Easy Guide: How To Fill A Bobbin On A Brother Sewing Machine

Okay, let’s get your Brother sewing machine ready to sew! One of the first steps you need to do is fill a bobbin with thread.

What is winding a bobbin? Winding a bobbin means putting sewing thread onto a small spool that fits under your sewing machine needle. Why do you need to wind a bobbin? Your Brother sewing machine needs two threads to sew: one from the spool on top and one from the bobbin below. The two threads work together to make stitches. Winding a bobbin is a simple and important first step before you can start sewing any project.

Let’s break down how to do this, step by step, so you can get sewing quickly and easily. We’ll cover finding everything you need, the steps for winding, how to put the full bobbin in your machine, and what to do if you hit any bumps along the way.

How To Fill A Bobbin On A Brother Sewing Machine
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Getting Ready to Wind

Before you start, gather a few things. You need your Brother sewing machine, a spool of the thread you want to use, and an empty bobbin that works with your machine.

Finding the Right Bobbin

This is very important! Brother sewing machines usually need plastic bobbins. They are a specific size and shape. Using the wrong bobbin can cause big problems with your sewing machine. It might not sew right, jam up, or even break a part.

Check your machine manual: The manual will tell you exactly what kind of bobbin your machine uses.
Look at the bobbins that came with your machine: Use those as your guide.
Buy only bobbins made for Brother machines: Don’t use metal bobbins or plastic bobbins from another brand unless your manual says it’s okay (which is rare).

Using the correct bobbin is a key part of the Brother sewing machine bobbin setup. It makes sure everything works together smoothly.

Setting Up Your Machine

Place your Brother sewing machine on a steady table or desk. Make sure it is plugged in and the power is turned on. You won’t need to thread the needle yet. All we need for now is the part that makes the bobbin spin.

Find the bobbin winding area on your machine. This is often near the top or side of the machine. You will usually see a pin sticking up (this is the bobbin winder spindle Brother machine), a guide or hook for the thread, and maybe a tension disc specifically for winding bobbins.

Let’s look at the parts you’ll interact with:

Spool Pin: Where you put your thread spool.
Thread Guides: Small hooks or loops the thread passes through.
Bobbin Winding Tension Disc: A special guide that helps thread wind tightly and evenly.
Bobbin Winder Spindle: The pin you put the empty bobbin onto.
Winder Stopper: A piece that tells the machine when the bobbin is full.
Foot Pedal or Start/Stop Button: To make the machine go.

Knowing these parts helps you follow the steps for threading bobbin winder Brother machine.

Starting to Wind Your Bobbin

Now you have your machine ready, your thread, and an empty bobbin. Let’s get the thread onto that bobbin!

Putting Thread on the Bobbin

This part guides the thread from the spool to the bobbin.

Place the thread spool: Put your spool of thread onto the spool pin on top of your machine. If your spool pin is horizontal (sticks out sideways), you might need a little cap to hold the thread on. Make sure the thread comes off the spool in the right direction. Usually, if the spool pin is vertical (sticks up), the thread comes off the front or top. If it’s horizontal, it might come off the back. Check your manual if you’re unsure.
Guide the thread: Find the first thread guide near the spool pin. Pull the end of your thread through this guide. This is the start of the Brother sewing machine thread path for winding.
Go through the tension guide: Next, you need to guide the thread through the bobbin winding tension disc. This is often a small disc or hook dedicated only to bobbin winding. It makes sure the thread has just the right amount of pull. This helps the thread wind onto the bobbin neatly, not loose or lumpy. Look for a diagram on your machine near the winder or in your manual for the correct path. It often involves looping the thread around or through this guide.

Attaching Thread to Bobbin

You need to connect the thread to the empty bobbin before you start spinning it.

Pick up the empty bobbin: Look closely at it. You’ll see a small hole or notch on one side.
Put the thread end through the hole: Push the very end of your thread through this small hole from the inside of the bobbin to the outside. Leave about 3-4 inches of thread sticking out.
Place the bobbin on the spindle: Now, take the bobbin with the thread through the hole. Slide the bobbin onto the bobbin winder spindle Brother machine. Make sure it sits down firmly. The thread tail you just pulled through should be sticking out from the top of the bobbin.

Placing the Bobbin on the Winder

The bobbin winder spindle Brother machine is the small pin or post where the bobbin sits. Once the bobbin is on this spindle, you need to move the spindle to the winding position.

Push the spindle: Gently push the bobbin winder spindle Brother machine (with the bobbin on it) towards the right (away from the sewing needle). You should hear a little click. This click means the winder is now engaged. When the winder is engaged, the machine’s power is usually disconnected from the sewing needle and directed only to the bobbin winder. This stops the needle from moving while you wind the bobbin, which is important for safety and for winding properly.

