The bobbin goes in the bobbin case, which sits under the needle plate
The bobbin is the small spool that holds thread underneath your fabric. To place it in a Singer machine, you wind thread onto an empty bobbin using the bobbin winder on the top of your machine, then insert the wound bobbin into the bobbin case — a metal or plastic housing that sits directly below the needle plate. The bobbin case is where the lower thread lives while you sew.
Most Singer machines use one of two bobbin systems: a drop-in bobbin case (where you drop the bobbin straight down into a slot) or a removable bobbin case (where you pull out a small metal case, insert the bobbin inside it, and snap it back in). Your machine's manual will tell you which type you have, but you can also look under the needle plate — if you see a small metal or plastic housing you can remove with a screwdriver, you have a removable case. If the slot is built into the machine itself, you have a drop-in system.
Key Takeaways
- Wind the bobbin first using the bobbin winder at the top of your machine, then place the wound bobbin into either a drop-in slot or a removable bobbin case depending on your Singer model.
- The thread on the bobbin must pass through the tension spring inside the bobbin case so the lower thread tension matches your upper thread.
- The bobbin case sits directly under the needle plate, and you access it by removing the plate with a screwdriver or by lifting a hinged cover.
- If your bobbin is wound too loosely or too tightly, the lower thread will either bunch up or break during sewing.
- Check your machine's manual to confirm whether you have a drop-in or removable bobbin case, because the insertion steps differ.
Wind the bobbin before you insert it
You cannot place a bobbin in your machine unless it is already wound with thread. To wind a bobbin, place an empty bobbin on the bobbin winder pin at the top right of your Singer machine (the exact location varies by model, but it is always on the top). The pin should slide through the center hole of the bobbin.
Pull thread from your upper thread spool, wrap it around the bobbin two or three times by hand, then press the bobbin winder against the wheel on the side of your machine. The wheel will spin and wind thread onto the bobbin automatically. 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 but not rock-hard. A bobbin that is wound too tightly will not unwind smoothly during sewing.
Once the bobbin is wound, remove it from the winder pin and trim the thread. Now you are ready to insert it into the bobbin case.
Remove the needle plate to access the bobbin case
The bobbin case sits under the needle plate — the flat metal plate with the needle hole in it. To reach it, you must remove the needle plate first. Raise your presser foot (the metal arm that holds fabric down) and raise your needle to its highest point by turning the hand wheel toward you. This prevents the needle from catching on the plate as you remove it.
Look for a single screw on the right side of the needle plate, usually near the presser foot. Use a small Phillips or flathead screwdriver (check your machine's manual for the correct size) to remove this screw. The needle plate will lift straight up and out. Set it aside in a safe place — the plate is thin and can bend if dropped.
Once the plate is removed, you will see the bobbin case directly underneath. On some newer Singer models, the bobbin case is covered by a hinged plastic cover instead of being under a removable plate — in that case, straightforward lift the cover to access the bobbin case.
Insert the bobbin into a drop-in case
If your Singer has a drop-in bobbin case, you will see a round or oval slot built directly into the machine bed. Hold the wound bobbin with the thread end facing up and to the left. Drop the bobbin straight down into the slot — it should sit flat and level in the case.
Now thread the bobbin thread through the tension spring. Look for a small metal or plastic finger inside the case — this is the tension spring. Pull the bobbin thread so it passes under this spring, then bring the thread up and to the left. The thread should sit in a small notch or slot at the top of the case. Pull the thread gently to make sure it is seated correctly — you should feel slight resistance as the spring grips the thread.
Once the thread is threaded through the tension spring, pull the thread end toward you and hold it there. Replace the needle plate by sliding it back under the presser foot and tightening the screw. The bobbin is now in place and ready to use.
Insert the bobbin into a removable case
If your Singer has a removable bobbin case, you will see a small metal or plastic housing that can be pulled out. Grasp the case by its hook or handle and pull it straight toward you — it will slide out of the machine. Set it on a flat surface in front of you.
Hold the wound bobbin with the thread end facing up and to the left. Drop the bobbin into the case — it should sit flat in the bottom. Now thread the bobbin thread through the tension spring, which is the small metal finger inside the case. Pull the thread so it passes under the spring, then bring it up and to the left into the small notch at the top of the case. Pull gently to confirm the thread is seated.
Once the thread is threaded, hold the case level and slide it back into the machine. It should click or snap into place. If it does not slide in smoothly, remove it and check that the bobbin is sitting flat and the thread is not twisted. Replace the needle plate and tighten the screw.
Check the bobbin thread tension before you sew
Before you start sewing, pull the bobbin thread gently with your fingers. You should feel moderate resistance — the tension spring should grip the thread so it does not unwind freely, but the thread should still pull out with steady pressure. If the thread pulls out too easily, the bobbin may not be seated correctly in the case, or the tension spring may not be gripping it.
If the thread is too loose, remove the bobbin case, reseat the bobbin, and rethread the bobbin thread through the tension spring. Make sure the thread passes completely under the spring and sits in the notch at the top. If the thread is too tight and will not pull out at all, the bobbin may be wound too tightly — try a new bobbin wound more loosely.
Once the bobbin thread pulls with steady, moderate resistance, replace the needle plate and you are ready to sew. The bobbin will unwind at the correct speed during sewing, and your lower thread tension will match your upper thread tension.
Common mistakes that cause bobbin problems
The most common mistake is forgetting to thread the bobbin thread through the tension spring. If you drop the bobbin in the case but do not pull the thread through the spring, the lower thread will be too loose and will bunch up on the back of your fabric. Always pull the bobbin thread under the tension spring and into the notch before you sew.
The second mistake is winding the bobbin too tightly. If you wind thread onto the bobbin with too much tension, the bobbin will not unwind smoothly during sewing, and the lower thread may break. Wind bobbins at a medium speed and stop as soon as the bobbin feels full — do not pack thread onto it.
The third mistake is inserting the bobbin upside down or at an angle. The bobbin must sit flat and level in the case, with the thread end facing up and to the left. If the bobbin is tilted or upside down, the thread will not feed correctly and may tangle or break.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bobbin from a different brand in my Singer machine?
No. Bobbins are made to fit specific machines, and using the wrong bobbin can cause the thread to wind incorrectly or jam in the case. Always use bobbins made for your Singer model. Check your manual or the bobbin case itself for the correct bobbin type — it is usually printed on the case or in the manual.
What if the bobbin thread keeps breaking while I sew?
A breaking bobbin thread usually means the bobbin is wound too tightly, the thread is not threaded through the tension spring, or the bobbin case has a burr or rough spot. First, check that the thread passes under the tension spring. If it does, try a new bobbin wound more loosely. If the thread still breaks, the case may be damaged — look inside for rough spots or burrs and contact a repair shop if you find any.
How do I know if my bobbin is wound correctly?
A correctly wound bobbin should feel firm but not rock-hard, and the thread should be wound evenly across the bobbin with no loose spots or gaps. When you pull the thread, it should unwind smoothly without bunching or tangling. If the bobbin feels too loose or too tight, rewind it at a medium speed.
Do I need to rewind the bobbin every time I change thread colors?
Yes. If you change the upper thread color, you should also change the bobbin thread to match or use a neutral color like gray or black. Rewind a new bobbin with the new thread color, then follow the same steps to insert it into the bobbin case.
Why is there a loop of thread on the back of my fabric?
Loops on the back of your fabric usually mean the bobbin thread is too loose. Check that the bobbin thread passes completely under the tension spring and sits in the notch at the top of the case. If the thread is not threaded through the spring, the lower thread will be too loose and will create loops. Rethread the bobbin thread and try sewing again.