How to Find a Bobbin on a Sewing Machine

A bobbin is the small plastic or metal spool that holds the lower thread that a sewing machine takes up to create stitches. Locating the bobbin is essential because thread must be wound on it for the machine to work properly. Check your owner's manual since sewing machines models have slightly different bobbin placement. Some machines have removable bobbin cases, but others are built in. These general instructions will help you find a bobbin on a sewing machine.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Locate the lever that raises the sewing machine foot that the needle runs through. Pull up on the lever to lift the foot.

2. 

   Slide or pull open the needle plate cover.

3. 

   Locate the bobbin holder below the area where the needle enters the machine to pick up the thread on the bobbin.

4. 

   Remove the bobbin cover or bobbin case. Some machines have permanently attached bobbin cases. If the case is built in, remove the bobbin.

5. 
   Plastic Bobbins

   Pull the bobbin out of the bobbin case if it's removable.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a small flashlight or the light on the sewing machine to illuminate the bobbin case.

Resources

• Sewing Machine and Sewing Projects Information
• Sewing Resources on the Web
• Glossary of Sewing Maching Parts