how to wind your bobbin.

bobbin:: is a spindle or cylinder, with or without flanges, on which wire, yarn, thread or film is wound. Bobbins are typically found in sewing machines,cameras, and within electronic equipment {from wikipedia}


Now a bobbin is that small spool of thread found in a small compartment under your needle.  Although it may look complicated it really is simple.  It basically it used to create the underneath side of your stitch.  But before you can use your bobbin, you must wind it!


There are 2 different types of bobbin compartments: a horizontal bobbin {drop in and no bobbin case} and a vertical bobbin {has a metal bobbin case}

{horizontal bobbin, pic from here}

{vertical bobbin and case}

Again, just like threading sewing machine, winding your bobbin is different for every machine.  For exact details look at your machine manual or google it!


But we will give it a go...


General Ideas behind winding your bobbin::


1.  Remove your bobbin case from under the needle compartment if you have a vertical bobbin, by either opening the small bobbin case door.  For horizontal bobbins, simply slide the plate open and pull the bobbin out of the case. 

2.  Tip the bobbin case over and let the bobbin fall into your hand out of the case{vertical bobbins only}.


3.  Clear the bobbin of any thread!  You want to begin with a clean bobbin... don't be lazy and add on top of your other thread :)  It isn't that big of a deal, but does affect your sewing towards the end of your bobbin thread.  


4.  Place your thread on the spindle.

5.  Loop the bobbin thread over the bobbin thread tensioner.  My machine sends the thread through the tensioner and then around a small metal knob.  This will be the tricky part :)

6.  Next thread the end of the thread through the small hole on top of the bobbin.


7.  Holding the thread in, place the bobbin on top of the bobbin spindle.


8.  Disengage the needle mechanism, which usually also engages the bobbin winding mechanism.  Every machine does this differently, but mine you slide the bobbin hook over and this will wind the bobbin and prevent the needle from going up and down.

{pushing that hook towards the bobbin disengages the needle and engages the bobbin}

atleast on my machine :)

9.  Continue holding the free end of the thread and begin pressing the foot pedal, which will begin to wind your bobbin.  

10.  Let it wind a few times, then stop and clip the top free thread.  Begin winding your bobbin again until it stops.


9.  Fill you bobbin completely.  It should be smooth, even, and snug!


Now you need to place your bobbin back into its case!

 {make sure to thread it through the bobbin notches}

Make sure the thread is pulled through the bobbin tensioner on the bobbin case {vertical} or is threaded correctly through the tensioner on the machine {horizontal}.   

{hold the lever and place back in your machine} 

Horizontal will look more like this...

{horizontal bobbin picture from here}

If you want to pull your bobbin thread up to through the machine, turn the hand wheel and move your needle up and down. This should grab you bobbin thread and move it to the top of the needle plate.


like this...

{hold thread tight}

{turn handwheel making needle go down and then back up}

{your bobbin thread will be pulled up through your plate}

{pull tight}