How to load sewing machine bobbin: step-by-step guide

The bobbin is an essential component of the sewing machine because it is responsible for supplying the lower thread and forming the stitches in cooperation with the upper thread. It takes the form of a small cylindrical component, around which the lower thread used in sewing is wound. During the process, the thread is pulled from the bobbin and intertwined with the upper thread that passes through the needle, creating stable and even stitches.

In this article, we guide you step by step to choosing the right bobbin for your sewing machine, preparatory steps, and proper bobbin loading.

Choosing the right bobbin is the starting step to ensure optimal operation of the sewing machine. Bobbins can vary in size, materials and shapes, so it is very important to identify the correct model that is compatible with your machine. First of all, you should consult the sewing machine manual, which contains accurate information about the type of bobbin recommended by the manufacturer. Bobbins can be made of plastic or metal; the choice of material can affect the behavior of the machine, because metal bobbins are generally heavier and stronger, while plastic bobbins are lighter but can be less durable.

Another crucial aspect to consider is bobbin size. Not all sewing machines use the same size bobbins, so using the wrong size bobbin could cause thread tension problems, snags, and even machine damage. Common bobbin size classes are: Class 15 (20.5mm diameter, 11.5mm height), Class 66 (20.5mm diameter, 10.8mm height), and Class M (25.5mm diameter, 10.5mm height), although additional variations specific to certain machine models can be found.

The shape of the bobbin is another consideration. There are both those with rounded edges and those with a squarer shape-the difference is in the way the thread is distributed and released during sewing. Again, using a bobbin of the wrong shape can cause problems with thread winding, leading to uneven seams and frequent snags. In addition, it is important to ensure that bobbins are always clean and free of thread residue or dust.

Finally, it is essential to consider the quality of the bobbins. Poor quality patterns can have imperfections in shape or material, negatively affecting the sewing result. Investing in high-quality bobbins, preferably those recommended by the manufacturer, can make a big difference in sewing machine reliability and performance. The advice, therefore, is to take the time to carefully select bobbins, as careful selection greatly facilitates the subsequent preparation and loading steps.

Having chosen the right bobbin, the next step is to properly prepare the sewing machine. Proper preparation is essential to ensure smooth operation and optimum sewing quality. Before starting, you should make sure that the machine is turned off and disconnected from the power supply to avoid any accidents. The machine should be placed on a stable, well-lit surface that is spacious enough to be able to handle the various components without difficulty.

Consulting the sewing machine manual will easily identify the specific parts involved in bobbin loading. Familiarizing yourself with these components will help you better understand the process and avoid mistakes. Cleaning the machine is another essential step: any thread residue or dust should be removed from the bobbin area using a small, soft brush. A clean machine not only runs better, but also reduces the risk of jams and other mechanical problems.

Next you prepare the thread, making sure it is of good quality and suitable for the type of fabric that will be worked on. A sufficient amount of thread is unwound from the main bobbin and checked for knots or twists that could cause problems during winding or sewing. Thread tension is another aspect that should not be underestimated: proper tension ensures even and flawless stitching, so it is advisable to check the machine’s tension settings and, if necessary, adjust them according to the manual.

It is also important to check that the needle is in good condition and appropriate for the type of fabric. A damaged or inadequate needle can affect the quality of stitching and cause damage to the fabric; if so, it should be replaced with a new one before starting to load the bobbin. Finally, you should check that the presser foot is up and that all levers and controls are in the correct position for the bobbin loading operation.

Loading the bobbin correctly into the sewing machine is a process that requires care and precision.

First, the location of the bobbin holder on the sewing machine must be identified. Depending on the model, the bobbin housing may be at the bottom of the machine or in a side compartment. To remove the needle plate or bobbin compartment cover, refer to the instructions in the manual.

Next, the empty bobbin is inserted into the bobbin holder, keeping in mind that many machines have a specific mechanism for winding the thread onto the bobbin, often located on the top of the machine. The thread should be guided through the hole in the bobbin, which should be placed on the winding spindle. Make sure that the bobbin is securely fastened so that it does not move during winding and then activate the winding mechanism, which may be automatic or require slight manual pressure.

At this time you can turn on the sewing machine and start winding the thread onto the bobbin. The winding speed should be even and the thread should be evenly distributed on the bobbin to avoid snags during sewing. Once the bobbin is full, stop the machine and cut off the excess thread. Remove the bobbin from the winding spindle and check that the thread is well wound and free of knots.

Now it is time to insert the loaded bobbin into the machine. Place the bobbin in the bobbin compartment, making sure the thread comes out in the correct direction as indicated in the manual. In most machines, the thread must be pulled through a slot and then guided under a tension spring. This is to ensure that the thread is released evenly during sewing. Put the needle plate or bobbin compartment cover back in place.

Before you start sewing, it is important to pull the bobbin thread up through the needle hole. To do this, you must hold the top thread with one hand and slowly turn the machine’s handwheel with the other hand. This movement will cause the needle to move down and up, hooking the bobbin thread and pulling it upward. Once the bobbin thread is visible above the needle plate, you should pull it all the way up and place it under the presser foot along with the top thread.

As a final preparatory act, we recommend a test stitch on a piece of scrap fabric to check that everything is working properly. If it does, check the thread tension and quality of the stitching once again and make adjustments if necessary.

If you are looking for a quality bobbin for your sewing machine, don’t hesitate to contact Fitex, a company that has specialized for almost half a century in the trade and production of spare parts, mechanical parts, accessories and complex solutions for the textile industry.

Backed by experience gained over many decades and an assorted warehouse that can boast more than 50 thousand parts, we are able to guarantee you all the specialized assistance you need and prompt shipment of your order.

Andrea Ferroli
Nadia Leonarduzzi