ALL ABOUT BOBBINS
- Every home sewing machine makes stitches by using thread which comes from both above and below the fabric.
- The thread above the fabric comes from a spool located on top of or behind the machine. The thread below the fabric comes from the bobbin which is located in the bobbin case under the needle of the machine.
- The bobbin is always removable. When the operator decides on the specific thread to be used for a task, some of the thread is wound from the selected thread spool to the bobbin and then the bobbin is inserted into the bobbin case. This bobbin case also serves as the lower tension unit.
- On Type 1 machines, the bobbin case remains in the machine, while on Type 2 and Type 3 machines, the bobbin is placed into the removable bobbin case and then placed into the machine.
- The bobbin case is extremely important because it regulates the tension on the bottom thread which is an essential element for balanced stitches.
- The bobbin tension must be adjusted for the type of fabric and the type of thread being used.
- All bobbin cases have a spring which "pinches" the thread to give it the desired tension.
- When you increase the thickness of the thread, you must loosen the tension to permit the thread to move smoothly. When using thinner thread, you must tighten the tension.
Eight (8) Helpful Bobbin Hints are offered below:
- Bobbin Hint #1
- Always use the same thread on the top spool and in the bobbin. Different thread will give you problems
- Bobbin Hint #2
- Do not use plastic bobbins in spite of assurances that they are okay. Experience has shown that the weight and smoothness of metal bobbins provides a more even spin. (The only exceptions to this are the company-made special plastic bobbins for the Singer Touch and Sew, The Singer Athena, and the Singer Futura)
- Bobbin Hint #3
- Inspect your bobbin from time to time for signs of bent sides, a wobble, or foreign matter. Correct these problems before starting to sew. Throw away damaged bobbins.
- Bobbin Hint #4
- After winding the bobbin, inserting it into the bobbin case, and winding the thread around the bobbin spring, always pull out a foot or more of of thread and watch to see that the bobbin spins freely and smoothly without wobbling, scraping, or snagging. Many machines are taken in for repair when the problem is merely a bent bobbin!
- Bobbin Hint #5
- Inspect the inside of the bobbin case itself occasionally for pieces of dirt, lint, or thread. A pin, needle, or Q-Tip cotton swab moistened with alcohol works well to remove foreign matter.
- Bobbin Hint #6
- There is a right way and a wrong way to insert the bobbin into the bobbin case of every machine. The correct way is to always "double back" or place the bobbin in the the case in the way that looks "incorrect." The purpose of this "doubling back," of the thread is to prevent thread whipping which causes tangling and thread locks.
- Bobbin Hint #7
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The bobbin thread must be wound smoothly and evenly in order to produce good stitch quality. A loosely wound or cross-wound bobbin will always cause an irregular stitch. To wind a bobbin correctly, it is recommended that you "cross over" the thread on the bobbin winder thread guide.
- Bobbin Hint #8
- When you start to wind a bobbin, put the thread through one of the holes on the bobbin from the inside out. Then, hold the loose end of the thread with one hand and start winding. On some machines you should steady the thread with your finger as it winds. On other machines it is helpful to hold the upper spool of thread on the spindle when winding fast. After about a dozen turns, the end you are holding will break off. You should then finish winding your bobbin.
Taken from:
HOME-USE SEWING MACHINE GUIDE
How to Understand and Use Your Home Sewing Machine
by Harry Shonteff
