Learning to use a sewing machine is fun. One key step is getting the thread ready. This means filling the little spool called a bobbin. You will need to do this often. Knowing how to thread a singer bobbin involves two main parts: winding the thread onto the bobbin and then putting the filled bobbin into the machine correctly. This guide gives you Singer sewing machine bobbin winding steps and shows you how to fill bobbin singer sewing machine models, from simple to those with automatic bobbin winding singer features. We will also look at winding a bobbin singer using the machine’s Singer bobbin winder and its bobbin winding guide singer. We will talk about Singer bobbin thread direction when loading the bobbin and cover loading bobbin singer sewing machine steps. We will also touch on Types of Singer bobbins because using the right one matters.
Getting Ready to Wind Thread
Before you start filling the bobbin, you need to get things ready. This makes winding easier.
Gather Your Supplies
You need a few things to begin.
- Your Singer sewing machine.
- A spool of thread you want to use for sewing.
- An empty bobbin that works with your Singer machine. We will talk about Types of Singer bobbins later. Using the wrong one can cause problems.
- Scissors to cut the thread when you are done.
Check Your Machine Manual
Every Singer machine is a little different. Your machine’s manual is your best friend. It shows the exact path the thread should take for winding. Find your Singer bobbin winder and the thread path leading to it. It might show symbols or lines on the machine itself. Look for dots or numbers. These help guide the thread.
Prepare the Machine
Turn off your sewing machine. This is a safety step. Some machines have a special setting for winding the bobbin. This setting stops the sewing needle from moving while the bobbin winder is working. Find this setting or lever if your machine has one. Moving the handwheel towards you often sets the machine for winding. The needle may stay still.
Finding the Bobbin Winder on Your Singer
Most Singer machines have a bobbin winder right on top or on the front. It is usually a small post or spindle that sticks up. Near it, you will often see some guides or discs. These are part of the bobbin winding guide singer.
Parts of the Winding System
Look for these parts on your machine:
- Spool Pin: This holds your spool of thread. It can be on top or side.
- Thread Guides: These are hooks, loops, or slots the thread goes through first. They guide the thread from the spool.
- Tension Disc for Winding: This is a disc or set of discs. The thread goes between them. They put a little pull on the thread. This makes the thread wind tightly and neatly onto the bobbin. This is a key part of the bobbin winding guide singer.
- Bobbin Winder Spindle: This is the post the empty bobbin sits on.
- Bobbin Winder Stopper: This part stops the winder when the bobbin is full. It might be a lever or a sensor.
Simple Singer Sewing Machine Bobbin Winding Steps
Now let’s go through the steps for winding a bobbin singer. These are the general steps. Always check your manual for your specific model.
Step 1: Put the Spool of Thread On
Put the spool of thread on the spool pin. Make sure the thread comes off the spool in the right direction. Usually, it comes off the front or the back, depending on how the pin is set up. The thread should unroll smoothly.
Step 2: Guide the Thread
Follow the thread guides on your machine. The manual shows the path. The thread goes from the spool pin through the first guide. Then it often goes around or through the tension disc for winding. This disc is important. It makes sure the thread winds evenly.
Step 3: Put the Bobbin on the Winder
Take your empty bobbin. Place it on the bobbin winder spindle. It should fit snugly. Most Singer bobbins have a small hole or slot on the top edge. You need to thread through this hole before you start winding.
Step 4: Thread the Bobbin
Take the thread coming from the tension disc. Push the end of the thread through the small hole or slot on the top edge of the bobbin. Pull about 3-4 inches of thread through the hole.
Step 5: Put the Bobbin in Winding Position
Slide the bobbin winder spindle, with the bobbin on it, towards the right. This engages the winder. It connects the winder to the machine’s motor. The bobbin should now be close to the winder stopper. This completes the setup for Singer sewing machine bobbin winding steps.
Step 6: Start Winding
Hold the tail of the thread coming out of the hole in the bobbin. Keep it lightly held for the first few turns. This stops it from getting tangled. Press the foot pedal or the start button on your machine. The bobbin will start to spin.
Step 7: Watch It Fill
The thread will start wrapping around the bobbin. After a few turns, you can let go of the thread tail. The bobbin winder guide and tension disc will help the thread wind smoothly.
Step 8: Stop Winding
Watch the bobbin fill. The Singer bobbin winder will wind the thread until it is full. The winder stopper will often pop out or the winder will move away from the wheel. This stops the winding automatically. If it does not stop on its own, watch for when the bobbin is full and stop the machine manually. Do not overfill the bobbin.
