Sewing Machine Bobbin and Bobbin Cases

What is a bobbin?

Some of the questions beginner sewers have I, what is the purpose of a bobbin and what does it do.

The bobbin is a tiny “spool” of thread that you will find (or purchase pre-wound) and then place at the top of the sewing machine. This thread will form the stitches on the backside of your fabric once you stitch. The thread actually binds the thread that passes across the needle.

Types of Bobbins

There are many Bobbin designs. however, in this article, we’ll cover the most popular bobbins. The four most commonly used Bobbins work with most machines. European machines such as Pfaff, Bernina, and Elna come with their own types of Bobbins. In this article, we won’t focus on these special types of bobbins. 

Class 15 Bobbins

All Class 15 Bobbins feature flat Flanges. You can purchase them in metal or plastic. Although they can be interchanged in the majority of cases it is suggested to use only both. It is important to note that the weight on the bobbin could influence the tension as well as how the thread feeds. They are the most commonly used bobbins as they are made with inset and removable bobbin cases.

Class 66 bobbins

The majority of Class 66 bobbins have a slightly dome-shaped flange. Similar to Class 15 bobbins, they are available in either metal or plastic but are smaller than the class 15 bobbins. The majority of sewing machines in this class have one made of plastic. Also, they can be swapped, however, it is not advised. They can be used in conjunction with a bobbin case that is inset, with only a handful of exceptions.

Other types of bobbins

If you own a European-made sewing machine, it’s worth noting that neither the class 15 bobbins nor the class 66 bobbins are not compatible with your sewing machine. As said earlier, machines such as Pfaff, Viking, and Bernina have specially designed bobbins. They can be made of metal or plastic. A lot of plastic designs can be tinted with colors such as green or blue.

How to choose the Correct Bobbin

There are several methods to ensure that your new bobbins are compatible.

• Make sure to check your manual for the “parts” section of your user’s manual. The manual should have a picture as well as the name of the right bobbin for your sewing machine.
• Bring the bobbin or case (if removable) the device came equipped with (provided that it was bought new). This will enable the vendor to compare the bobbin with those currently in the store. 
• Include with you the names of the manufacturer (Singer, Kenmore, etc.) along with the model number. this is because not all bobbins are compatible with all sewing machines.
• Take the whole machine. This is for those who’ve lost their bobbins as well as the manual. The vendor will be able to identify the sewing machine and provide you with the best fit bobbin.

A lot of modern machines come with the ability to notify you when the bobbin’s capacity is low. If you own a device that can do this, it is likely that you require an e-bobbin made of plastic. The photo-eye that informs the machine that the bobbin is empty needs to be able to view the thread. an e- bobbin made of metal will hinder this.

If you have a device made prior to the 1960s, it is likely to require the form of a bobbin made of metal. Vintage sewing machines could be equipped with the long-shuttle Bobbin.

If you own a Singer sewing machine that spins the bobbin within the case for bobbins There are three types of bobbins it could be. They are highly specialized and won’t work with every other machine.

While there are a variety of bobbins, it’s important to find out the right bobbin for your sewing machine. the most effective method to locate new bobbins is by locating the model number for your machine. It is usually found on a small sticker located on the right side, back, or at the bottom of the machine.

Some machines will also feature the model’s number on the front, for example, the Pfaff “160s” or a Singer “706”. They could be a combination of numbers and letters or simply numbers. If you spot this model’s number, take it down! It can be useful for finding parts and details about the machine you are using.

If you are having difficulty finding the model number for your machine take your sewing machine as well as a case for bobbins if it’s removed to the vendor.

With an understanding of what bobbin is, let’s take a look at bobbin cases.

What is a Bobbin Case?

The name suggests as the name implies, a bobbin’s case is the component of the machine which holds your bobbin while you’re sewing. 

How do bobbin cases work?

A bobbin case coupled with the correct bobbin, can hold the bobbin securely in place, and let the machine neatly unravel it. The bobbin case adds tension to the thread on the bottom as does the tension assembly on the thread on the top. 

You should never alter the tension of the bobbin case. This is the reason it is crucial for you to thread the bobbin in a correct manner When you pull the thread on the bottom up, you should feel resistance. If none, then re-thread it through the case for the bobbin.

The thread that is the top will run through the middle of the bobbin case, that’s why it’s essential to select the right bobbin. If the bobbin’s height is too high the thread will get caught and grab the machine.

When using machines with an automated thread cutter bobbin’s holder will also aid in keeping threads in the right place to cut.

Types of bobbin cases

Removable Bobbin Cases

Removable bobbin cases are designed to be removed from the machine when replacing the bobbin. The most common removable bobbin cases are front-loading and side loading.

Also, you can find reverse loading bobbin cases, even though they’re very rare. All removable bobbin cases have a spring or lever that can be held in order to assist take it off and putting it back on.

Front Loading

Front-loading bobbin cases are removed and then placed onto either side of the machine that is facing the user. They are mostly used on modern sewing machines that have removable bobbins.

Side Loading

Sideloading bobbins are identical to front-loading. It is crucial to remember they are fitted with smaller holes high up on the machine. It is where the needle on your machine will slide down the hole. Sideloading bobbin cases are not suitable for front-loading sewing machines.

 However, front-loading bobbin cases can be used on side-loading sewing machine models. The bobbin cases mentioned above are uncommon in sewing machines manufactured after 1980. Some older machines, like Kenmore, Singer and White come with this type of bobbin case.

Inset Bobbin Cases

Inset bobbin cases, also known as “drop-in” bobbin cases, are becoming more popular in the modern machine. The bobbin cases don’t need to be removed from the machine to be replaced with the bobbin.

In general, the user should not have to take these cases out of the bobbin. The bobbin cases of this style are positioned face-up and usually sit directly on the surface of sewing.

Metal Bobbin Cases

Cases for bobbins made of metal are generally utilized with bobbins made from metal. They are typically found on older sewing machines. It is extremely rare to find an inset bobbin holder made of metal on a modern sewing machine.

Plastic Bobbin Cases

Plastic bobbin cases are made of plastic and are used with plastic bobbins. There are a variety of types of plastic bobbin cases that is why it is essential to look up your model in the search for replacements.

If your machine comes by an automated thread cutter you might notice a rectangular shape with a felt-like substance on it. Don’t attempt to remove it as it’s necessary by the machine’s manufacturer to allow the tool to work correctly. The bobbin cases typically include a tiny steel “finger” on the right side. You should be careful on this piece as it is prone to being bent.