How to Load the Bobbin in an Industrial Sewing Machine

Industrial sewing machines require a metal bobbin case to hold the bobbin.

Apparel manufacturers, sewing classrooms and some home sewers use industrial sewing machines, which are faster and can sew through thicker weights of fabric better than home sewing machines can. The configuration of an industrial sewing machine differs slightly from a home sewing machine. Most industrial sewing machines are built into sewing tables or sewing desks to provide an even, flat sewing surface. For this reason, industrial sewing machines have front-loading bobbins that are located under the sewing table facing the front of the machine.

Things You'll Need

• Metal bobbin case
• Threaded metal bobbin

Instructions

1. 

   Insert a filled bobbin into the bobbin case.

   Pick up the metal bobbin. Create a 1-inch long thread extension. Place the metal bobbin in the bobbin case, making sure the thread extension is hanging free outside of the case.

2. Pull the thread extension, paying attention to the direction the bobbin is turning. If the bobbin is turning clockwise, it is in the case correctly. If the bobbin turns counterclockwise, remove the bobbin, flip it and insert it back into the bobbin case.

3. 

   The tension spring can be seen at the top of this case.

   Hold the bobbin case with the tension spring (a piece of metal with a hook at the end that is bolted to the case) facing upward. Take the thread extension, slide it through the slotted notch, under the tension spring, and pull down through the thread guide (the hooked end of the tension spring).

4. While holding the bobbin case in one hand, take the other hand, lift the latch on the front of the bobbin case, hold it and insert the bobbin case into the rotary hook (the area that holds the bobbin).

Tips & Warnings

• Run a few practice stitches of various lengths on a piece of scrap fabric to check your bobbin thread tension. If the bottom stitching is too tight or loose, the tension spring on the bobbin case will need adjusting.

• These instructions can be used for almost any make and model of industrial sewing machine; however, for optimal performance of your machine refer to your owner's manual.

• Make sure the industrial sewing machine is turned off and unplugged to avoid injury.

• Make sure to use a metal bobbin for an industrial sewing machine; plastic bobbins may crack or melt when a machine is used at top speed.

References

• Brother USA: Manual for Brother Industrial Sewing Machine Model S7200B

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Graspr Instructional Video Network: Top Load and Front Load Bobbin Explained