How To Thread A Bobbin In A Brother Sewing Machine Step-by-Step

Have a Brother sewing machine and wonder how to put thread on the bobbin? Or how to get the bobbin ready to sew? Do you need to know where the thread goes on the bobbin winder? This guide will show you the simple steps. We will cover how to wind thread on the bobbin Brother machine uses. We will also show you how to put the bobbin into the machine. This includes how to insert bobbin Brother sewing machine models use, both top-loading and front-loading types. The bobbin holds the Brother sewing machine lower thread. Getting the Brother machine bobbin setup right is very important for your sewing.

Comprehending The Bobbin’s Purpose

Think of your sewing machine like a team. The top thread comes from the spool on top. The bottom thread comes from the bobbin. The bobbin is a small spool that sits under the needle plate. When you sew, the machine makes these two threads link together. This linking creates a stitch.

The bobbin makes the stitch on the bottom side of your fabric. Without thread on the bobbin, you cannot sew a stitch. If the bobbin thread is wrong, your stitches will look bad. They might be loose. They might skip. The thread might break. That is why winding and inserting the bobbin the right way matters a lot.

Preparing For Bobbin Tasks

Before you start with the bobbin, get ready.
You need a few things:

Your Brother sewing machine.
A spool of thread. This thread will go onto the bobbin.
An empty bobbin. Make sure it is the right kind for your Brother machine. Using the wrong bobbin can cause big problems.
Scissors. You will need these to cut the thread.
Your machine’s manual. It is always a good idea to look at your manual. It has pictures for your exact machine model.

Make sure your sewing machine is turned off. This is for safety. Lower the presser foot lever too.

Winding The Bobbin: Getting Thread Ready

This step puts the thread from your spool onto the empty bobbin. This process is called Brother sewing machine bobbin winding. All Brother machines have a special part just for this. It is called the bobbin winder Brother.

Let’s find the bobbin winder. Look on the top or front of your machine. It is usually a small pin or spindle. It might have a little clip or spring near it. There will also be a path for the thread to follow before it gets to the winder. This is part of the Brother sewing machine thread path.

Here are the steps for winding:

h4: Placing The Thread Spool

Find the spool pin on your machine. This is where the main thread spool sits.
Put your spool of thread onto the spool pin.
Make sure the thread comes off the spool correctly. Look at your manual. Thread usually comes off the front or the back, depending on how the spool sits.

h4: Following The Winding Thread Path

Look for numbers or pictures on your machine near the spool pin. These show the Brother sewing machine thread path for winding.
Pull the thread from the spool.
Guide the thread along the path shown. It might go through a small guide hook or clip.
It will likely go around a small disc or tension area. This helps the thread wind smoothly onto the bobbin. This tension part is very important. It makes sure the thread is not too loose on the bobbin. If the thread is loose, it can cause problems later.

h4: Setting Up The Empty Bobbin

Take your empty bobbin.
Find the end of the thread you just guided.
Push the thread end through one of the small holes on the edge of the bobbin. Push it from the inside to the outside. Pull about two or three inches of thread through the hole.

h4: Placing The Bobbin On The Winder

Now, place the bobbin onto the bobbin winder Brother spindle.
Push the bobbin down firmly.
Make sure the thread tail you pulled through the hole sticks up. It should be easy to hold onto.

h4: Engaging The Winder

Most Brother machines need you to move the bobbin winder spindle.
Push the spindle with the bobbin on it towards the right. You might hear a small click.
This does two things:
- It locks the winder so the bobbin spins.
- On most machines, it also stops the sewing needle from moving while you wind the bobbin. This is good! You do not want the needle going up and down while winding.

h4: Starting The Winding Process

Hold the tail of the thread sticking out of the bobbin. Keep it lightly pulled up and away from the bobbin.
Slowly press the foot pedal. Or press the Start/Stop button if your machine has one.
The bobbin will start to spin very fast.
The thread will start wrapping onto the bobbin.
Hold the thread tail for just a few seconds. Once the thread starts to wrap around the bobbin a few times and holds itself, you can let go of the tail.
After the bobbin has a little thread on it, stop the machine.
Carefully cut off the small thread tail that was sticking out of the hole. Cut it close to the bobbin surface. This stops it from getting tangled later.
Start winding again.

