Proper Bobbin Use
ZJ HumbachDescription
Bobbins Sizes
Similar to many sewing tools, bobbins come in many various sizes and styles. Some are labeled with letters, like an M or L bobbin, while others are numbers, like 15. Knowing what type and size of bobbin your machine takes are important. Not all sewing machine bobbins are clearly labeled with their size or style; however, your machine manual should tell you what bobbin size your machine takes. ZJ shows several of the different sizes and explains what machines they are for. Larger bobbin sizes are typically for long arm quilting machines or some embroidery machines. These machines stitch very fast, and if they used a small bobbin, you would constantly be changing one out.
Types of Bobbins
Bobbins not only come in different sizes, but also in metal as well as plastic, and empty as well as pre-wound. While machines can only use one bobbin size, whether it is plastic or metal does not typically matter—however, consult your machine manual to be sure. When buying sewing machine bobbins, you can either buy them empty and learn how to wind a bobbin, or you can find them pre-wound. ZJ explains that some machines have issues with pre-wound bobbins and you may find your stitch quality is not where you want it. Some pre-wound bobbins also come with cardboard on both sides that may need to be removed. Whether you buy empty or pre-wound, it is important to buy the correct bobbin size. Also, whether you wind your own bobbins or buy pre-wound, it is important to know how to get perfect bobbin tension.
Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.
Already a member? Sign in
4 Responses to “Proper Bobbin Use”
Explore Videos by ZJ Humbach
You may be interested in
Premium Membership
Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Quilting Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Patterns, and Tutorials
- 50% Off Video Downloads Purchased in the National Quilters Circle Shop
- Access to Ask the Expert Program
Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Quilting Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Patterns, and Tutorials
- 2 Full-Length Video Downloads to Watch Offline
- 50% Off Video Downloads Purchased in the National Quilters Circle Shop
- Access to Ask the Expert Program
Gold Membership
$336 Value
Get everything included in Premium plus exclusive Gold Membership benefits.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Quilting Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Patterns, and Tutorials
- 8 Full-Length Video Downloads to Watch Offline
- 3 Full-Length Quilting Classes to Keep for Life
- 2 Printable Quilting Guides
- Discounts on Purchase-to-Own Content in the National Quilters Circle Shop
- Access to Ask the Expert Program
- Exclusive GOLD LIVE Streaming Events
Do you not allow Posts that contradict the video information? My previous posts have been moderated and denied posting. I thought a Premier membership would offer interaction with other members of the Circle. Experienced quilters can have valuable information to share.
My first comment and your error is in reference to 15:40 minutes location in the Proper Bobbin Use video.
Your demonstration of placing the bobbin spool for rotary bobbin cases is NOT correct. There needs to be a reversal in the thread before it enters the slot to the tension spring. If the thread comes of the spool going in the direction of that slot, it will backlash frequently. It must come off the spool and make a bend or reversal before entering that angled slot. This is true for all rotary bobbin systems, and solves the question of clockwise or counter-clockwise unwind direction.
The sound starts and stops. Help!!!