A Beginner’s Guide to Thread a Bobbin

The easiest way to thread a bobbin by hand

Co-authored by Connie Tao and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: January 19, 2024

Using a sewing machine makes sewing projects quicker and easier, but first you need to know how to wind a bobbin. The bobbin helps your sewing machine create a stitch by supplying thread to the needle. Once you’ve chosen the thread you want to use for your project, you will need to wind it onto your bobbin before you can continue with your project. While machines differ, the process for winding a bobbin is the same. With a little practice, you’ll be sewing great projects in no time.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Removing Your Bobbin

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The shuttle cover is located below the needle. If you find the metal plate where the needle pushes through with the thread, then you should see the shuttle cover on one side of the machine. ^{[1]
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The bobbin casing is located just inside the shuttle cover. It will look like a metal cylinder. ^{[2]
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Slide out the bobbin. If your bobbin is secured within the casing, then you may have to open the casing first. ^{[3]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Preparing the Thread

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The spool pin is a piece on your sewing machine that holds the thread while you wind the bobbin. It will be a cylindrical piece that fits the hole in the spool of thread. The spool pin is commonly located on the top or side of the machine.
Start the spool or remove the end of the thread from the hook so that you can easily transfer thread from the spool once it's secured to the spool pin.
3
Place your spool of thread on the spool pin. The spool pin should fit through the center of your thread.
- If it has a spool cap, place that on top of the thread to hold it in place.
- If your machine’s spool pin is on top of the machine, it may not have a spool cap.
Most machines have a piece with a small hole near the spool that helps you guide the thread either when winding a bobbin or when threading the machine. If your machine does not have a thread guide, then skip this step. ^{[4]
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Your machine will have a small metal piece that will convey the thread as it’s wound around the bobbin. This piece should be near the thread guide and will look like a tiny knob. ^{[5]
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Your thread should form a triangle when held taut, with the top of the triangle located at the tension disk. Don't let go of your thread. ^{[6]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Winding the Bobbin

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1
Thread your bobbin. Your bobbin should have a tiny hole in the side. Some bobbins have several. Push the end of your thread through the hole in your bobbin. You only need to push the thread through one hole on one side. ^{[7]
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- If your bobbin has more than one hole in it, you can use any of the holes.
The bobbin winder is a cylindrical metal piece that looks similar to the spool pin and is about the size of the hole in the center of your bobbin. Next to the bobbin winder, you should see a round plastic piece. ^{[8]
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Line up the bobbin winder with the hole in the center of the bobbin and push the bobbin down onto the winder. ^{[9]
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Push the bobbin winder toward the plastic disk next to the winder. When the your winder is securely in place, you should hear a click. ^{[10]
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As you start to wind the bobbin, hold the end of the thread that you looped through the hole in your bobbin to keep it from slipping back out. ^{[11]
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6
Push down on your foot pedal. Continuing working your pedal as your bobbin fills with thread. Move at a comfortable speed. ^{[12]
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- You may want to start by pushing your pedal slowly to find your rhythm, but there’s no reason to wind your bobbin at a slow speed.
- If your bobbin fills unevenly, you have likely wound your thread around the tension disk in the wrong spot. Check your placement of the thread. If you believe you have done it correctly, then wrap it a second time to ensure that your thread is winding evenly.
- If your thread catches on the notch of the spool, try turning the spool over and working in the opposite direction of that notch.
7
Fill up your bobbin with thread. You may be unsure of how much thread you’ll use, but it’s a good idea to fill up your bobbin each time you wind it so that you don’t run out of thread. ^{[13]
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- Your bobbin is full when you reach the edges of the sides of the bobbin, making your thread flush with the outside edge. If you keep loading your bobbin past the sides, then the thread will slide off and unwind.
Use your scissors to disconnect the thread between your bobbin and the spool. Be careful to not let go of the end of your thread on the bobbin so that it doesn’t start to unwind. ^{[14]
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You will again hear a click when the winder is securely in place. ^{[15]
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Your bobbin is now full of thread and ready to use. ^{[16]
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Community Q&A

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Question

How do I fix broken thread when I am sewing?

Community Answer

Your thread might be rotten. You need to rip out the seam and start over. If the thread keeps breaking, your bottom tension might be too tight, or the thread is old.

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What do I do if the bobbin thread is not catching?

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Have you cleaned the machine where the bobbin fits? Have you changed the needle? Is the bobbin evenly wound? All of these could prohibit the bobbin thread from catching.

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What do I do if my machine stops filling the bobbin before it is full?

SarahB

Community Answer

Most machines do not fill the bobbin right to the top of the bobbin spool.

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Tips

Consult your sewing machine manual for specifics on operating your sewing machine, since they vary.

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When you purchase bobbins, write down the make and model of your sewing machine and take it to the store to make sure you purchase the right replacements.

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If your manual is lost or you're still confused, ask at a sales and repair center or fabric store. Somebody who works there will probably be familiar enough with how different machines work to steer you in the right direction.

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Warnings

Do not attempt to adjust the bobbin tension yourself. Generally, it's already adjusted correctly and it's best to adjust the upper thread tension until it is even.

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Sewing machines have moving parts that can injure. Know which parts they are and keep hands and other objects clear. Especially, do not put your hands under the needle.

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If you're experienced with sewing on a sewing machine, don't be afraid to make changes to your bobbin tension. The ability to make changes in tension allows you to use many different types of thread easily.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Thread a Bobbin

Steps

Removing Your Bobbin

Preparing the Thread

Winding the Bobbin

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

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