h4: Winding Until Full

Keep the pedal pressed. Watch the bobbin fill up with thread.
The thread will wind smoothly. It should lay flat and even on the bobbin.
Do not overfill the bobbin. Your machine likely has a small stopper or guide that tells you when the bobbin is full. When the thread reaches this stopper, the winder will often stop spinning automatically. Or it will slow down a lot.
If your winder does not stop by itself, watch it. Stop winding when the bobbin is full but not packed too tightly. An overfilled bobbin can cause problems when it is in the machine.

h4: Finishing The Wind

Once the bobbin is full, take your foot off the pedal. Or press the Stop button.
Slide the bobbin winder spindle back to the left. This disengages the winder. Now the needle can move again.
Carefully lift the full bobbin off the spindle.
Cut the thread connecting the bobbin to the spool. Cut it right at the bobbin.

You now have a freshly wound bobbin! This is the main part of the how to wind thread on bobbin Brother process. The Brother sewing machine bobbin winding is complete. The next step is to put this bobbin into the machine. This is where the Brother sewing machine lower thread gets put into place for sewing.

Inserting The Bobbin: Two Main Types

Putting the bobbin into your Brother machine depends on the type of machine you have. Brother makes machines with two common bobbin setups:

Top-Loading Bobbin: Also called a drop-in bobbin. These bobbins drop into a spot right under the needle plate. You usually see the bobbin through a clear cover. This is the Brother sewing machine top loading bobbin style.
Front-Loading Bobbin: These bobbins go into a metal case first. Then the case goes into a spot in the front of the machine, often behind a door or in the free arm area. This uses a bobbin case Brother machine style. This is the Brother sewing machine front loading bobbin style.

Let’s look at how to insert bobbin Brother sewing machine for each type.

h4: Inserting A Top-Loading Bobbin (Drop-In Style)

This is common on many newer Brother sewing machines. It is often easier than front-loading.

Make sure the machine is off.
Raise the needle to its highest position. You can turn the handwheel on the side of the machine to do this. Turn it towards you.
Look right in front of the needle. You will see a clear plastic cover on the needle plate. This is the bobbin cover.
Slide the bobbin cover off. Or press a button to release it. It depends on your machine model.

h5: Placing The Bobbin Correctly

Take your newly wound bobbin.
Look at the thread on the bobbin. How is it wrapped?
You need to place the bobbin into the bobbin area the right way. This is very important. If it is backwards, the thread will not come out correctly.
For most Brother sewing machine top loading bobbin types, you will place the bobbin so the thread unwinds counter-clockwise.
Imagine the bobbin is a clock face. The thread should be coming off the top left side, like the number 11 or 12 on a clock. When you pull the thread, the bobbin should spin to the left (counter-clockwise).
Gently drop the bobbin into the bobbin holder area. It should sit flat.

h5: Guiding The Thread Through The Slot

Now, look for a small slot or guide channel in the metal or plastic edge around where the bobbin sits.
Hold the thread coming from the bobbin.
Pull the thread and guide it into this slot.
Keep pulling the thread gently along the channel. There might be arrows or numbers showing the path.
The thread should go through a tension spring area. This spring gives the thread just the right amount of pull. If it does not go through this spring, the stitches will be loop on the bottom.
Pull about four to six inches of thread out past the slot/channel. Let it rest on the needle plate, going towards the back of the machine.

h5: Closing The Cover

Put the clear bobbin cover back in place. Snap it shut or slide it on.
The bobbin is now inserted for a Brother sewing machine top loading bobbin.
The Brother machine bobbin setup for this type is almost done.

h4: Inserting A Front-Loading Bobbin (With Bobbin Case)

This type uses a separate bobbin case Brother machine part.

