacuum the threads from the bobbin, and pull them gently with your fingers. The amount tension should be just right, which will ensure the threads have looped properly, but not so tight that it interferes with the proper tension of the top threads.
You can use an ice pick to remove any excess thread that is wound around the bobbin. Place the slide of the pick between the threads and the fabric. Gently lift the threads until the excess thread has been removed. Making sure the bobbin is wound correctly is essential in finding the right tension and ensuring the stitches are perfect.
Position the bobbin case correctly on the sewing machine. Once the bobbin case is in the correct position, use your finger to slide the bobbin case up and down in the machine. If it does not move easily, check the tension. If the tension needs to be adjusted, loosen it by turning the tension dial of the bobbin case one-quarter of a turn counter clockwise.
Check the fit of the bobbin in the bobbin case. If the bobbin is too small, the threads may not pass through the bobbin case. This can make the threads appear to be tangled, when in reality, it is just the bobbin that is incorrect. Try a different bobbin or bobbin case as needed.
Positioning The Bobbin Case
Once the bobbin case is inserted, locate the slot on the side which houses the thread tension rod. The thread tension rod should be in the lowest position. When the tension rod is in the highest position, the tension will be too high and the thread will jam. To increase the tension, turn the rod to the right and then to the left to decrease the tension.
Adjust the tension of the bobbin case according to the type of fabric being used. Thin fabrics require moderate tension whereas thick fabrics require higher tension. Too high threads can pull the fabric, making it gather and pucker. Too little tension can cause the fabric to loosen and unravel.
Remember to set the bobbin thread below the fabric when sewing. Make sure the bobbin thread is at the top and the needle thread is at the bottom, with the loops of both threads facing downward. This will ensure the threads remain in the correct tension throughout the sewing process. Finally, you can begin sewing
Inspecting The Bobbin Threads
When inspecting the bobbin threads, look for any loose threads. Pull excess threads out with a pair of tweezers to ensure they do not cause the thread to jam up. Also check the bobbin case and the sew plate to make sure they are properly aligned.
Check the edges of the spool of thread to make sure it is not obstructed. If the thread is obstructed, it can cause the loop of the needle thread to be too tight and cause the thread to jam. Also, make sure the driver belt connected to the bobbin case is not too tight, as this will cause the thread to get stuck in the needle or the fabric.
Another important factor to consider is the thread tension. Test the thread tension on a scrap piece of fabric. Adjust the tension as needed, depending on the weight of the fabric. Too much tension will cause the fabric to pucker, while too little tension can cause the fabric to unravel.
Removing The Bobbin
Removing the bobbin from the sewing machine is no less crucial than putting it in. To remove the bobbin case, ensure that the machine is turned off, and the bobbin is empty. Lift the bail and take the thread spool off the machine, so that it can be cleaned.
Gently raise the bobbin by turning the knob of the bobbin case and pulling out the empty bobbin. Take out the old bobbin case, clean the bobbin case and the bobbin, and then double check the tension. When installing a new bobbin, push it in until you hear it click, then double check the tension once again.
To correctly install the bobbin on the sewing machine, ensure that the needle is raised to its highest position, the thread spool and thread guide posts are pulled up, and the tension and the loops of the threads are securely in place.
Maintaining The Bobbin Case
To ensure the bobbin case operates efficiently, it is essential to keep it cleaned and free of lint. If the bobbin case accumulates lint, it can cause the threads to get tangled, and it will not be able to move smoothly when sewing.
To clean it, you’ll need a lint brush, a soft brush, and a pair of tweezers. Gently brush the lint away, pull out the threads and remove any dirt or residue with the tweezers. Rinse the bobbin case with isopropyl alcohol to remove any dust or residue from the needles.
Turn the knob of the bobbin case to the right, then remove the bobbin case and bobbin. Take out the empty bobbin, clean the bobbin case and bobbin, then double check the tension.
Insights From A Sewing Expert
‘When inserting a bobbin case into a sewing machine, ensure the threads have enough tension. Too much thread tension will cause the fabric to pucker while too little tension can cause the fabric to unravel. The tension of the thread should also be tested on a scrap piece of fabric.’ –Agatha Dewitt, Sewing Expert
Correctly installing the bobbin on the sewing machine is essential if you want to avoid common bobbin problems. Knowing how to correctly tension the bobbin case, check the threads and maintain the bobbin case can save you a lot of time and frustration with your sewing projects.
Troubleshooting A Sewing Machine With Bobbin Problems
Bobbin problems can be tricky to untangle. Take your time and check the bobbin case and threads to ensure they are in the right place. Check the spool and the threading guide posts. Also, make sure the bobbin is wound correctly and the needle thread is not tangled.
If the bobbin thread is too loose, decrease the tension. If the thread is too tight, increase the tension. Make sure the tensioner is adjusted correctly. Often times, a bobbin problem is not the bobbin case, but the needle. If the needle is not inserted correctly or it is bent, it can cause the threads to become tangled and the stitching will not look professional.
Clean the bobbin case often and check for lint and threads. If the bobbin case accumulates dirt or debris, the stitches may look sloppy. To get rid of lint or debris, use a brush and an ice pick to remove excess threads.
Finally, make sure the bobbin case is not too tight or too loose. If it is too tight, the fabric may not sew properly and the threads will become tangled. If the bobbin case is too loose, the fabric will not sew properly and the threads will become tangled.
Conclusion
Inserting a bobbin case onto a sewing machine is an important part of the sewing process. It can help avoid common bobbin problems and ensure the fabric is sewn properly. Be sure to check that the bobbin case is properly installed and tensioned, the bobbin is wound correctly, and that the threads are not too tight or too loose. Taking the time to inspect the bobbin case and threads can help save time and frustration in your sewing projects.
