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. On a Brother sewing machine, you insert it into a removable metal or plastic case called the bobbin case, which then slides into a slot under the needle plate (the flat metal plate the needle goes through). The bobbin case has a tension spring and a small hook that catches the bobbin thread, so it has to go in the right way or your machine will skip stitches.
Most Brother machines use a drop-in bobbin system, which means the bobbin case is easier to access than on older machines. You do not need tools. The whole process takes about two minutes once you know the steps.
Key Takeaways
- Wind the bobbin on your Brother machine first using the bobbin winder on the side of the machine, then insert the wound bobbin into the bobbin case.
- The bobbin case slides into a slot under the needle plate; you access it by raising the presser foot and lifting the needle plate up and out.
- The bobbin thread must pass through the tension spring on the bobbin case, or stitches will skip.
- The bobbin case clicks into place when seated correctly; if it does not click, remove it and try again.
Wind the bobbin before you insert it
Your Brother machine comes with empty bobbins (small plastic or metal spools). Before you can put a bobbin into the bobbin case, you need to wind thread onto it using the bobbin winder, which is a small wheel on the right side of your machine near the top.
Place an empty bobbin on the bobbin winder pin, then guide your thread through the bobbin winder tension disc (a small slot or notch on the winder). Hold the thread end and tap the foot pedal or press the start button. The winder will spin the bobbin and wrap thread around it. When the bobbin is full, the winder stops automatically. Trim the thread and remove the bobbin.
Raise the presser foot and remove the needle plate
Raise the presser foot (the metal arm that holds fabric down) by lifting the lever on the back of the machine. This also raises the tension discs, which is important because the bobbin case will not slide out if the presser foot is down.
Locate the needle plate—the flat metal plate directly under the needle with a hole for the needle to pass through. On most Brother machines, it is held in by one or two screws. Use a small screwdriver (usually a Phillips head) to unscrew them. Lift the needle plate straight up and set it aside on a clean surface. Do not lose the screws.
Locate and remove the bobbin case
With the needle plate off, you will see a metal or plastic case sitting in a slot underneath. This is the bobbin case. It has a small hook on one side and a tension spring on the other. Gently pull the bobbin case straight toward you to remove it from the slot. It should slide out easily; do not force it.
If your machine is new or you have never changed the bobbin before, the case may be tight. Wiggle it gently side to side as you pull. Once it is out, set it on a clean surface where you can see the small hook and spring clearly.
Insert the wound bobbin into the case
Hold the bobbin case so the hook faces you and the tension spring is on the left side. Drop the wound bobbin into the case so it sits flat in the bottom. The bobbin will spin freely in the case—that is normal.
Now pull the bobbin thread up and to the left, and slide it under the tension spring. You will hear or feel a small click as the thread settles into the spring. The thread should be snug against the spring, not loose. If the thread is not under the spring, your machine will skip stitches or produce loose loops on the back of your fabric.
Slide the bobbin case back into the machine
Hold the bobbin case with the hook facing you. Align it with the slot under the needle and slide it straight in until you hear a click. The click means the case is seated correctly and locked in place. If you do not hear a click, pull it out and try again—it may be slightly misaligned.
Once the case is locked, replace the needle plate and screw it back down. Make sure both screws are tight so the plate does not shift during sewing. Lower the presser foot.
Pull up the bobbin thread before you sew
Before you start sewing, you need to bring the bobbin thread up to the top of the machine so both threads are ready. Hold the top thread (the one coming from the spool) with your left hand. Turn the hand wheel (the large wheel on the right side of the machine) toward you one full rotation. This moves the needle down and back up, which catches the bobbin thread and pulls a loop to the surface.
Reach under the presser foot and gently pull the loop of bobbin thread up through the needle plate hole. You should now have both the top thread and the bobbin thread lying under the presser foot, ready to sew. Place your fabric under the presser foot and lower it to start sewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the bobbin thread does not catch and I see loops on the back of my fabric?
Loops on the back usually mean the bobbin thread is not threaded through the tension spring correctly. Remove the bobbin case, check that the thread is seated in the spring, and reinsert the case. If the problem continues, the bobbin case spring may be bent or damaged and may need replacement.
Can I use a bobbin from a different brand of sewing machine?
Brother bobbins are not always compatible with other brands. Check your machine manual to see which bobbin type your model uses. Using the wrong bobbin can cause tension problems or damage the bobbin case. Brother sells replacement bobbins that fit your specific machine.
How do I know when the bobbin is empty?
You will notice the bobbin thread running out as you sew—stitches may become loose or skip. You can also peek under the presser foot to see if the bobbin is nearly flat. When it is empty, remove the bobbin case, take out the empty bobbin, and wind a fresh one.
Do I need to rethread the bobbin case every time I change the bobbin?
No. Once the bobbin case is threaded correctly, you can remove and replace bobbins without rethreading the case. Just drop the new wound bobbin in and make sure it sits flat. You only need to rethread the case if you remove it from the machine or if you notice tension problems.
What if the bobbin case will not slide back into the slot?
Make sure the presser foot is raised and the needle plate is completely removed. Check that the bobbin case is aligned straight with the slot—it should not be tilted. If it still will not slide, the case may be bent. Contact a Brother service center or a local sewing machine repair shop to have it checked.