This action of pushing the spindle is a key part of the threading bobbin winder Brother machine process.

Making the Bobbin Fill

Everything is set up. Now it’s time to actually wind the thread onto the bobbin. This is the core of winding bobbin Brother sewing machine.

Starting the Machine

You’re ready to start.

Hold the thread tail: Keep holding onto that short piece of thread (the tail) that you pulled through the hole in the bobbin. Hold it up and slightly away from the bobbin. This helps the first few wraps of thread catch on the bobbin and start winding neatly.
Start the machine: Gently press the foot pedal or push the start/stop button on your machine. The bobbin will start to spin very fast.
Release the thread tail: After just a few turns (maybe 5-10 wraps of thread), you can stop holding the thread tail. The thread is now caught on the bobbin. You can trim off the short thread tail close to the bobbin.

Watching the Bobbin Fill

Now, just let the machine do its work.

Keep an eye on it: The thread will quickly start to wind onto the bobbobbin. It should wind smoothly and evenly back and forth along the bobbin.
The winder stopper: As the bobbin fills, the thread will build up towards the edge of the bobbin. The bobbin winder spindle Brother machine area has a little piece (the winder stopper) that the thread hits when the bobbin is full.
Automatic stop: Most modern Brother machines will automatically stop winding when the thread reaches the winder stopper. This means your bobbin is full enough!

If your machine doesn’t stop automatically, you will need to watch it and stop the machine yourself when the bobbin is nearly full. Don’t overfill the bobbin; it can cause problems when you put it in the machine.

Stopping and Cutting Thread

When the bobbin stops or is full:

Stop the machine: If your machine didn’t stop on its own, take your foot off the pedal or press the start/stop button again.
Push the spindle back: Push the bobbin winder spindle Brother machine back to its original position (towards the left, or towards the needle). This takes the winder out of action.
Remove the bobbin: Take the full bobbin off the spindle.
Cut the thread: Use the thread cutter built into your machine (there’s usually a small blade near the winder) or a pair of scissors to cut the thread connecting the full bobbin to the spool.

You now have a perfectly wound bobbin! This step-by-step process for winding bobbin Brother sewing machine is the same for most Brother models.

Using the Full Bobbin

You’ve got a nicely wound bobbin. Great! Now you need to put it into your machine so you can start sewing. This involves putting the bobbin into the Brother sewing machine bobbin case or holder.

Opening the Bobbin Area

The bobbin is usually located under the needle plate, where the needle goes down.

Find the bobbin cover: On most modern Brother machines, there’s a clear plastic cover right in front of or around the needle area on the flat bed of the machine. Some older machines might have a door on the front or side.
Open the cover: Slide a latch or push a button to open or remove this cover.

Placing the Bobbin Correctly

This is another very important step for loading bobbin Brother sewing machine. Putting the bobbin in the wrong way is a common cause of stitching problems.

Look at the bobbin holder: Inside the bobbin area, you’ll see where the bobbin sits. This might be a removable Brother sewing machine bobbin case (often metal, you take it completely out) or a built-in holder (the bobbin just drops in from the top).
For top-loading bobbins (most common): Your bobbin usually just drops into the holder from the top. Pay close attention to which way the thread is coming off the bobbin. There is usually a little diagram or picture right there on the machine showing you. For Brother top-loading machines, the thread almost always needs to come off the bobbin in a counter-clockwise direction, forming the letter ‘P’ shape if you look at the bobbin from the top. Drop the bobbin in so the thread is coming off that way.
For front-loading bobbins (less common on newer models): You’ll need to place the bobbin inside a metal Brother sewing machine bobbin case. Pull a few inches of thread off the bobbin. Put the bobbin into the case. The thread needs to go into a small slot on the side of the case. Pull it firmly until it slips under a little tension spring on the case. Then, you open the front door on the machine and snap the bobbin case into the machine.

Always check your manual or the diagram on your machine for the exact direction the thread needs to come off the bobbin when you put it in. This step is critical for successful loading bobbin Brother sewing machine.

Pulling Thread Through

Once the bobbin is in its place, you need to guide the thread.

Guide the thread: There will be one or two small slots or guides inside the bobbin area after you put the bobbin in. Pull the bobbin thread firmly through these guides. This sets the thread tension for sewing. Again, follow the arrows or diagram on your machine.
Leave a thread tail: Pull out about 4-6 inches of bobbin thread and leave it sitting on the needle plate.