Make sure the machine is off.
Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the handwheel towards you.
Find the bobbin area. This is usually behind a door on the front of the machine. Or it might be in the free arm area (if you take off the flat bed attachment). Open this door or remove the attachment.

h5: Removing The Bobbin Case

You will see a metal bobbin case Brother inside.
There is usually a little latch or handle on the bobbin case.
Pull this latch/handle to release the case.
Carefully pull the bobbin case Brother straight out of the machine.

h5: Placing The Bobbin In The Case

Take your newly wound bobbin.
Hold the metal bobbin case.
Open the latch on the bobbin case.
Place the bobbin into the bobbin case Brother. The thread should unwind clockwise for most Brother front-loading machines.
Imagine the bobbin is a clock face. The thread should be coming off the top right side, like the number 1 or 2 on a clock. When you pull the thread, the bobbin should spin to the right (clockwise).

h5: Guiding Thread On The Bobbin Case

Look at the bobbin case. There is a slot on the side.
Pull the thread from the bobbin and put it into this slot.
Pull the thread along the side of the case. It should go under a small tension spring on the side of the case. This spring looks like a flat piece of metal. The thread must go under this spring. This is the tension for the Brother sewing machine lower thread.
Pull about three to four inches of thread out of the case, letting it hang from the tension spring.
Keep holding the latch open on the bobbin case.

h5: Inserting The Bobbin Case Into The Machine

Hold the bobbin case Brother by its open latch.
Push the bobbin case back into the machine. It goes into the round opening where you took it from.
Line up the case correctly. There might be a small notch or guide inside the machine.
Push the case in until it clicks into place. It should sit firmly.
Release the latch on the bobbin case.
Make sure the thread is hanging out correctly.
Close the bobbin area door or put the free arm attachment back on.

You have now finished the insert bobbin Brother sewing machine steps for your type of machine. The Brother machine bobbin setup is now complete.

Bringing Up The Lower Thread

You have the bobbin in the machine. The top thread is also ready in the needle. Now you need to bring the bobbin thread up through the needle plate hole. This creates a loop so you can start sewing easily.

Make sure the presser foot is up.
Hold the end of the top thread (the thread coming out of the needle). Hold it gently to the left side.
Turn the handwheel on the side of the machine towards you. Turn it slowly and smoothly.
Watch the needle go down into the needle plate hole. It goes all the way down and then comes back up.
As the needle comes back up, it should catch the bobbin thread. It will bring up a loop of the Brother sewing machine lower thread.
Keep turning the handwheel until the needle is at its highest point again.
You will see a small loop of the bobbin thread just on top of the needle plate.
Use your finger or a seam ripper or tweezers to gently pull this loop up bigger.
Pull the loop until the end of the bobbin thread comes up through the hole.
You should now have both the top thread and the bobbin thread pulled up onto the needle plate.

h5: Ready To Sew

Pull both threads under the presser foot.
Pull them towards the back of the machine.
Lay them flat under the presser foot.
Now you are ready to place your fabric under the presser foot.
Lower the presser foot onto your fabric.
You can start sewing!

Getting the Brother machine bobbin setup right, including winding and inserting, makes sure your Brother sewing machine lower thread works correctly with the top thread. This gives you nice, even stitches.

Checking Your Work: A Quick Test

Before you start your real project, do a quick test stitch.

Take a scrap piece of fabric. Use two layers.
Place it under the presser foot.
Lower the presser foot.
Sew a short seam. Maybe three or four inches long.
Stop sewing. Lift the needle and the presser foot.
Pull the fabric out.
Look at the stitches on both the top and the bottom of the fabric.
The stitches should look the same on both sides. They should be locked evenly. They should not be too tight or too loose.
If the stitches look good, you did the bobbin steps right!

