The Basic Steps to Wind and Insert a Bobbin
To fill a bobbin on a Brother sewing machine, you wind thread onto an empty bobbin using the machine's built-in winding mechanism, then insert the wound bobbin into the bobbin case below the needle. The whole process takes about two minutes once you know the steps. Most Brother machines use the same bobbin-winding system, though the exact location of the winding spindle varies slightly by model.
Start by raising the presser foot (the metal piece that holds fabric down). This is the most commonly missed step—the presser foot must be up, or the tension discs will stay closed and thread will not wind onto the bobbin. Place an empty bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle, which is a small metal post on the top right of your machine. Slide the bobbin all the way onto the spindle until it sits flush against the stopper.
Thread the machine as if you were going to sew, but instead of putting thread through the needle, guide it through the bobbin winder tension guide—a small slot or hook near the spindle. Wind the thread around the bobbin two or three times by hand to anchor it, then press the foot pedal or press start (depending on your model). The bobbin will spin and fill automatically. Most Brother machines stop winding when the bobbin is full, though some require you to press stop manually.
Key Takeaways
- Raise the presser foot before winding a bobbin, or the tension discs will block thread from winding onto the bobbin.
- Thread the bobbin winder through the tension guide near the spindle, not through the needle, and wind by hand two or three times to anchor the thread.
- Most Brother machines stop automatically when the bobbin is full, but check your manual to see whether yours requires manual stopping.
- Insert the wound bobbin into the bobbin case with the thread tail pulled up through the slot, then close the bobbin case cover before sewing.
- If thread is not winding onto the bobbin, check that the presser foot is raised and that the bobbin is seated all the way onto the spindle.
Preparing the Bobbin and Machine
Before you start winding, make sure you have an empty bobbin. Brother bobbins are plastic and come with most machines, but you can also buy replacement bobbins at fabric stores or online. Do not try to rewind a bobbin that still has old thread on it—the layers will be uneven and cause tension problems while you sew.
Raise the presser foot all the way up. You will hear or feel a small click. This opens the tension discs inside the machine and allows thread to pass through freely. If the presser foot is down, the thread will not wind onto the bobbin no matter how hard you press the pedal.
If your Brother machine has a bobbin cover (a small plastic door on the front), open it now so you can see the bobbin case inside. You will not need to remove the case to wind a bobbin—winding happens on top of the machine—but you should know where it is so you can insert the wound bobbin afterward.
Threading and Winding the Bobbin
Pull thread from your spool and guide it through the bobbin winder tension guide. This is usually a small metal hook or slot located just above or to the side of the bobbin winder spindle. The exact location depends on your Brother model, so check your manual if you cannot find it. The tension guide is what keeps the thread wound evenly on the bobbin.
Place the empty bobbin on the spindle and slide it all the way to the right until it stops. The bobbin should sit snugly against a small plastic stopper. If it is loose or wobbles, it will not wind evenly.
Wrap the thread around the bobbin two or three times by hand, going around the bobbin in the direction it will spin. This anchors the thread so it does not slip when the bobbin starts spinning. Then press the foot pedal or the start button (depending on your model) and hold it down. The bobbin will begin to spin and wind thread onto itself. Do not hold the thread tail—let it feed freely.
Most Brother machines have an automatic stop that cuts power to the bobbin winder when it detects the bobbin is full. You will hear the winding slow down and stop. If your machine does not have an automatic stop, watch the bobbin and press the pedal or stop button when it looks full—the bobbin should be completely covered with thread with no gaps.
Removing the Bobbin and Checking Your Work
Once the bobbin has stopped winding, raise the presser foot again (this closes the tension discs and prepares the machine for sewing). Slide the bobbin off the spindle to the left. You should have a full, evenly wound bobbin with no loose thread or gaps.
If the bobbin looks lumpy, uneven, or has thread bunched on one side, something went wrong during winding. The most common causes are a bobbin that was not seated all the way on the spindle, thread that was not anchored properly before winding started, or the presser foot being down. Unwind the thread, place the bobbin back on the spindle, and try again.
