Learn the proper way to wind a bobbin for use with your sewing machine. A properly wound bobbin makes a difference in your stitching.
Did you know there’s a “right way” to wind your sewing machine bobbin with thread?
It’s such a simple thing that makes a big difference to your stitches. And will save you a lot of frustration.
How to Wind a Bobbin Tips
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when winding your bobbin:
Tip#1: Always Wind Clockwise
When you wind the thread on the bobbin, always wind the thread clockwise around the bobbin.
Tip #2: Wind at Full or Fast Speed
Once you have your bobbin on the bobbin wind pin, use the fastest setting on your sewing machine or press the pedal all the way and wind the bobbin at the fastest speed.
Tip #3: Read Your Manual
You should always refer to your sewing machine manual. The manufacturer of your sewing machine will provide you with the most accurate sewing machine for your make and model.
Tip #4: Use the Correct Bobbin
Not all sewing machines use the same size bobbin. My Janome uses a size J bobbin. It’s a plastic bobbin and loads into my sewing machine from the top. Please refer to your sewing machine manual (see Tip#3 above) for the type of bobbin your machine takes.
There are some front loading machines that use metal bobbins. Just as an example.
Video Tutorial
If you learn better by watching, please click on the below image to go to my YouTube channel to watch this video on How to Wind a Bobbin.
Janome Memory Craft
I currently sew with a Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200 QCP Special Edition sewing machine. There’s an extra step when winding the bobbin. When you place the bobbin on the bobbin winding pin, you will want to rotate the bobbin clockwise until it “clicks” into place. If you listen carefully, you can hear the bobbin click into place. You can also feel the bobbin clicking or sort of locking into place.
How to Wind a Bobbin
Materials
- thread
Tools
- sewing machine
- bobbin
- scissors
Instructions
- Place a spool of thread on the thread spool pin.
- Slide the spool pin cap onto the pin and securely against the thread spool.
- Push bobbin winder pin to the left, if it is not already in position.
- Feed the thread from the spool through the thread guide.
- Pass thread end through the small hole, from the inside, of the rim of the bobbin.
- Place bobbin onto the bobbin pin.
- Push bobbin winder pin to the right.
- Hold on to the thread end and step on the foot pedal or speed controller at full or fast speed until the bobbin is full. The winding will stop automatically when the bobbin is full.
- Cut thread.
- Push bobbin to the left and remove the bobbin from the bobbin winder pin.
- Trim thread ends from the top of the bobbin.
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I absolutely love your hints, patterns, recipes, recommendations, and really enjoy your writing and teaching styles. No matter how many years one has been sewing there’s always something new to learn. That being said, I recently learned something new about bobbin winding that has helped my stitching tremendously, and that is to wind the bobbin slowly. Polyester threads do stretch, and high speed winding increases that. By slowing down bobbin filling speed my stitches relaxed and stopped tightening up enough to produce a much smoother appearance on the fabric. Maybe it’s something peculiar to my machine, but I’m wondering if you or your readers have experienced it.
Hi, Nancy! First of all, thank you for your kind words! They are very much appreciated.
I think at some point in our sewing we all have it will experience bobbin issues. It’s always good to remember there’s more than one way to resolve a problem.
I was having some bobbin issues when I first purchased my new Janome sewing machine. The manufacturer actually recommended winding the bobbin at full speed.
But I can definitely see where the opposite might be true.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us!!
Wishing you the best always,
Pam Baker
Hooked on Sewing