Threading the bobbin is the first step — wind thread onto the bobbin itself before you insert it
The bobbin is the small spool that holds thread underneath your fabric. Before you can use it, you have to wind thread onto the empty bobbin using your machine's winding mechanism. On a Singer, this means placing an empty bobbin on the bobbin winder (a metal post on top of the machine), threading the bobbin winder with thread from your top spool, and pressing the foot pedal or pressing a button — depending on your model — until the bobbin is full. The machine will stop automatically when the bobbin reaches capacity.
Most Singer machines have the bobbin winder on the right side of the top of the machine. The exact steps vary slightly between models, but the basic sequence is the same across nearly all Singer machines made in the last 30 years.
Key Takeaways
- Place an empty bobbin on the bobbin winder post at the top right of your machine, then slide the winder assembly to the right until it clicks into place.
- Thread the bobbin winder by running thread from your top spool through the bobbin winder tension guide, then wrap it around the bobbin two or three times by hand.
- Press the foot pedal or the start button (depending on your model) to wind the bobbin; the machine stops automatically when full.
- Once the bobbin is wound, slide the winder assembly back to the left and remove the full bobbin.
Locate the bobbin winder on your machine
Open the top of your Singer machine or look at the upper right side. You will see a metal post sticking up — this is the bobbin winder. Next to it is a small lever or assembly that you can slide left and right. This lever holds the bobbin in place while it winds.
If you cannot find it, check your machine's manual by model number. Singer publishes free PDFs for nearly every model on their website. The manual will show you exactly where the winder is located on your specific machine.
Place the empty bobbin on the winder post
Take an empty bobbin (the small plastic or metal spool) and slide it straight down onto the metal post. It should sit flat against the post. If your bobbin has a small notch or groove, make sure it aligns with a pin on the post — this keeps the bobbin from spinning freely while you thread it.
Once the bobbin is on the post, slide the winder assembly to the right until you hear or feel it click. This engages the bobbin so it will turn when you set up the winder.
Thread the bobbin winder with thread from your top spool
Pull thread from the top spool (the one already loaded in your machine for normal sewing). Run it through the bobbin winder tension guide — a small metal loop or slot near the winder post. This guide controls how tightly the thread winds onto the bobbin.
Once the thread is through the tension guide, wrap it around the bobbin itself 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 winding begins. Trim any excess thread with scissors.
Wind the bobbin by pressing the foot pedal or start button
Press the foot pedal slowly, or press the start button if your machine has electronic controls. The bobbin will begin to spin and wind thread onto itself. You do not need to hold the thread — just let it wind.
As the bobbin fills, the thread will wrap in neat layers. Most Singer machines have a sensor that stops the winding automatically when the bobbin is full. You will hear the machine stop or feel the pedal release. Do not force it — the automatic stop protects the bobbin from overfilling.
Remove the full bobbin and prepare it for use
Once winding stops, slide the winder assembly back to the left. The bobbin should release from the post. Lift it off and trim the thread close to the bobbin with scissors.
The bobbin is now ready to insert into the bobbin case. On most Singer machines, the bobbin case is located under the needle plate (the flat metal plate under the presser foot). Consult your manual for the exact steps to insert the bobbin into the case and thread it through the tension spring — this varies by model.
Troubleshooting common bobbin winding problems
If the bobbin is not winding at all, check that the winder assembly is pushed all the way to the right and clicked into place. If it is not engaged, the bobbin will spin freely but no thread will wind. Also make sure the top thread is actually threaded through the tension guide — if it is loose or hanging free, it will not wind onto the bobbin.
If the thread is winding unevenly or bunching up on one side of the bobbin, the thread may not be anchored properly around the bobbin before you start. Stop, remove the bobbin, re-wrap the thread around it two or three times, and try again. If the problem continues, the tension guide may be dirty or damaged — clean it with a dry cloth or contact a repair technician.
If the bobbin overfills and the thread becomes loose or falls off, your machine's automatic stop may not be working. On older Singer machines, you can wind manually by stopping the pedal when the bobbin looks full. Never force the pedal if it feels stuck — this can damage the winding mechanism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any bobbin, or does it have to be a Singer bobbin?
Most Singer machines use standard bobbins that fit many brands, but some older or specialty models use proprietary bobbins. Check your manual or the bobbin case itself — it usually lists the correct bobbin type. Buying Singer-brand bobbins ensures they fit, but universal bobbins work on most machines.
How full should the bobbin be before I use it?
The automatic stop on your machine will fill the bobbin to the correct level. If you are winding by hand on an older machine, fill it until the thread reaches the edge of the bobbin without overflowing. An overfull bobbin can jam in the case.
What thread should I use for the bobbin?
Use the same weight and type of thread as your top thread for most sewing. If you are doing decorative work or using specialty thread on top, you may use a lighter bobbin thread on the bottom — check your manual or a sewing guide for your specific project.
Why is my bobbin thread breaking while I sew?
Bobbin thread breaks when the bobbin is wound too tightly, the bobbin case is threaded incorrectly, or the bobbin case tension is too high. First, check that the bobbin is inserted correctly and the thread is seated in the tension spring. If that does not solve it, try winding a new bobbin at a slightly slower speed.
Do I need to rewind the bobbin every time I change thread color?
Yes. If you are changing the top thread color, wind a new bobbin with matching or neutral thread. Using a bobbin with a different color can show through on the back of your fabric, especially on light-colored material.