Step 9: Cut the Thread
Once the bobbin stops winding, stop the machine fully. Slide the bobbin winder spindle back to the left. This disengages the winder. Cut the thread connecting the full bobbin to the spool. Use scissors.
Step 10: Trim the Tail
You might have a small tail of thread left on the bobbin from where you started threading. Trim this close to the bobbin. Your bobbin is now full and ready to be used for loading bobbin singer sewing machine.
Here is a quick table showing the basic winding path:
| Step | Action | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Put Spool | Place spool on pin | Spool Pin |
| 2. Guide Thread | Follow machine path | Guides, Winding Tension Disc |
| 3. Put Bobbin On | Place empty bobbin on spindle | Bobbin Winder Spindle |
| 4. Thread Bobbin Hole | Push thread end through bobbin hole | Bobbin (top edge hole/slot) |
| 5. Move Winder | Slide spindle towards the wheel | Bobbin Winder Position (usually right) |
| 6. Start Winding | Press pedal/start button (hold tail) | Machine Motor |
| 7. Watch & Fill | Let go of tail, bobbin fills neatly | Bobbin on Winder Spindle |
| 8. Stop Winding | Winder stops automatically or stop manually | Winder Stopper or full bobbin |
| 9. Cut Thread | Cut thread from spool to bobbin | Between Spool and Full Bobbin |
| 10. Trim Tail | Trim starting tail on bobbin | Full Bobbin |
These are the main Singer sewing machine bobbin winding steps. They cover winding a bobbin singer using the machine’s built-in Singer bobbin winder.
Grasping Automatic Bobbin Winding
Many newer Singer machines have automatic bobbin winding singer features. This makes the process even easier.
How Automatic Winding Works
On these machines, the setup is very similar. You still put the spool on, guide the thread through guides and the winding tension disc. You still put the bobbin on the spindle and thread the hole. The difference is often in starting the winder.
- You might have a button to press.
- The machine might sense when the bobbin is put on the winder spindle and pushed into place.
- Once started, the machine controls the speed. It stops itself precisely when the bobbin is full.
- You still need to cut the thread after it stops.
This automatic bobbin winding singer feature takes away some of the guesswork. It helps prevent overfilling.
Comprehending Types of Singer Bobbins
It is very important to use the correct bobbin for your Singer machine. Singer makes different types of bobbins. They are not all the same size or shape. Using the wrong bobbin can cause many problems. It can mess up the stitches. It can even damage your machine.
Common Singer Bobbin Types
Singer machines often use one of these common types:
- Class 15 Bobbins: These are very common. They are flat on both sides. They have small holes on the top edge. Many front-loading Singer machines use these.
- Class 66 Bobbins: These are also common. They are not completely flat. The top and bottom are slightly curved or domed. They often have a small notch or slot on the top edge. Many top-loading (drop-in) Singer machines use these.
- Class 99 Bobbins: These are similar to Class 15 but might be slightly different for older models. Always check your manual.
- Specialty Bobbins: Some modern Singer machines use specific bobbins that might be clear plastic or have unique features for their automatic bobbin winding singer system.
Why the Right Bobbin Matters
- Size and Fit: The correct bobbin fits perfectly in the bobbin case or holder. A wrong size might wobble, get stuck, or not spin freely.
- Height: Bobbins have different heights. If a bobbin is too tall, it can rub inside the machine. If it is too short, the thread might not come off correctly.
- Weight and Material: The material (metal or plastic) and weight can affect how the bobbin spins. Singer machines are made to work best with their intended bobbin type.
- Hole/Slot for Winding: The placement of the hole or slot used for starting the wind is specific to the bobbin type and the machine’s winder.
Always look in your manual or on the Singer website for your machine model. Find out which bobbin class you need. If your bobbin is damaged or lost, buy the exact replacement.
Loading Bobbin Singer Sewing Machine: Two Main Ways
Once your bobbin is full, you need to put it into the machine. This is called loading bobbin singer sewing machine or inserting the bobbin. There are two main types of bobbin systems on Singer machines: front-loading and top-loading (drop-in).
Loading a Front-Load Bobbin (Oscillating Hook System)
This system usually has a bobbin case that goes into a compartment in the front of the machine, under the needle plate.
- Open the Bobbin Compartment: There is usually a door or plate on the front of the machine you open.
- Remove the Bobbin Case: If there is an empty bobbin or case inside, take it out. The bobbin case might have a small latch or handle to help you pull it out.
- Insert the Bobbin into the Case: Take your full bobbin. Look for a slot on the side of the bob bobbin case. This is the tension spring slot. The thread must go into this slot.
- For a Class 15 bobbin, the thread should come off the left side of the bobbin to go into the slot. This sets the Singer bobbin thread direction.
