There are many sewing machine enthusiasts in the world who love to create garments and accessories with their machines. Sadly, many of these people don’t know how to put in a bobbin on their Singer sewing machine. If this is the case for you, fear not, as we will take you through the process step by step.
Firstly, it is important to familiarize yourself with the parts of a bobbin. Bobbins come in a range of sizes, shapes and materials. Generally, bobbins have a circumference of about 1.26 inches and consist of two type of hoops; the inner and the outer. Singer sewing machines have a special system, which requires a certain type of bobbin. It is thus important to get the correct type of bobbin for your machine.
When you have the correct type of bobbin, then the next step is to load the bobbin into the bobbin case. For that, you need to open the bobbin case door, and then carefully lift the handle. Gently place the bobbin into the bobbin case, ensuring that the bobbin spindle of the case is aligned with the notch on the side of the bobbin. Now, you can move the bobbin clockwise to wind the thread onto the bobbin and then pass it through the slot located on the inner side of the case. With the thread looped around the bobbin case finger and the thread following the path to the bobbin tension assembly, start winding the thread in a clockwise direction.
The main part of putting in a bobbin on a Singer sewing machine is to ensure that the tension is properly balanced. This is achieved by setting the tension spring to the correct tightness. Make sure that you hold the bobbin and bobbin case together, and apply a small amount of tension to the thread. If the tension is too loose, then the thread won’t be properly wound around the bobbin, resulting in an uneven and distorted stitch. If the tension is too tight, then the stitch could be too tight and create a jam. The correct tension balance is one, where the bobbin case moves slightly when tension is applied.
Finally, the last step is to insert the bobbin into the machine. Raise the needle, press the bobbin winder stopper, and then hold the case gently. Press the foot control (the lever) and keep it on, until the bobbin has been properly wound. Then, take off the foot control and open the case again. Place the bobbin onto the shuttle race, ensuring that the direction of the thread is clockwise and the shuttle pulley is in the lower position. Close the door of the casing, making sure that the bobbin is secure. Turn the hand wheel of the machine and ensure that the bobbin has started winding the thread in an even manner. Now you are ready to start sewing!
When to Change a Bobbin
When you’re sewing, it’s important to keep a close eye on the thread supply of your bobbin. If the thread runs out in the middle of a stitching session, your garments will be ruined and you’ll have to restart the entire process. Therefore it’s important to keep note of when you need to replace your bobbin. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to check the thread supply every 5 minutes or so.
If you realise that the thread is running low, then you will have to take out the bobbin, refill it with new thread and then insert it back into the machine. This isn’t a difficult process; but it is important to pause the machine and remove the bobbin with care in order to avoid any damage. If you don’t recognise that the thread is running out until it has already run out, then the remaining thread in the bobbin case may have to be manually extracted.
Replacing Thread on a Bobbin
Replacing thread on a bobbin can look intimidating, but don’t worry; if you follow these simple steps, it is relatively easy. To begin with, take the bobbin in your hands and ensure that the thread runs in a counter-clockwise direction. If it doesn’t, then use a paper clip or needle to twist the thread in the right direction. Then, open up the bobbin door of the sewing machine.
In the machine, you will find two spools; the lower one is for winding bobbins, while the upper one houses the bobbin thread. To thread the bobbin, ensure that the upper spool has a thread that runs through the tension spring and upper thread guides. Take the thread from this upper spool and pass it around the bobbin, following the route of the lower thread guides. Ensure that both threads are pulled with even tension for a smooth operation.
Now, place the bobbin on the bobbin winder and make sure it is placed in the same direction as the hand wheel of the sewing machine. Press the foot controller lever, and keep it on until the bobbin is wound with even, full thread. Once the bobbin is filled, then slide the bobbin back in its place, with the handwheel on the same side as it was placed on the bobbin winder.
What to Do if Your Bobbin Thread Tangles
Thread tangles are the bane of sewers and they can occur with both the upper and lower thread. If you find yourself in this situation, the first thing to do is to take out the bobbin and ensure that the bobbin is correctly inserted into the machine. Then examine the thread on the bobbin and check if the thread is caught around the spindle in some way. If it is, then you need to extract the thread and then rewind the thread on the bobbin.
In some cases, the thread might be caught in the tension spring. You can attempt to distinguish the thread around the tension screw, but it is perhaps best to just take out the tension spring, untangle the thread and then place it back onto the bobbin.
The threads might also be tangled because the upper spool isn’t centred, leading one side of the machine to be pulled more than the other. To avoid this, ensure that all threading paths are clean and unobstructed, and that the threads are pulled with even tension. Additionally, when winding the bobbin, make sure to keep an eye on the tension and release the foot controller lever if the bobbin becomes full.
Maintaining a Healthy Sewing Machine
Once you’ve mastered the art of putting in and replacing your bobbin, you can set your sights on looking after your machine. As with all things, maintenance is key. Dust and dirt on the Singer sewing machine can cause friction, leading to inaccurate stitch sizes and even machine breakdowns. As such, it is important to regularly clean your machine and clear away any lint or dust build-up.
You should also lubricate your machine regularly. Not only will this make your sewing smoother, but it will help ensure that any metal and plastic parts last longer. Different machines use different types of oil to lubricate the parts, so it is important to refer to your machine’s manual before doing so. Also, ensure you oil the parts in the right order and don’t apply too much oil.
Some machines require you to use specific types of lubricants to ensure optimal functioning. Generally, modern machines may not need too much maintenance. However, if you live in a humid or high-dust environment, then you may need to clean or lubricate your machine more often to keep it functioning well.
Tips for Learning How to Put in a Bobbin
If you are still struggling to insert a bobbin, then there are some tips that you can use to help you. Firstly, take your time and go through the steps one by one. Taking your time will also help you understand the process better and get better results from your sewing machine. Secondly, ensure that all of the components are in the right places. If you struggle to make out the location of the parts, then refer to your machine’s manual.
Thirdly, practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become in putting in the bobbin. You can also refer to online tutorials and video guides. Lastly, if nothing else works, then make sure that you take your sewing machine to a qualified sewing machine technician. They will be able to help repair or adjust your machine and get it back to its optimal condition.
Maintaining a Clean Bobbin
A clean bobbin is important, as lint or dust build-up can result in poor stitching and a decrease in the longevity of the machine. Generally, many people suggest using a can of compressed air to get rid of dust and lint build-up on the bobbin. This is perfectly safe, as long as you don’t press the can directly onto the bobbin. However, compressed air can also dry the bobbin and make it prone to breaking.
If you don’t have access to compressed air, then you can use a vacuum cleaner or soft brush to gently remove dust from the bobbin. Additionally, you should also replace the thread occasionally, to make sure that the bobbin is in a good condition. If you don’t replace the thread at least once every 6 months, then the thread turns brittle and is prone to breakage.
What Not to Do with a Bobbin
Sewing machines are complex machines, and it is important for sewers to use them correctly in order to avoid any damage to the machines. When handling and using bobbins, the most important rule is never to force it. If the bobbin isn’t inserting into the machine, then ensure that the threads are properly aligned and that the bobbin is clean. If the bobbin still doesn’t insert, then don’t force it in.
Similarly, when winding the bobbin, take your time and make sure the tension is right. If you rush through and overwind the bobbin, then you could end up with an overly tight thread, which could create jams and tangles in the machine. Finally, don’t over-oil the machine as it can damage the machine’s components and make the bobbin’s thread wiry and hard to handle.
