Bobbin Winding
@Howcast
@SINGER® Sewing Australia & New Zealand
@Jann Newton
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Sewing machines use two sources of thread to form a secure stitch: the top spool and the bottom bobbin. Winding the bobbin correctly and evenly is the crucial first step before you can begin sewing any project.
Materials Needed:
- An empty bobbin (must match your machine’s exact class/style)
- Spool of high-quality sewing thread
- Sewing machine
- Small scissors or thread snips
Tips for Success:
- Wind the bobbin at a medium, steady speed. Winding too fast can stretch the thread, causing tension issues later.
- Never mix bobbin types! A Class 15 bobbin will ruin a machine meant for a Class 66.
- Ensure the thread makes a satisfying “click” into the bobbin tension disc on the top of the machine before winding.
1. Place the Spool and Bobbin
- Place your spool of thread onto the main spool pin and secure it with a spool cap. Take your empty bobbin and press it down onto the small bobbin winder spindle, usually located on the top right of the machine.
2. Follow the Thread Guide
- Pull the thread from the spool and guide it through the first thread loop on the top of the machine. Then, wrap it around the circular bobbin-winding tension disc (check your manual for the exact path, which is usually marked with dashed lines on the machine).
3. Thread the Bobbin
- Take the end of the thread and pass it from the inside out through the small hole on the top flange of the empty bobbin. Leave a tail of about 2 to 3 inches sticking out the top.
4. Engage the Winder
- Push the bobbin winder spindle over to the right until it clicks. On older machines, you may also need to pull out the center of the handwheel on the right side to disengage the needle so it doesn’t bounce up and down while you wind.
5. Wind and Snip
- Hold the thread tail straight up. Press your foot pedal to wind a few rotations of thread onto the bobbin, then stop. Snip off the excess thread tail close to the bobbin hole. Press the pedal again to finish winding. The machine will automatically slow down or stop when the bobbin is full. Push the spindle back to the left, cut the thread, and remove your freshly wound bobbin!
Top FAQs for Bobbin Winding:
Why is my bobbin winding loosely or unevenly? +
If the thread is loose, spongy, or gathering all at the top or bottom of the bobbin, the thread was likely not seated correctly inside the bobbin tension disc. Unwind it and re-thread the top path, making sure the thread “clicks” firmly into the circular tension guide before winding.
Can I use a bobbin from a different sewing machine? +
No! Bobbins are not universal. Using the wrong size or class of bobbin (such as putting a Class 66 into a machine that requires a Class 15) can cause severe thread jams, tension problems, or even damage your machine’s timing. Always check your manual.
Do I have to use the same type of thread in the bobbin as the top spool? +
Generally, yes. While you can use different colors, the thread weight and material should ideally match. Mixing a heavy topstitching thread on top with a fine thread in the bobbin can cause tension imbalances unless you specifically calibrate the machine for it.
Why won’t my needle stop moving while I wind the bobbin? +
On most modern machines, pushing the bobbin winder spindle to the right automatically disengages the needle. However, on older mechanical machines, you must physically pull the center dial of the handwheel outward (or loosen the inner knob) to stop the needle from moving.
Is it okay to wind new thread over an old color on a bobbin? +
It is highly discouraged. Winding new thread over an old color can cause the new thread to snag on the old thread tails, leading to uneven tension and machine jams. It’s always best to start with a completely empty bobbin.
How do I know when the bobbin is full? +
Your machine has a small plastic or metal stopper right next to the bobbin winder spindle. As the thread fills the bobbin, it will eventually bump against this stopper, causing the winder to automatically slow down or stop completely, letting you know it’s full.
