ZJ Humbach

Proper Bobbin Use

ZJ Humbach
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Duration:   18  mins

Whether you work with different sizes and types of sewing machines on a regular basis or you are simply buying extra bobbins for your home sewing machine, it is important to know about the different sewing machine bobbin sizes. ZJ Humbach explains how to know what size bobbin to use, what machines they work in, and how using the wrong size can affect your stitch quality.

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.

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4 Responses to “Proper Bobbin Use”

  1. Duncan Garrison

    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.

  2. Duncan Garrison

    My first comment and your error is in reference to 15:40 minutes location in the Proper Bobbin Use video.

  3. Duncan Garrison

    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.

  4. Leslee Cone

    The sound starts and stops. Help!!!

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