What Is A Bobbin Why Do We Have To Have It How Do I Change It

Little girl: “Mrs. Tami, I got a new sewing machine!”

Me: “That is so exciting!”

Little girl: “Yes ma’am, but can you help me with my bobbin?”

When I first began sewing the bobbin was my nemesis. I didn’t understand how or why I had to have it. Changing it, threading it, and touching it hurt me to my soul. I just knew I’d be there for hours trying to figure it out. After all, I just wanted to make pretty things. Thank you, Grandma, for teaching me patience and how to touch my bobbin without crying. 

What is a bobbin?

This is the lower thread. This is the second thread needed to sew with a sewing machine. The bobbin is a round metal or plastic wheel with thread wound around it. You can buy them pre-wound or wind them on your machine.

Why do we have to have it?

The needle pushes the upper thread through the fabric and catches the bobbin thread and simply put, together they hold your project together.

How do I change my bobbin without pulling my hair out?

Well that all depends on the machine you have. If you have a machine with a bobbin that drops in then you pull the clear plastic cover off. Then hold your new bobbin up with the bobbin in your right hand and the thread from the bobbin in the left so that you are forming a P. Remember, P is for perfect when putting your bobbin in. Lay your bobbin down and thread following the machine instructions. Once the bobbin is threaded, pull on the bobbin thread, and make sure that it is spinning counter clockwise. Place your plastic cover back on. You’re ready to sew.

If you have a machine that the bobbin loads from the front of the machine, pull the bobbin casing out and place your new bobbin in (forming the p first and then putting directly in), thread the bobbin casing, and pull the bobbin thread. Make sure the bobbin is spinning counter clockwise. Put your bobbin casing back in your machine. 

Until next time…

Tami

Sew on and Sew Forth