Threading the bobbin is the first step before you sew

A bobbin is the small spool that holds thread underneath your fabric. On a Kenmore machine, the bobbin sits in a case below the needle plate and creates the bottom thread that locks with your top thread to form a stitch. Threading it correctly takes about two minutes once you know where the parts are and which direction the thread goes.

The exact steps depend on whether your Kenmore has a front-loading bobbin case (the case swings out from the front) or a top-loading bobbin (the bobbin drops straight down from above). Most modern Kenmore machines use top-loading, but some older models use front-loading. Check your machine's manual or look at the needle plate area to see which type you have.

Key Takeaways

  • Wind thread onto an empty bobbin using the bobbin winder on the side of your machine before you thread it into the case.
  • On top-loading machines, drop the wound bobbin straight down into the case with the thread tail pointing toward the tension spring.
  • On front-loading machines, insert the bobbin case into the machine at a 45-degree angle, then rotate it flat until it clicks.
  • Pull the bobbin thread up through the needle plate slot to bring it to the surface before you start sewing.
  • If thread breaks or stitches look loose, the bobbin is usually wound too tight or threaded incorrectly.

Wind the bobbin before you thread it

You cannot thread an empty bobbin. First, you need to wind thread onto it using your machine's bobbin winder—a small wheel or spindle on the side or top of your Kenmore. Place an empty bobbin onto the winder shaft, then guide your top thread around the tension disc on the winder (usually a small metal or plastic piece near the winder). Snap the bobbin onto the winder shaft until it clicks.

Press the foot pedal or hold down the start button (depending on your model) while guiding the thread with your fingers to keep it even. Stop when the bobbin is full—most machines have an automatic shutoff that stops the winder when the bobbin reaches the right thickness. If your machine does not have an automatic shutoff, stop when the bobbin looks full but not overstuffed. Trim the thread tail and remove the bobbin.

Threading a top-loading bobbin (most modern Kenmore machines)

Raise the presser foot (the metal arm that holds fabric down). This opens the tension discs and makes it easier to insert the bobbin. Locate the bobbin case—a small round or oval chamber directly under the needle plate. On most Kenmore machines, you access it by lifting the needle plate or looking straight down from above.

Hold the wound bobbin with the thread tail pointing to the right or toward the tension spring (a small metal clip inside the case). Drop the bobbin straight down into the case so it sits flat. The thread tail should slide into the slot next to the tension spring. Pull the thread tail gently to make sure it is seated in the tension spring—you should feel a slight resistance.

Threading a front-loading bobbin case (older Kenmore models)

On front-loading machines, the entire bobbin case swings out from the front of the machine. Locate the small latch or lever on the left side of the needle plate area and pull it toward you. The case will swing out on a hinge. Hold the case in one hand and insert the wound bobbin into it, with the thread tail pointing toward the tension spring (a small metal clip inside the case).

Guide the thread tail into the slot next to the tension spring, then swing the case back into the machine at a 45-degree angle. Rotate it clockwise until it sits flat and clicks into place. The latch should close automatically. If it does not click, the case is not fully seated—remove it and try again.

Bring the bobbin thread to the surface

Once the bobbin is threaded and seated, you need to bring the bobbin thread up through the needle plate so it is ready to lock with the top thread. Hold the top thread in one hand and turn the hand wheel (the large wheel on the right side of the machine) toward you one full rotation. This lowers and raises the needle, which pulls the bobbin thread up through the slot in the needle plate.

Look at the needle plate and you should see a loop of thread coming up. Use a seam ripper or small hook to pull this loop up and out of the slot. You now have both the top thread and the bobbin thread above the needle plate. Hold both threads to the side or behind the presser foot before you start sewing—this prevents them from tangling.

Troubleshoot if the bobbin is not threading correctly

If the bobbin thread will not come up through the needle plate, the bobbin is usually not seated properly. Remove the bobbin, check that the thread tail is in the tension spring slot, and reinsert it. Make sure the bobbin case clicks or latches fully into place.

If stitches look loose or thread breaks while you sew, the bobbin may be wound too tightly or the thread may not be in the tension spring. Rewind the bobbin at a slower speed and make sure the thread is threaded through the tension spring, not just sitting next to it. If you are still having trouble, check your machine's manual for your specific model number—some older Kenmore machines have slightly different bobbin cases.

When to call a professional

If the bobbin case is cracked, the tension spring is bent, or the bobbin will not stay seated no matter how many times you reinsert it, the machine may need repair. A sewing machine technician can replace a damaged bobbin case or tension spring. If you have tried threading the bobbin three times and stitches still look wrong, a technician can also check whether the needle is bent or the timing is off—both of which affect how the bobbin thread locks with the top thread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bobbin from a different brand in my Kenmore?

Most universal bobbins work in Kenmore machines, but metal bobbins and plastic bobbins are not interchangeable—check what type came with your machine. Using the wrong type can cause the bobbin to sit at the wrong height and create tension problems. If you are unsure, buy a bobbin labeled for Kenmore or ask at a fabric store.

What if the bobbin thread keeps breaking?

Thread breaks usually mean the bobbin is wound too tightly, the thread is not in the tension spring, or the bobbin case has a rough edge. Try rewinding the bobbin more loosely, checking that the thread is seated in the tension spring, and running your finger inside the bobbin case to feel for burrs. If the case feels rough, it may need to be replaced.

How tight should the bobbin be wound?

The bobbin should be full but not hard to turn by hand. If you have to squeeze the bobbin to wind it or it feels rock-solid, it is too tight. Wind it at a slower speed and stop when it looks full but still has a little give when you press it gently.

Do I need to rethread the bobbin every time I change the top thread color?

No. The bobbin thread and top thread are separate, so you only need to rethread the bobbin when it runs out of thread or you want to change the bobbin color. Most sewers keep the same bobbin thread for many projects unless they are doing decorative work where the bobbin shows.