Common Bobbin Problems And Solutions

Sometimes things go wrong. Here are a few common issues related to the bobbin setup and what to do.

h4: Thread Tangles Under The Fabric

This often looks like a bird’s nest of thread on the back (bottom) of your fabric.
* Why it happens: The most common reason is the top thread is threaded wrong. Go back and re-thread the entire top thread path carefully. Make sure the presser foot is up when you thread the top. If the foot is down, the thread cannot get into the tension discs correctly.
* Another reason: The bobbin thread tension might be wrong. For top-loading bobbins, make sure the thread is fully seated in the tension slot. For front-loading, make sure the thread went under the spring on the bobbin case.
* Also check: Is the bobbin in backwards? See the section on inserting the bobbin for your machine type. Put it in the right way.
* Is the bobbin wound well? A bobbin wound too loose or too tight can cause problems.

h4: Skipped Stitches

The machine sews fine for a bit, then misses a stitch.
* Check the bobbin: Is it the right bobbin type for your machine? Using a metal bobbin in a machine meant for plastic can cause problems. Using the wrong size can too.
* Check the needle: Is the needle sharp and put in correctly? A bent or dull needle can skip stitches. Make sure it is facing the right way and pushed all the way up into its holder.

h4: Thread Breaks Often

Both the top and bobbin threads can break.
* Bobbin thread breaking:
* Is the bobbin cracked or damaged? Use a new one.
* Is the thread caught on something around the bobbin area?
* Is the thread wound too tightly on the bobbin?
* Is the bobbin in backwards?
* Is the thread going through the tension spring or slot correctly?
* Top thread breaking:
* Often caused by bad top threading. Re-thread the top path.
* Is the needle put in right?
* Is the thread old or poor quality? Try new thread.

h4: Stitches Look Uneven (Loops On Top Or Bottom)

Loops on the bottom of fabric: This means the top thread tension is too loose. The most common reason is the top thread is not threaded correctly, especially through the tension discs. Re-thread the top path with the presser foot UP.
Loops on the top of fabric: This means the bobbin thread tension is too loose. For top-loading, make sure the thread is in the tension slot. For front-loading, make sure the thread is under the spring on the bobbin case. You might need to adjust the small screw on the bobbin case itself (only do this if you know how or have the manual’s guidance, it’s tricky!). Usually, it’s just a threading issue for top-loaders.

Most bobbin problems are solved by:
1. Winding the bobbin correctly.
2. Putting the bobbin in the machine the right way for your machine type.
3. Making sure the thread goes through all the guides and tension spots correctly (both top and bobbin).

This complete Brother machine bobbin setup process is key to good sewing.

Keeping The Bobbin Area Clean

Dust and lint from fabric and thread can build up in the bobbin area. This can cause many sewing problems. It can make the thread not move smoothly.

It is a good idea to clean the bobbin area often.
Turn off the machine and unplug it.
For top-loading machines, take off the needle plate (you might need a screwdriver). Use a small brush (often came with your machine) to brush out the lint. You can also use a small vacuum attachment or canned air (use canned air carefully, it can blow dust deeper).
For front-loading machines, remove the bobbin case. Brush out the area behind it.
Do not use oil in the bobbin area unless your manual tells you to, and tells you exactly where. Many newer machines do not need oiling in the bobbin area.
Regular cleaning helps keep your Brother sewing machine lower thread feeding smoothly.

Choosing The Right Bobbin For Your Machine

We talked about using the correct bobbin. Why is this so important?
Brother machines are designed to work with a specific type of bobbin.

Most modern Brother machines use plastic bobbins, often called “Class 15” or “SA156” type.
Some older Brother machines use metal bobbins.
The wrong bobbin size can cause it to not fit right.
The wrong bobbin material (plastic vs. metal) can mess up the machine’s timing or tension system. A metal bobbin is heavier and interacts with magnetic sensors or mechanical parts differently than a plastic one.
Always use Brother bobbins or high-quality bobbins that say they work with Brother machines. Check your manual for the exact type.

Using the right bobbin is part of getting the Brother machine bobbin setup right from the start.

