Bobbin
A bobbin is a small spool used to wind and store the lower thread in a sewing machine, and to form stitches by combining it with the upper thread during sewing.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
A bobbin is a cylindrical or disk-shaped part used to wind the lower thread in household, commercial, and industrial sewing machines. By interlacing the lower thread with the upper thread carried by the needle, it forms stitches such as lockstitches.
Outside sewing, a wound form of tape, cord, lace, and similar materials may also be called a bobbin. In bobbin lace, multiple bobbins wound with thread are moved to make lace.
How to Use
In a sewing machine, wind the thread to be used evenly onto the bobbin, then set it in the bobbin case or lower-thread storage section in the proper orientation. After drawing out the lower thread, thread the upper thread, then turn the handwheel to bring up the lower thread and start sewing.
If the amount of lower thread wound, the thread thickness, or the bobbin shape does not match, it may lead to uneven thread tension, thread breakage, skipped stitches, and similar problems. It is important to do a test seam and check the stitches on both sides.
- Wind the lower thread so there is no uneven winding or slack.
- At setup, make sure the bobbin thread end is passed securely through the specified groove or spring section.
- When changing thread, check the combination of upper and lower thread types and colors.
Types and How to Choose
Bobbins are made of metal or resin, and differ in diameter, thickness, and center-hole shape. Even if they look similar, they may not be compatible, so choose according to the sewing machine manual and specified requirements.
The bobbin case is the part that holds the bobbin and gives tension to the lower thread. The bobbin itself and the bobbin case are separate parts, but in everyday conversation they are sometimes referred to interchangeably.
A bobbin as a wound form of thread, tape, or similar material is managed by winding amount, core size, width, and so on. Since it differs in purpose and shape from a sewing lower-thread bobbin, make the target clear when placing an order.
- It matches the shape compatible with the sewing machine model being used
- If the bobbin material is specified, choose the same material
- There are no scratches, deformation, rust, or chips
- The type and thickness of the lower thread are suitable for the sewing specifications
Care and Safety Notes
Lint and dust tend to build up on the bobbin and bobbin case, so remove them regularly. In particular, dirt around the bobbin can hinder the movement of the lower thread and cause sewing defects. Follow the instructions for the sewing machine you are using regarding whether lubrication is needed and how to do it.
Do not use a bobbin that has been deformed by being dropped or impacted. In high-speed sewing machines, a deformed or incompatible bobbin may contribute to breakage, abnormal noise, or needle breakage. Inspect and replace it only after turning off the power.
Differences from Similar Terms
A lower-thread bobbin refers to the part used to wind the lower thread in a sewing machine. The bobbin case is the case that holds the bobbin and gives the lower thread proper tension. They are used as a set, but their roles are different.
Cone winding refers mainly to the way thread such as sewing thread is wound onto a conical core. By contrast, bobbin winding often refers to a small thread spool or a supply form in which material is wound into a bobbin shape, and the purpose and winding shape are different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are a bobbin and a bobbin case the same thing?
No, they are not the same. A bobbin is the part that winds the lower thread, and the bobbin case is the part that holds the bobbin while giving tension to the lower thread. However, depending on the machine model or the conversation, both may be collectively called a bobbin, so check the parts to distinguish them.
Can I use a bobbin made for another sewing machine?
Even if the appearance is similar, the diameter, thickness, material, and center-hole shape may differ. An incompatible bobbin can cause poor thread tension, thread jamming, or damage. As a rule, use the bobbin specified for the sewing machine you are using.
What should I check if the lower thread does not sew neatly?
Check for uneven winding on the bobbin, the way the thread is threaded, the bobbin setting direction, and lint inside the bobbin case. The condition of the lower thread affects the stitch just as much as the upper thread. After checking, do a test seam with the same fabric and thread, and adjust the thread tension if necessary.