- Pull the thread under the tension spring on the bobbin case. You will feel a little click as the thread seats itself.
- Leave a Tail: Let about 4-6 inches of thread hang out of the bobbin case.
- Insert the Bobbin Case: Hold the bobbin case by its latch. Put it back into the machine’s bobbin compartment. It should fit only one way. Make sure it clicks or locks into place correctly.
- Close the Compartment: Close the door or plate.
- Pull Up Bobbin Thread: Now you need to bring the bobbin thread up through the needle plate hole.
- Hold the needle thread lightly.
- Turn the handwheel towards you one full turn. The needle will go down and then come back up. As it comes up, it should catch the bobbin thread.
- Pull gently on the needle thread. A loop of bobbin thread should come up through the hole in the needle plate.
- Use scissors or tweezers to pull the loop fully up.
- Place Threads: Pull both the bobbin thread and the needle thread under the presser foot and towards the back of the machine. You are now ready to sew.
Loading a Top-Load Bobbin (Rotary Hook System)
This system is often easier. The bobbin drops directly into a compartment on the top of the machine, under a clear slide plate.
- Open the Bobbin Cover: Slide open the clear plate or cover over the bobbin area on the top of the machine, near the needle plate.
- Insert the Bobbin: Take your full bobbin. This is often a Class 66 or a special plastic bobbin.
- Look at the bobbin. How does the thread come off? For most Singer top-load machines, the thread needs to come off the left side of the bobbin. This is the correct Singer bobbin thread direction. The bobbin will spin counter-clockwise when pulled.
- Drop the bobbin into the bobbin case area. Make sure it sits flat.
- Follow the Thread Path: There are usually guides or grooves marked on the machine around the bobbin area. Follow these guides.
- Take the thread from the bobbin edge.
- Pull it through the first notch or guide.
- Then pull it through the second notch or guide, often under a tension guide built into the bobbin area.
- Keep pulling thread until it is securely in the guides. You might hear a soft click.
- Leave a Tail: Let about 4-6 inches of thread hang out over the needle plate.
- Close the Cover: Slide the clear plate or cover back into place.
- Place Threads: Pull both the bobbin thread (which is already up through the needle plate) and the needle thread under the presser foot and towards the back of the machine. You are ready to sew. You do not need to pull the bobbin thread up with the handwheel in this system, as the thread path brings it up automatically.
Knowing the correct Singer bobbin thread direction is key for both front-load and top-load machines. It ensures the thread comes off the bobbin with the right tension.
Checking Your Work: Common Issues
Sometimes winding or loading the bobbin does not go perfectly. Here are common issues and how to fix them.
Bobbin Winds Unevenly
- Problem: Thread is piling up on one side of the bobbin.
- Why: The thread is not going through the winding tension disc correctly. Or the disc is dirty.
- Fix: Rewind the bobbin. Make sure the thread is seated properly between the tension discs on the way to the winder. Check your manual for the right path. Clean the tension discs if needed (using a thread end like floss).
Bobbin is Not Full / Winder Stops Too Early
- Problem: The bobbin winder stops before the bobbin is full.
- Why: The bobbin winder stopper might be set wrong or is dirty. Or the bobbin is not pushed fully into the winding position.
- Fix: Make sure the bobbin is pushed all the way towards the stopper. Check the stopper for lint or damage. If it’s adjustable, check your manual. If it’s an automatic bobbin winding singer system, there might be a sensor issue (less common).
Bobbin Winder Spindle Does Not Turn
- Problem: The bobbin is on the winder, but it does not spin when you press the pedal.
- Why: The machine is not set for winding. Or the winder spindle is not pushed into the “on” position (towards the handwheel).
- Fix: Check your manual to see how to set your machine for winding. Move the handwheel to the winding position if needed. Make sure the bobbin winder spindle is clicked fully into its working spot.
Thread Breaks While Winding
- Problem: The thread snaps while the bobbin is winding.
- Why: The thread tension is too high at the winding tension disc. The thread is old or poor quality. The thread path is blocked.
- Fix: Check the thread path for any catches. Make sure the tension disc is clean. Try loosening the tension slightly if possible (check manual). Use good quality thread.
Machine Will Not Sew After Loading Bobbin
- Problem: You loaded the bobbin, but the machine will not make stitches.
- Why: Bobbin is loaded in the wrong direction (Singer bobbin thread direction is wrong). The bobbin is not seated correctly in the case or compartment. The bobbin thread is not brought up correctly (for front-load). Machine is still in winding mode.