Deciphering The Thread Path Diagrams

Your Brother sewing machine has pictures or numbers on it. These show you the Brother sewing machine thread path. This is like a map for your thread.

There is a path for winding the bobbin.
There is a separate path for threading the top needle thread.
For the top thread, follow the numbers in order (1, 2, 3…). Make sure the thread goes through every guide, hook, and around the take-up lever. The take-up lever is a part that moves up and down. The thread must be in it.
For winding the bobbin, the path is usually shown near the bobbin winder spindle. It guides the thread from the spool to the winder tension area.

Looking closely at these diagrams on your machine and in your manual helps make sure your thread, both top and bottom (Brother sewing machine lower thread), is correctly placed. This is key for good sewing results.

Recap Of The Bobbin Steps

Let’s quickly review the main steps for getting your bobbin ready.

Winding: Put thread onto the empty bobbin using the bobbin winder Brother. Follow the Brother sewing machine thread path for winding. Make sure the thread winds smoothly and evenly. Cut off the small tail.
Inserting: Put the full bobbin into the machine. The way you insert bobbin Brother sewing machine depends on if it’s a Brother sewing machine top loading bobbin (drop-in) or a Brother sewing machine front loading bobbin (with bobbin case Brother).
Positioning Thread: Make sure the bobbin thread goes through the correct slot or under the tension spring in the bobbin area or case. Position the thread correctly for your machine type (unwinding counter-clockwise for top-load, clockwise for front-load typically).
Bringing Up Thread: Pull up the Brother sewing machine lower thread loop through the needle plate hole using the handwheel and the top thread.
Final Prep: Pull both threads under the presser foot and to the back.

This full Brother machine bobbin setup process ensures your machine is ready to create stitches using both the top and bottom threads correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

h4: Why does my bobbin thread look loose?

This usually means the top thread tension is too tight, or the bobbin thread tension is too loose.
For top-loading machines, make sure the bobbin thread is fully in the tension slot inside the bobbin area. For front-loading, make sure it’s under the tension spring on the bobbin case. Also, check your top threading again. Make sure the thread is correctly in the tension discs (thread the top with the presser foot UP).

h4: Can I use metal bobbins in my Brother machine that came with plastic ones?

No, generally you should not. Machines are set up for either plastic or metal bobbins. Using the wrong type can cause tension problems, timing issues, or even damage parts of your machine. Always use the type recommended in your manual.

h4: My bobbin winder isn’t working. What’s wrong?

Check if you pushed the bobbin winder spindle all the way to the right to engage it. Make sure the thread is going through the winding thread path correctly. Check if the machine is plugged in and turned on. Sometimes there might be lint blocking the spindle.

h4: How full should I wind the bobbin?

Wind it until the machine’s auto-stop feature turns off, or until the thread reaches the bobbin winder stopper pin. Do not pack it so full that the thread bulges over the edges. Overfilling can cause feeding problems.

h4: The bobbin thread is breaking right after I start sewing.

Make sure the thread is not caught anywhere in the bobbin area. Check if the bobbin is wound too tightly. Ensure the bobbin is inserted correctly (right direction of unwinding). Check if the thread is properly routed through the tension guide/spring.

h4: Do I need to hold the bobbin thread tail when I start sewing?

It is a good idea to hold both the top and bobbin threads to the back when you start the first stitches. This helps prevent the thread from being pulled down and tangling under the fabric at the start of the seam. After a few stitches, you can let go.

Completing The Bobbin Task

Winding and inserting the bobbin is a basic but important skill for using your Brother sewing machine. It makes sure the Brother sewing machine lower thread is ready to work with the top thread. Taking a little time to do the Brother machine bobbin setup correctly, following the steps for Brother sewing machine bobbin winding and how to insert bobbin Brother sewing machine style, will help you have much better sewing results. Remember to follow the correct Brother sewing machine thread path for winding and insertion, whether you have a Brother sewing machine top loading bobbin or a Brother sewing machine front loading bobbin. With practice, these steps will become easy and fast. Happy sewing!