Threading the bobbin is the first step—wind it before you load it
A bobbin is the small spool that holds thread underneath your fabric. Before you can load it into your machine, you have to wind thread onto it. Singer machines come with an empty bobbin (usually plastic, sometimes metal depending on your model) and a bobbin winder—a mechanism on the side or top of your machine that spins the bobbin while you feed thread onto it.
To wind a bobbin, place an empty bobbin on the winder spindle, bring thread from your top spool through the bobbin winder tension disc, and press the bobbin against the winder wheel. The wheel will spin the bobbin and wrap thread around it. Stop when the bobbin is full—most machines have a sensor that stops the winder automatically, or you can stop by hand when the bobbin feels firm and full. Do not overfill it; thread should sit evenly across the bobbin with no loose loops hanging off the edge.
Key Takeaways
- Wind thread onto an empty bobbin using your machine's bobbin winder before you try to load it into the bobbin case.
- The bobbin case is a small metal or plastic housing that sits below the needle plate; you remove it by turning a latch or pressing a release button depending on your Singer model.
- Insert the wound bobbin into the case with the thread end facing the slot in the case wall, then pull the thread through that slot so it catches in the tension spring.
- Push the bobbin case back into the machine and turn the handwheel toward you to draw up the bobbin thread so both top and bottom threads sit together above the needle plate.
Locate and remove the bobbin case
The bobbin case sits directly below the needle plate—the flat metal plate with the needle hole in it. On most Singer machines, you access it by removing the needle plate first. Unscrew the needle plate (usually one or two small screws) and set it aside. Underneath, you will see a small metal or plastic housing; this is the bobbin case.
To remove the bobbin case, look for a small latch or lever on the left side of the case. On many Singer models, you turn this latch counterclockwise or press it to release the case. The case will swing out toward you. On some newer models, there is a push-button release instead. Check your machine's manual if you are unsure which mechanism yours has—the manual will show a diagram of the exact spot to press or turn.
Insert the wound bobbin into the case
Hold the bobbin case in one hand with the open side facing you. You will see a small slot or notch cut into the wall of the case—this is where the thread goes. Place your wound bobbin into the case so it sits flat in the bottom, then pull the thread end up and through that slot. The thread should catch and sit in a small tension spring inside the case as it passes through the slot. You will feel slight resistance as the thread settles into the spring.
Leave about 4 to 6 inches of thread hanging loose from the slot. Do not pull the thread tight or try to wind it around anything; just let it hang. This loose thread is what you will use to draw up the bobbin thread in the next step.
Reinsert the bobbin case and draw up the bobbin thread
Slide the bobbin case back into the machine, aligning it with the slot or groove it came from. Turn the latch or lever clockwise (or push the button, depending on your model) until the case clicks or locks into place. The case should sit flush with the machine body with no gaps.
Now turn the handwheel (the large wheel on the right side of the machine) toward you—one full rotation. As you turn it, the needle will go down and come back up, and it will catch the bobbin thread from below. When the needle comes back up, you will see a loop of bobbin thread appear above the needle plate. Pull gently on the loose thread end you left hanging from the bobbin case, and the loop will come free. Pull both the top thread and the bobbin thread together so they sit side by side above the needle plate, then slide them under the presser foot.
Check that both threads are seated correctly
Before you start sewing, make sure both threads are in the right place. The top thread should run down from the spool, through all the tension discs and guides on your machine, and down through the needle. The bobbin thread should come up from below the needle plate and sit next to the top thread. Both threads should pass under the presser foot (the metal piece that holds fabric down) and extend a few inches behind the needle.
If the bobbin thread does not come up when you turn the handwheel, the bobbin case may not be locked in all the way, or the thread may not have caught in the tension spring. Remove the bobbin case again, check that the thread is sitting in the slot and the tension spring, and reinsert it. If the top thread breaks or the machine makes a grinding sound, stop when ready and check that the needle is inserted correctly and that both threads are threaded through all the guides.
Troubleshooting common bobbin problems
If your machine skips stitches or the thread keeps breaking, the bobbin is often the culprit. First, check that the bobbin is wound evenly and not overfilled—lumpy or loose bobbins cause tension problems. Remove the bobbin case and look at the tension spring inside; it should be clean and free of lint. Use a small brush or a piece of compressed air to clean out any dust or thread bits that have collected there.
If you are using an old bobbin that has been sitting in a drawer, wind a fresh one. Old bobbins can warp slightly or hold thread unevenly. Also check that you are using the correct bobbin type for your machine—Singer makes different bobbin styles for different models. Your manual will tell you which type yours takes. Using the wrong bobbin can cause it to sit loose in the case, which leads to tension and stitch problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a metal bobbin instead of plastic?
Some Singer models come with metal bobbins and some with plastic. Check your manual to see which type your machine uses. Metal and plastic bobbins sit differently in the case and have different tension characteristics, so using the wrong type can cause stitching problems. If your machine came with plastic, stick with plastic.
How full should I wind the bobbin?
Wind the bobbin until it feels firm and the thread sits evenly across the spool with no loose loops or gaps. Most Singer winders have an automatic shutoff that stops when the bobbin is full. If you wind it too full, the thread can catch on the case and break; if you wind it too loose, you will run out of thread quickly and the tension will be uneven.
What if the bobbin thread won't come up through the needle plate?
Turn the handwheel slowly and watch the needle go down and come back up. As it comes up, it should catch the bobbin thread and pull a loop through. If nothing comes up, the bobbin case may not be locked in all the way, or the thread may not be sitting in the tension spring. Remove the case, rethread the bobbin through the slot, and try again.
Do I need to rewind the bobbin every time I sew?
No. You only wind a new bobbin when the current one runs out of thread. Most bobbins hold enough thread for several small projects or one large one. When the bobbin is empty, remove it, wind a fresh one, and load it back in using the same steps.
Why does my thread keep breaking when I use the bobbin?
Thread breaks usually mean the bobbin case tension spring is dirty, the bobbin is overfilled or wound unevenly, or you are using the wrong bobbin type for your machine. Clean the tension spring with a soft brush, wind a fresh bobbin, and check your manual to confirm you have the right bobbin style. If the problem continues, the tension spring itself may be bent and need replacement.