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Let’s Talk About Sewing Machine Bobbin Issues

November 30, 2016 by Rebecca George 4 Comments

Many readers commented on the sewing problems post I wrote for the blog with questions and pet peeves about bobbins. A bobbin is the spool that holds your bottom thread, so it’s essential to have it working properly. Let’s explore some ways to troubleshoot issues and improve your sewing experience.

Common Bobbin Problemsimage

Bobbin Keeps Running Out of Thread

This was a topic that was mentioned frequently. You’re sewing along, focused on your project when the bobbin runs out of thread. So how can you stop this from happening? Well, there is no way to prevent it 100% of the time- but there are a few hints I can give you to limit this occurrence.

If this is a frustration for you, switch to clear bobbins if they are compatible with your machine. This way you can see when the thread is getting low without having to take it out. When you buy your next machine make sure it has a clear cover where you insert the bobbin. Also, some new (fancy) machines, especially those made for embroidery and quilting, actually come with a low bobbin indicator light! This might be something to look into when shopping for a new one.

You can also check the bobbin before you start sewing each time, or even measure it by how much you can sew before it runs out. For example, start with it fully wound and then keep track of how many items you can make with that bobbin, then apply that to your next set of products. Another tip that I’ve heard (but not used myself) is to wind a second bobbin and use that as your top thread spool to give you an indication of when your bottom bobbin is running low.

Bobbin Gets Caught and Tangled Under the Fabric

If your thread is jamming or bunching, there are a few steps to take to fix the problem. First, check to make sure you are using the correct bobbin for your sewing machine. This may sound obvious, but if you have two machines like I do it’s easy to get them mixed up. One device uses bobbins that are flat on the top, and the other uses ones that are slightly rounded. They are not interchangeable in my case, but some bobbins can work across different machine brands, so read the package before you buy more.

After you’ve double-checked that it’s the proper bobbin, inspect it for cracks or chips. Other factors like improper winding and leaving old thread on before putting on the color you’re currently using may also be the culprit. If you’ve determined it’s not the bobbin itself, unthread your machine completely and rethread it according to your machine’s instruction manual. Sometimes bobbin thread bunching is actually caused by the top thread not being inserted properly.

Bobbins Have Become a Tangled Mess When Not in Use

There’s just something about those little spools that makes them get all tied together and roll around on the floor. A small plastic box can help keep your bobbins tidy and prevent tangles. There are other options like wooden racks, where you can stack your bobbins with the coordinating large spool of thread. Go with whatever works for you to keep them neat and organized!

Winding a Bobbin Interrupts the Flow of Sewing

Stopping to wind a bobbin in the middle of a project is time consuming and can break your sewing rhythm. Buy extra bobbins and have them wound and ready to use in order to prevent this frustration. You can also purchase a bobbin winder, which is a small separate machine that does what the name says. These gadgets will also save you time, and you won’t even have to use your sewing machine to wind your bobbins! They’re pretty affordable and widely available online or at sewing stores.

I hope these hints will make your sewing more smooth and efficient and take the annoyance out of using bobbins!

Share your bobbin problems and tips with us!

  • Author
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Rebecca George
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Filed Under: Tips and Techniques Tagged With: bobbin problems, common sewing problems, Rebecca George

Comments

  1. Crafty Canadian says

    December 2, 2016 at 3:43 am

    Thanks for the great advice Rebecca. I find that it is so frustrating to have the threads on the bobbin always loose. Even if you put the bobbins in a plastic box, the loose threads seem to get tangled with each other. I hit upon a solution recently–little rubber bands. These are the tiny ones that are used in crafts, I believe to make bracelets. They are the perfect size to snap over the bobbin and hold the thread in place, while still allowing you to see the color of the thread/
    Also, if you want to keep your colors together so you know if you already have a bobbin wound in that thread color, use a safety pin through the hole in the bobbin (either plastic or metal. Snap the safety pin closed and then slide it into the thread hole. It will fit perfectly and now you can put your thread in the holder with the coordinating bobbin right in sight.

    Reply
  2. Chris says

    December 15, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    I was at Joanns and walked by a small machine that does nothing but wind bobbins. I didn’t have time to really check it out. It was around 20.00. My sewing frustration is winding the bobbin. I have two different methods to wind. I may not sew for a couple months, and will sew for a week.

    Do you about a machine like that?

    Reply
    • Ruth Bly says

      January 29, 2017 at 11:25 pm

      you still have to stop sewing and wind your Bobbins, Keep sewing my Friend

      Reply
  3. Angie says

    February 17, 2017 at 3:01 pm

    I was hoping you would say something about tension problems so I will have to keep looking. )-:

    Reply

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