Trim the thread tail close to the bobbin with scissors. A long tail can catch on the bobbin case and cause tension problems.
Inserting the Bobbin Into the Bobbin Case
Open the bobbin cover on the front of your machine by sliding it to the left or pressing a release button (check your manual for your specific model). You will see the bobbin case, which is a small metal or plastic chamber that holds the bobbin.
Hold the wound bobbin with the thread tail pointing up and to the left. Insert the bobbin into the case so it sits flat on the bottom. The bobbin should spin freely—if it is tight or stuck, remove it and try again.
Pull the thread tail up and to the left, then guide it into the slot on the side of the bobbin case. You should hear a small click or feel the thread settle into place. Pull the thread tail all the way up and out of the case—it should come out easily. This thread tail is what the needle thread will catch to form stitches, so it needs to be free and not tangled.
Close the bobbin cover by sliding it to the right or pressing it closed until you hear a click. Your bobbin is now ready to sew.
Troubleshooting Common Bobbin Problems
If thread is not winding onto the bobbin at all, the presser foot is almost certainly down. Raise it all the way up and try again. The second most common cause is that the bobbin is not seated all the way on the spindle—slide it to the right until it stops against the stopper.
If the bobbin winds but the thread is loose or bunched on one side, the thread was not anchored properly before winding started. Unwind the thread completely, place the bobbin back on the spindle, and wrap the thread around it two or three times by hand before pressing the pedal.
If the bobbin winds fine but your stitches are loose or uneven while sewing, the problem is usually that the thread tail was not pulled all the way up and out of the bobbin case. Open the bobbin cover, pull the thread tail up and out, and close the cover again.
If the bobbin case is difficult to remove or insert, make sure the presser foot is up. Some Brother models lock the bobbin case when the presser foot is down. Raise the foot and try again.
When to Wind a New Bobbin
Wind a new bobbin when the current one runs out of thread. You will notice the thread getting thinner and lighter in color as the bobbin empties. Some sewers wind a new bobbin before starting a large project so they do not run out in the middle of sewing.
If you sew with many different thread colors, it is helpful to keep several bobbins wound and ready. Brother bobbins are inexpensive and last indefinitely if you store them in a dry place. Label each bobbin with the thread color using a permanent marker so you know which one to grab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bobbins from other sewing machine brands in my Brother machine?
No. Brother bobbins are designed specifically for Brother machines and are not compatible with most other brands. Using the wrong bobbin can cause tension problems, broken thread, or damage to the bobbin case. Always use genuine Brother bobbins or bobbins labeled as compatible with your specific Brother model.
What if my bobbin keeps coming loose while I am sewing?
The bobbin case may not be fully closed, or the bobbin itself may not be seated properly in the case. Open the bobbin cover, remove the bobbin, and reinsert it, making sure it sits flat on the bottom of the case. Then close the cover firmly until you hear a click. If the problem continues, the bobbin case may be damaged and need replacement.
How full should the bobbin be before I start sewing?
The bobbin should be completely wound with no visible gaps or bare plastic showing. A full bobbin holds enough thread for most projects. If you are sewing a large quilt or garment, you may want to wind two bobbins and swap them halfway through so you do not run out.
Why is my thread not winding onto the bobbin even though the presser foot is up?
Check that the bobbin is seated all the way onto the spindle—it should be flush against the stopper on the right side. Also make sure the thread is threaded through the bobbin winder tension guide, not just loosely placed near the spindle. If the thread is threaded correctly and the bobbin is seated properly, the machine may have a mechanical problem and should be serviced by a Brother dealer.
Can I wind a bobbin while a project is in the machine?
Yes. The bobbin winder works independently of the sewing mechanism, so you can wind a bobbin while fabric is under the presser foot. Just remember to raise the presser foot before winding, which will not affect your project—the fabric will stay in place under the needle.