How to Wind a Bobbin with Thread, EASY!
Learning how to wind a bobbin is one of the first sewing machine skills every beginner should master. A correctly wound bobbin helps prevent thread tangles, skipped stitches, and uneven tension, resulting in smoother sewing. This easy step-by-step tutorial shows you how to wind a sewing machine bobbin correctly, whether your machine has a front-loading or top-loading bobbin. You’ll also learn common mistakes to avoid and what to do if your bobbin won’t wind properly.
How to Wind a Bobbin (Quick Guide)
Here are the step by step instructions to put thread on a bobbin.
- Remove the old bobbin.
- Disengage the clutch and place the empty bobbin on the spool winder.
- Put the thread through the hole in the bobbin.
- Click the bobbin winder across.
- Start winding the bobbin. Stop when it is full.
- Don’t forget to reset the machine to start sewing.
How to Wind a Bobbin (Step by Step)
Before You Start
Before winding a bobbin, check your sewing machine manual for the correct threading path and bobbin type. While most sewing machines use a similar winding method, the position of the bobbin winder, thread guide, and clutch may vary slightly between brands and models.
If you are not sure what a bobbin is used for, read the full article on what is a bobbin.
Step 1: Remove the Old Bobbin
The first step in how to put thread on a bobbin, is to remove it from the casing. You may have a plastic bobbin or metal bobbins.
Make sure your needle is in the top position. Then set the speed of the machine at a medium or slower pace for better control. The speed settings may be on the foot control or the actual machine.
Generally, there are two types of bobbin casings situated either as a front loader with a push-in type of housing or a top loader with a drop-in mechanism.
It’s advisable to start with an empty bobbin, so remove any old thread and start a new color. Or you can buy extra bobbins for the different colors you like to use regularly. Purchasing extra bobbins for each color will save you a lot of time and frustration in having to rewind.
Step 2: Locate the Bobbin Winder
Check the top of the machine for the parts you will use for the winding process. Look for the spindle (spool holder or spool pin), the bobbin winder (bobbin pin) and the thread guide. Your machine handbook should show you where all these parts are. Different brands may use slightly different terminology.
Step 3: Disengage the Clutch
If necessary, disengage the clutch so the needle will not move up and down. This is generally a knob inside the handwheel. Not all models will need to do this.
Step 4: Thread the Machine
Place the bobbin, with the holes on the top, on the winder. Put your selected spool of thread onto the spool pin. Loop the thread around the thread guide, then pull the thread from the inside into the small hole in the top of the bobbin. Wind a bit of thread around the bobbin manually. This will put the thread under tension.
Thread your sewing machine following the bobbin winding path shown in your machine manual. Most machines require the thread to pass through a thread guide before entering the hole in the bobbin.
Here is how to put a thread on a bobbin. See how the thread is through the hole and the bobbin winding has been started manually to hold it in place.
Step 5: Click the Bobbin Winder in Place
Click the winder across to the right. Then you are ready to start running the machine with the foot pedal for winding. If you have a speed controller, put it on slow.
Step 6: Start Winding the Bobbin
To put thread on the bobbin, start slowly to make sure you are winding in the right direction and not bunching the thread. Cut off the initial starting thread early on so that it doesn’t get caught elsewhere. Then whizz away and fill the bobbin. Most machines stop automatically when the bobbin is full but watch that you don’t go over the edge.
The thread should wind smoothly and evenly across the bobbin. If it begins to bunch on one side or feels loose, stop the machine, remove the thread, and start again.
Step 7: Reset the Machine to Sew
Click the bobbin winder open to the left, re-engage the clutch and cut your thread.
It’s time to insert your new perfectly wound bobbin into its casing again ready to start sewing.
The partners, the upper thread and lower thread, are in harmony ready to complete whatever sewing story you are working on. Like Ebony and Ivory on a keyboard, working together in perfect harmony.
Sewing Machine Bobbin Winding FAQS
If ever in the future, the bobbin winder on your machine breaks, there is a handy tool that you can use called a portable winder. It is also handy for using when you don’t want to remove the top spool from your machine. I had the Simplicity sidewinder for many years after my winder mechanism broke, and I found it to be really good. It does have mixed reviews on Amazon but mine always worked well and was a good replacement for the machine winder.
If you are using a regular cotton or polyester thread, it is not recommended that you manually wind. It is hard to get an even tension. If your sewing machine bobbin winder is broken, purchase an aftermarket bobbin winder tool. (see above) However, when using elastic thread or thick threads, it is common to need to wind manually. Insert the end of the thread through the hole in the bobbin and wind clockwise (it should unwind counterclockwise). Try to wind evenly. If it is elastic thread, don’t stretch out the elastic as you wind.
A bobbin needs to spin counterclockwise. This means that it should be wound clockwise. If you wind a bobbin the wrong direction it will not sew correctly.
A bobbin will always be wound clockwise.
Pin for Later
Bobbin Winding Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Thread bunches on one side | Incorrect threading path |
| Bobbin won’t spin | Winder not engaged |
| Thread slips off | Thread not through bobbin hole |
| Bobbin overfills | Auto stop not engaged or machine not stopped |
| Thread breaks | Tension too tight or poor-quality thread |
In Conclusion
Now you know how to wind a bobbin, you’re ready to thread your sewing machine and start sewing with confidence. A neatly wound bobbin helps produce balanced stitches, smoother sewing, and fewer thread problems. Once you’ve mastered this simple skill, learn how to thread a sewing machine so your upper and lower threads work together perfectly.
Here is a full article on how to thread a sewing machine.
More Articles from Sewing Machine Basics
- How to Thread a Sewing Machine
- Sewing Machine Manuals – Free Downloadable Links
- How to Use a Serger
- How to Use a Sewing Machine
Tools
- Bobbin
Materials
- Thread
Instructions
- Place the thread on the spool pin. Thread through the thread guide and back to the bobbin winder.
- Put the thread through the hole in the top of the bobbin and start winding by hand a few times to hold it in place. Place it on the bobbin winder.
- Disengage the clutch. Click the bobbin winder across to the right.
- Put your foot on the control and slowly run the machine. Stop when the bobbin is full and remove. Don't forget to re-engage the clutch and to push the bobbin winder across to the left again.
- Repeat.
Author - Luisa Clare
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
