Loading a Bobbin
Now that you’ve got your upper thread all figured out, you’ll need to learn how
to wind and load the bobbin. Here, I show you the basics for understanding your
bobbin. Be sure to look at your machine manual for specifics—some might even
have an illustrated diagram that shows you exactly what path to follow.
24 Part 1: Getting Started
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1
2
Bring the thread around the front of the bobbin
winder thread guide. Wrap it around the bobbin in
the direction shown for your machine (clockwise
here).
Guide the thread to the bobbin and wrap it
around the bobbin two or three times in a clock-
wise direction. Pull the thread through the slit in
the base.
Push the bobbin winder to the right. It will click into
place. For some machines you may have to push the
lever toward the stationary bobbin winder instead.
Next, follow the steps based on your type of bobbin.
3
The images in this example show both metal and
plastic bobbins. Bobbins are specific to your machine
model, so make sure you know which one your
machine uses when looking to purchase additional
bobbins.
Lots of bobbin storage options are available
to keep your bobbins neat and tidy!
25Chapter 2: Know Your Machine
If your machine doesn’t have the
thread cutter on the base, you
would guide the thread through
the tiny hole in the top of the
bobbin and hold while winding.
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26 Part 1: Getting Started
1
2
Remove the bobbin housing cover. Place the
bobbin into the hole, following the guide for the
direction the thread should unwind.
Slide the thread into the slit. Be sure to start at the
front of the opening so the thread goes through
the tension-adjusting spring. Follow the path up
and around.
Pull thread to the end of the path along the tiny
thread cutter. Hold the bobbin with your finger
and pull to cut the thread.
Replace the bobbin cover, being careful to insert
it in the proper direction. The machine will draw
up the bobbin thread on the first stitch.
3 4
Top-Loading Bobbin
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1
2
Front-Loading Bobbin
Slide the bobbin into the bobbin case, with the
thread unwinding in the direction stated in your
manual. Pull the thread back into the slit and
under the thread guide at the top of the case.
Pull out the small lever on the case to hold the
bobbin in place. Slide the combined bobbin and
bobbin case into the bobbin housing, paying close
attention to the fit. It should click into place.
A Closer Look at the Needle Plate
The needle plate, also called a throat plate, is marked with
lines to help you sew a straight seam. You refer to these
markings for seam allowances.
The marking for
5
⁄
8
inch (1.5 cm) up at the top is the standard
for most sewing projects, with the exception of doll clothes,
which are usually set at
1
⁄
4
inch (.6 cm). A corresponding
line marking is at the front of the plate to keep your fabric
lined up correctly.
The four small rows of metal teeth under the foot are called
feed dogs. These gently pull the fabric under the foot as
you sew.
27Chapter 2: Know Your Machine
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