- Fix: Check the Singer bobbin thread direction – does the thread come off the bobbin in the right way for your machine? Make sure the bobbin case is fully inserted and locked (front-load). Make sure the bobbin is sitting flat and the thread is in all the guides (top-load). Make sure the machine is switched back to sewing mode. For front-load, ensure the bobbin thread is pulled up through the needle plate.
These fixes address common issues you might face during winding a bobbin singer or loading bobbin singer sewing machine.
Maintaining Your Bobbin System
Taking care of your machine helps the bobbin system work well.
Cleaning
Lint and dust collect in the bobbin area and around the winder. This can affect tension and movement.
- Use a small brush to clean the bobbin case area regularly.
- Gently brush the bobbin winder spindle and the tension discs.
- Check your manual for specific cleaning points.
Oiling (If Needed)
Some older or mechanical machines need oiling in the bobbin area. Your manual will tell you if and where to oil. Do not oil parts that are not meant to be oiled.
Summarizing Bobbin Winding and Loading
Filling a bobbin and putting it in your Singer machine is a basic but very important skill.
- Start by setting up your machine for winding. This usually means moving the handwheel slightly or using a switch.
- Guide the thread from the spool through the machine’s winding path, including the winding tension disc. This ensures the bobbin fills neatly. This path is shown in your bobbin winding guide singer.
- Put your empty bobbin on the Singer bobbin winder spindle. Thread the end through the hole on the bobbin itself.
- Engage the winder and start the machine to wind the thread. Stop when full. Modern machines might have automatic bobbin winding singer.
- Cut the thread and remove the full bobbin.
- Choose the correct bobbin type for your machine (Types of Singer bobbins).
- Insert the full bobbin into the machine’s bobbin case or compartment, making sure the Singer bobbin thread direction is correct for your machine (thread coming off left for most). This is loading bobbin singer sewing machine.
- Follow the thread path in the bobbin area to set the tension.
- For front-load machines, pull the bobbin thread up through the needle plate.
- Place both threads under the presser foot.
Following these simple Singer sewing machine bobbin winding steps and loading instructions will help you get sewing smoothly. Always check your specific Singer machine manual for the most accurate details. Happy sewing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know which way the thread should come off the bobbin when loading?
A: For most Singer machines, when the bobbin is placed in the machine or bobbin case, the thread should come off the left side. This means the bobbin will spin counter-clockwise as the thread is pulled. Always check your manual; it often shows this with a diagram. This is key for the correct Singer bobbin thread direction.
Q: Can I use any bobbin in my Singer machine?
A: No, you must use the correct type of bobbin for your specific Singer model. Types of Singer bobbins include Class 15, Class 66, and others. Using the wrong size, shape, or material bobbin can cause stitch problems and even damage the machine. Check your manual to find the correct type.
Q: My bobbin is not winding tightly. Why?
A: The most common reason is that the thread is not going through the winding tension disc correctly. Make sure the thread is seated firmly between the discs or guides on the winding path. Lint in the tension area can also be a problem.
Q: What if my machine doesn’t stop winding automatically?
A: Some older or basic models do not have automatic bobbin winding singer. You need to watch the bobbin fill up and stop the machine yourself when it is full. Do not overfill it, as this can cause issues.
Q: Why does my bobbin thread keep breaking while sewing?
A: This could be due to several reasons: the bobbin is loaded in the wrong direction (Singer bobbin thread direction is wrong), the bobbin is not seated correctly, the bobbin tension is wrong (often part of the bobbin case for front-load), the thread quality is poor, or the machine needs cleaning in the bobbin area.
Q: Where is the bobbin winding guide on my Singer?
A: The bobbin winding guide singer is the path the thread takes from the spool to the bobbin winder spindle. It usually includes hooks, loops, and a tension disc. This path is shown with diagrams or markings on your machine and in your user manual.
Q: What’s the difference between winding a bobbin and threading the bobbin?
A: Winding a bobbin singer is the process of putting thread onto an empty bobbin using the machine’s winder. Threading the bobbin, in the context of sewing, refers to putting the filled bobbin into the machine’s bobbin area and guiding the thread correctly so the machine can sew with it.
Q: My bobbin winder spindle is loose. Is that okay?
A: The Singer bobbin winder spindle is designed to move between an “off” position (usually to the left) and an “on” position (usually to the right, near the handwheel). It should feel secure when clicked into the “on” position. If it feels truly loose or wobbly in both positions, it might need repair.
Q: How much thread should I wind onto the bobbin?
A: Wind the bobbin until it is full, but do not overfill it. The Singer bobbin winder on many machines has a stopper that will stop it automatically when it reaches the correct amount. Overfilled bobbins can cause problems with tension and fit in the bobbin case.