Too many serious issues may arise while sewing if you don’t know how to set up sewing machine bobbin. Setting the bobbin properly requires you to go through a number of consecutive steps.
Leaving a subtle error in any of the steps can be a great reason for compromised stitch quality. This is why today we present you with a general guideline of setting up your machine’s bobbin.
How to Set Up Sewing Machine Bobbin?
Before you jump to the settlement of the bobbin, you must identify the bobbin system your machine features – top-loading or front-loading. Whatever the system is, below you will have a detailed guideline for each. Here we go!
Top-loading Bobbin System
The following step-by-step shows you the most appropriate method of using a top-loading bobbin system.
Unplug the motor
Although, merely turning off the engine is sufficient yet it is advisable to unplug it from the electric source. Doing this you will be ensuring a complete safety of your fingers against the needle.
Do you have a computerized sewing machine? Then, you don’t even need to unplug the machine or switch off the engine rather than putting it in the safety mood.
The activation method of the mood varies from one machine to another. This is why we recommend you to go through the user manual well. There you will have a detailed guideline.
Remove the bobbin cover
- To remove the cover, the first step is to lift the presser foot using the presser foot lever.
- Have eyes all around the cover to identify a latch in any form. You may have to slide it or press (varies from machine to machine).
- Slide or press the latch. The cover must be loosened and you can remove it gently.
Insert the bobbin
- Is your bobbin wound evenly? Well, nothing to delay anymore. Insert the bobbin inside counterclockwise. At this point, you must make sure that the thread of the bobbin unwinds to the left.
- There must be a slit to the left. Got it? Well, guide the thread all the way until the slit comes to an end.
- Identify the thread cutter that must be there at the end of the slit. Detach the outer string of the thread with the cutter.
- But, if there is no visible thread cutter, it means that you won’t be trimming the excess string. Instead, you should pull out about 6” of thread and put the cover back keeping the string hanging out.
- Finally, put the cover back by either sliding the latch or pressing it the instructed way.
Front-loading Bobbin System
Setting up the bobbin under the front-loading bobbin system is never the same as the top-loading system. So, it is imperative for you to follow the following steps successively:
Switch off the machine
It doesn’t matter what bobbin system your sewing machine features, it is always to turn off its engine. You should even unplug it from the electric source to avoid unexpected occurrence.
And, in case you have got a computerized sewing machine, you may put the machine into the safe mood.
Remove the cover
In the front-loading bobbin system, the bobbin area is likely to be hidden behind an opaque plastic cover. Going through the user manual you can learn what to do exactly to uncover the area.
Set the bobbin
- Once your bobbin winding is done, it is time to put the bobbin into its case (metal or plastic). From the user manual, you must make sure the way to which the thread should unwind.
- Identify the notches of the case and pull the thread through it
- Pull out about 4” of thread and leave it hanging just to the right of the bobbin case’s horn (metal extension actually)
Insert the caged bobbin
- First of all, have sharp eyes all over the bobbin chamber to locate a notch that is basically the home of the metal extension.
- Set the bobbin to the mouth of the chamber according to the metal extension notch
- Push the case inside making sure that you aren’t being harsh while pushing
- Remember that a well-positioned bobbin won’t be loose or fall to one side
Cover the area
Congratulations, you are at the final step of the bobbin set up process. To end the process, you just need to put the cover back in its previous position.
FAQs
Is it ok to sew with bobbin thread?
Ans. If you can make sure of the quality of your bobbin thread then the answer is – yes, you can sew with it.
Can I use regular sewing thread for bobbin winding?
Ans. Yes, you can obviously. In fact, most of the sewists do so.
Why is my bobbin thread coming up?
Ans. This can happen for a number of reasons. Therefore, if this issue occurs at any point, you must check the following:
- The bobbin is in the proper position and needle can pick up its thread
- The upper tension disks are correctly threaded
- The presser foot is up when seating the thread through the upper tension
Can I sew without a bobbin?
Ans. No, you can never sew without a bobbin. It’s the in-built system of your machine to use both needle and bobbin thread to create stitches.
Is there any machine that can operate without a bobbin?
Ans. Sergers, overlockers and chain stitch machines operate without a bobbin inside
Final words
In the end, be sure that you can’t expect your machine to perform for you in the best possible way if you don’t have a sound knowledge on how to set up sewing machine bobbin. This is one of the vital skills that plays a leading role in shaping you as a pro sewist.
