Overview
Learning how to refill the bobbin in your Singer sewing machine is a key step in mastering the basics of sewing. A full bobbin assures uninterrupted sewing, since the sewing machine will draw the top and bottom thread from it consistently. Refilling the bobbin is simple, but it has to be done the right way, in order to avoid jams, tension issues, and other malfunctions of your machine.
Before you get started, it is important to understand the anatomy of the bobbin and some of its essential parts, such as the tension regulator. The tension regulation of the bobbin thread is essential for successful machine sewing, so you should pay close attention to the setting of this mechanism on the machine.
Inspect The Machine Before you Begin
The first step to refill a bobbin on a Singer machine is to inspect your machine. Carefully check the throat plate, which is located under the presser foot. It is important that this component is properly installed and working. The throat plate must be securely closed and tight, in order for the bobbin thread to be properly guided and the top thread to move freely.
Verify that the hinged presser foot is level, with the raised arm held at the same height as the sewing bed. Regardless of the machine model, an appropriate screwdriver should be used to make adjustments to the presser foot.
Check the hook timing and hook race. These components are crucial for successful sewing and they must be adjusted and set correctly. Most Singer machines are fitted with automatic hook timing, but it is still important to make sure they are operating properly.
Prepare the Threads and the Bobbin
Gather the thread you will be using and cut it with scissors or a thread cutter. Make sure that both the bobbin thread and the sewing machine’s top thread match in weight and type. Different types of threads will result in an unsatisfactory stitch.
Now that you have the thread, hold it over the bobbin and start winding it around the bobbin, starting from the top and winding downwards. Wind the bobbin in a light and consistent manner, avoiding any overlapping. Most Singer machines have a spool pin, so the thread is held in place and rendered taut, allowing you to wind it around the bobbin without any tension.
Place the Bobbin
When winding the bobbin with the thread is finished, you are ready to insert the bobbin into your machine. Doing so is easy: on a Singer machine, all you need to do is press down the bobbin cover, which will cause the bobbin wheel to swing out. Place the bobbin into the wheel and hold it securely. Release the bobbin cover and observe the wheel as it moves back into its original position.
Adjust the Bobbin Tension
When the bobbin is in its place, make sure you adjust the bobbin tension. You can adjust the tension on Singer machines with the tension regulator. To do this, look for the dial on the top right of the machine, behind the needle. Turn the dial right or left to adjust the tension of the bobbin thread and observe how the thread is pulled from the bobbin.
The best way to adjust the tension is to test it. To do this, turn the manual handwheel of the machine and observe the needle as it goes through the fabric. If the bobbin is adjusted correctly, the needle should be able to smoothly and easily pull the thread from it.
Place the Bobbin in the Machine
Once the tension is set, the bobbin can by inserted into the Singer machine. Most Singer machines draw the bobbin thread automatically, so you don’t have to do anything special. All you have to do is push the bobbin, and the machine will do the rest.
The Singer machine will now want you to thread the top thread. Pass the thread over the primary tension discs, then over the take-up lever, which is a small arm located on the top right of the machine. Bring the thread towards the needle, make sure that it’s passing below the presser foot, then push the needle threader and make sure the thread is pulled through the needle.
Check the Bobbin Thread
To check that the bobbin thread has been installed properly, pull the top thread towards the left, then hold it and press the hand wheel. If the bobbin thread passes through the tension discs, then it is properly loaded. Once the top and bottom threads are both properly installed and tensioned, you are ready to start sewing.
Adjust the Presser Foot Tension
Some Singer machines require that you adjust the presser foot tension, as it will affect the types of thread that can be used and the number of topstitching layers. Double-check the tensioner lever to make sure it is set correctly.
This step is necessary, since a misaligned pressure foot will produce inferior stitches and will cause premature thread breaks. To adjust the presser foot tension, you should turn the knob clockwise to increase the tension and counterclockwise to reduce it.
Thread the Needle
Before you start sewing, make sure to thread the needle correctly. Start by finding the eye of the needle, or the slit that is located at the top of the needle. Insert the thread through the eye of the needle and pull it gently, then pull the thread towards the back of the machine, underneath the presser foot.
Next, press down the presser foot, which will activate the take-up lever. Lastly, pass the thread through the take-up lever, then back towards the right. Leave some thread hanging at the right side of the machine, and you are now ready to start sewing.
Test the Machine
To make sure that the machine is ready for use, you should test it by sewing some fabric. Select a piece of fabric and start off with a simple stitch, then adjust the stitch size and length to suit your particular needs. Once the fabric is sewn, inspect the stitches and make sure that the thread tension is even and the stitch is neat.
Secure The Threads
Once the project is finished, secure the top thread and the bobbin thread. To do this, you should use a backstitch. Raise the needle, then pull the fabric away from the machine and make sure the threads don’t pull out. To secure the threads, press the reverse button on your machine and go over the starting stitches one more time.
Clean the Bobbin Compartment
When you are finished sewing, you should always clean the bobbin compartment. This will ensure your machine works correctly and the bobbin thread won’t get tangled or trapped. Use a brush to clean the dust and lint out of the bobbin compartment. Be careful not to damage any of the elements inside.
Once cleaned, empty the debris from the bobbin case and place the bobbin case back into the machine. Then double check the thread tension and make sure your machine is ready for future use.