Closing the Area

Now you can close the bobbin area.

Replace the cover: Put the plastic cover back over the top-loading bobbin area or close the front door for a front-loading bobbin case. Make sure it clicks or snaps shut properly.

You have successfully finished replacing bobbin Brother machine and setting up the bottom thread!

Getting Thread Ready to Sew

Now that the bobbin is in, you need to set up the top thread too. Both threads must be in place correctly for your machine to make stitches.

Why Upper Thread Matters

The bobbin thread creates the bottom half of the stitch. The thread from the spool on top creates the upper half. The needle carries the top thread down, it catches the bobbin thread, and pulls it up to make the stitch lock.

If your upper thread is not done right (this is upper threading Brother sewing machine), your stitches will look bad. You might get loops on the bottom of your fabric, skipped stitches, or the thread might break.

The Full Thread Path

Let’s quickly look at the Brother sewing machine thread path for sewing:

Put the thread spool on the spool pin.
Guide the thread through the first guide near the spool.
Pull the thread down through the main tension discs (these are bigger than the bobbin winding ones). There is usually a path or channel the thread sits in.
Bring the thread up and loop it through the take-up lever (this arm moves up and down as you sew). Make sure the lever is in its highest position when you thread it.
Guide the thread back down through any lower guides on the machine arm.
Thread the needle eye from front to back.

There are diagrams on your machine and in your manual that show this Brother sewing machine thread path. Follow it carefully!

Bringing the Bobbin Thread Up

Before you start sewing, you need to bring that bobbin thread you just loaded up to the needle plate, so both threads are ready to go.

Hold the upper thread: With the upper thread already threaded through the needle, hold the end of the upper thread lightly in your hand, near the needle.
Turn the handwheel: Slowly turn the large handwheel on the side of your machine towards you (never away from you). Watch the needle go down and then come back up.
Catch the loop: As the needle comes back up, it will make a loop of the bobbin thread. This loop will be visible just above or to the side of the needle plate hole.
Pull the loop: Use your fingers or a small tool (like scissors or tweezers) to pull this loop of bobbin thread up through the hole in the needle plate.
Pull the end: Pull the end of the bobbin thread through the loop you just brought up.
Position both threads: Pull both the upper thread and the bobbin thread under the machine’s presser foot and lay them towards the back of the machine. This clears the area for your fabric.

Now your machine is fully threaded, top and bottom, and ready to sew!

Fixing Bobbin Troubles

Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are some common bobbin problems Brother sewing machine users face and how to fix them.

Bobbin Fills Unevenly

The thread piles up on one side of the bobbin or looks lumpy.

Why it happens: The thread didn’t go through the bobbin winding tension guide correctly, or that guide is dirty or blocked.
How to fix:
- Stop winding. Cut the thread and remove the partially filled bobbin.
- Check the Brother sewing machine thread path for winding again. Make sure the thread is firmly seated in the winding tension disc/guide.
- Clean the tension disc area with a small brush if you see lint.
- Start winding again with a fresh empty bobbin.

Thread Breaks While Winding

The thread snaps during the winding process.

Why it happens: The thread is old or poor quality, you’re winding too fast, or the tension guide for winding is too tight.
How to fix:
- Use good quality thread that is meant for sewing machines. Old thread can become weak.
- Try winding at a slightly slower speed if your machine has speed control.
- Check the winding tension guide. Make sure there’s no knot or tangle before it. If the tension feels way too tight, check your manual or consult a service tech, though this is less common on dedicated winding tensioners.

Bobbin Won’t Stop Winding

The machine keeps winding even when the bobbin looks full.

Why it happens: The bobbin winder spindle Brother machine wasn’t pushed over all the way to engage the auto-stop, or the winder stopper part is dirty, bent, or broken.
How to fix:
- Make sure you pushed the bobbin winder spindle Brother machine firmly to the right until it clicked into the winding position.
- Check the winder stopper (the piece the thread hits when full). Make sure it’s not blocked by lint. If it looks bent or broken, you might need a service tech to look at it.

Winder Isn’t Working At All

The bobbin doesn’t spin when you press the pedal or start button.

Why it happens: The bobbin winder spindle Brother machine isn’t pushed over to the winding position, the machine isn’t set to winding mode (some electronic machines have a setting), or there’s a mechanical issue.
How to fix:
- Make sure you pushed the bobbin winder spindle Brother machine all the way over until it clicked.
- Check your machine’s screen or buttons. Some machines require you to select “bobbin winding” mode.
- Ensure the machine is threaded for threading bobbin winder Brother machine correctly, including going through the winding tension guide.
- If none of the above work, there might be a problem with the motor or belt. Consult your manual or a repair shop.

These are some common issues you might face with winding bobbin Brother sewing machine. Most can be fixed by simply re-threading for winding or checking the spindle position.

Keeping Things Working Well

A little care goes a long way in preventing bobbin problems Brother sewing machine.

Cleaning the Bobbin Area

Lint and dust from thread can build up in the bobbin case or holder area.

Why clean: This lint can mess up the bobbin thread tension, cause stitches to be uneven, or even jam the machine.
How to clean:
- Turn off your machine and unplug it.
- Open the bobbin cover and take out the bobbin and the bobbin case (if it’s removable).
- Use the small brush that came with your machine to gently brush away any lint you see in the bobbin holder, the bobbin case itself, and the area around the feed dogs (the little teeth under the needle that move the fabric).
- Do not use canned air directed into the machine’s openings, as this can push lint further inside.

Regular cleaning, especially around the Brother sewing machine bobbin case, helps keep your machine running smoothly.

Using the Right Bobbins

We talked about this before, but it’s worth saying again.

Why it matters: Using the wrong size or type of bobbin is a main cause of bobbin problems Brother sewing machine. The machine expects the thread to come off the bobbin at a certain speed and tension. Wrong bobbins can sit too high or too low, spin too fast or too slow, or not fit properly in the Brother sewing machine bobbin case or holder.
How to make sure:
- Always use bobbins specifically sold for your model of Brother sewing machine. They might be called “Brother SA156” or have another code.
- Compare new bobbins to the ones that came with your machine. They should look exactly the same.

Investing in the right bobbins saves you a lot of trouble later!

Conclusion

Learning how to fill a bobbin on a Brother sewing machine is a basic skill that opens the door to all kinds of sewing projects. We walked through the steps:

Getting your thread and the correct bobbin ready.
Threading the machine for winding bobbin Brother sewing machine, using the special winding tension guide.
Placing the bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle Brother machine and pushing it into place.
Starting the machine and watching the bobbin fill.
Stopping the winding and cutting the thread.
Opening the bobbin area and loading bobbin Brother sewing machine into the Brother sewing machine bobbin case or holder the correct way.
Guiding the bobbin thread through its path.
Completing the upper threading Brother sewing machine along the full Brother sewing machine thread path.
Bringing the bobbin thread up through the needle plate.

We also looked at common bobbin problems Brother sewing machine like uneven winding or the winder not working, and how to fix them, as well as tips for replacing bobbin Brother machine correctly and keeping your machine clean.

It might seem like a lot of steps at first, but after you do it a couple of times, it will feel very easy. Follow the diagrams on your machine and in your manual. Practice makes perfect!

Now that you know how to wind and load your bobbin, you have the two threads you need and are ready to sew your first stitches on your Brother machine. Happy sewing!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much thread should I wind onto a bobbin?

You should wind the bobbin until it is full, right up to the point where the thread hits the winder stopper and the machine stops (or you stop it manually). Don’t try to pack more thread on after it’s full, as this can cause issues.

Can I wind a bobbin by hand?

You can hand-wind a small amount in a pinch, but it’s very hard to get even tension, which is crucial for good stitches. Always use the machine’s bobbin winder for the best results.

Why does my bobbin thread keep knotting up underneath my fabric?

This is one of the most common bobbin problems Brother sewing machine users have! It is almost always caused by an issue with the upper threading Brother sewing machine, not the bobbin itself. Re-thread your machine’s upper thread carefully from the spool pin all the way to the needle, making sure the presser foot is up when you thread through the tension discs. Also, double-check that the bobbin is loaded correctly into the Brother sewing machine bobbin case with the thread coming off in the right direction.

Are all bobbins the same size for all sewing machines?

No, definitely not! Bobbins come in many different sizes and types (plastic, metal). Using the wrong bobbin size or type is a major cause of bobbin problems Brother sewing machine. Always use the specific bobbins recommended for your Brother model.

My bobbin winder spindle won’t stay in the winding position.

Make sure you are pushing the bobbin winder spindle Brother machine firmly until it clicks into place. If it still won’t stay, the spring or mechanism might be worn or damaged. You may need to contact a repair shop.

Do I need to unthread the needle before winding a bobbin?

On most modern Brother machines, when you push the bobbin winder spindle Brother machine into the winding position, it automatically disconnects the needle movement. However, it’s good practice (and necessary on some older machines) to either cut the upper thread or remove it from the needle just to be safe and ensure all power goes to the winder. You will definitely need to do the upper threading Brother sewing machine again after you finish winding and loading the bobbin.