Threading a Kenmore bobbin takes about two minutes once you know where each part goes

A bobbin is the small spool that holds thread underneath your fabric and works together with the top thread to create a stitch. On a Kenmore machine, the bobbin sits inside the bobbin case, which is located under the needle plate (the metal plate your fabric rests on). Threading it correctly means your stitches will look even on both sides of the fabric and your machine won't jam or skip stitches.

The basic process is: wind thread onto an empty bobbin, insert the bobbin into the bobbin case, and guide the thread through the tension spring. The exact location of these parts varies slightly between Kenmore models, but the sequence is the same. This guide covers the most common Kenmore machines — if your model has a front-loading bobbin case (you access it from the front of the machine rather than lifting the needle plate), the steps are identical, just easier to see.

Key Takeaways

  • Wind thread onto the bobbin using the bobbin winder on the side or top of your machine, then cut the thread when the bobbin is full and stops automatically.
  • Remove the bobbin case by unlatching the small clip or lever underneath the needle plate, or by lifting the needle plate itself if your model has a front-loading case.
  • Insert the wound bobbin into the case with the thread end facing the small tension spring, then guide the thread through the spring's slot until you hear or feel it catch.
  • Reinsert the bobbin case under the needle plate and latch it firmly, then pull up the top thread to bring the bobbin thread to the surface before you start sewing.

Wind the bobbin before you thread it

An empty bobbin must be wound with thread first. Locate the bobbin winder on your Kenmore — it is usually a small wheel or spindle on the side of the machine near the top, or on the top of the machine itself. Place an empty bobbin onto the winder spindle and push it to the right until it clicks or seats firmly.

Guide the thread from your spool through the bobbin winder tension disc (a small slot or guide near the spindle), then wrap the thread around the bobbin two or three times by hand. Press the foot pedal or turn the handwheel to start winding. The bobbin will fill automatically and stop when it reaches capacity — do not force it to wind past this point. Cut the thread close to the bobbin and remove it from the winder.

Locate and remove the bobbin case

Raise the presser foot (the metal arm that holds fabric down) and raise the needle to its highest point by turning the handwheel toward you. This prevents the needle from catching the bobbin case as you remove it.

Look under the needle plate for a small metal or plastic case — this is the bobbin case. Most Kenmore machines have a drop-in bobbin case held in place by a small latch or clip on the left side. Gently push or slide this latch to release the case, then lift it straight up and out. If your machine has a front-loading case, you may need to lift the entire needle plate first by pressing a release button or lever near the presser foot.

Insert the bobbin into the case correctly

Hold the bobbin case in one hand with the open side facing you. You will see a small metal or plastic hook inside — this is the tension spring. Place the wound bobbin into the case so it sits flat in the bottom, with the thread end pointing toward the tension spring.

Take the thread end and guide it through the slot in the tension spring. You should feel or hear a slight click or catch as the thread seats in the spring. The thread must pass through this spring or your stitches will be loose and uneven. If the thread does not catch, pull it out and try again — it should slide in smoothly without forcing.

Reinsert the bobbin case and bring up the bobbin thread

Hold the bobbin case by its latch and lower it back into the machine under the needle plate. Push it down until you hear or feel it click into place, then slide the latch back to lock it. The case should sit flush with the machine — if it feels loose or tilted, remove it and reseat it.

Now bring the bobbin thread to the surface. Hold the top thread (the one coming from your spool) gently with one hand. Turn the handwheel toward you one full rotation. As you do, the needle will go down and come back up, and it will catch the bobbin thread and pull a loop to the surface. Gently pull the top thread and the loop will come up — you now have both threads ready to sew.

Common mistakes that cause problems

The most frequent error is threading the bobbin backward — the thread end must face the tension spring, not away from it. If your stitches are loose on the bottom of your fabric, the bobbin thread is usually the culprit, and this is the first thing to check.

Another common mistake is not seating the thread fully in the tension spring. If the thread only rests on top of the spring instead of sliding into the slot, it will not create proper tension. The thread should feel like it is held in place, not just resting there.

Inserting the bobbin case while the needle is down can bend the needle or damage the case. Always raise the needle to its highest point before you remove or reinsert the bobbin case. This takes two seconds and prevents expensive repairs.

What to do if the bobbin keeps jamming

If thread tangles under the fabric or the machine makes grinding sounds, the bobbin is usually wound too loosely or threaded incorrectly. Remove the bobbin case, check that the thread is seated in the tension spring, and reinsert it. If the problem continues, wind a new bobbin — sometimes a bobbin wound too fast or too slow will not feed smoothly.

If you see lint or thread bits inside the bobbin case, clean it out with a small brush or a dry cloth. Lint buildup prevents the bobbin from spinning freely and causes jams. Most Kenmore machines benefit from a quick cleaning every few bobbins, especially if you sew frequently or use dark thread that sheds more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any bobbin in a Kenmore machine?

No. Kenmore machines use specific bobbin sizes — most common models use Class 15 bobbins, but some use Class A or Class L. Check your machine's manual or look at the bobbin case itself, which often has the size printed on it. Using the wrong size will cause the bobbin to sit loose and create tension problems.

What if the bobbin thread breaks while I'm sewing?

Stop sewing when ready and raise the needle. Remove the bobbin case and check that the thread is still seated in the tension spring — it may have slipped out. If the thread is broken, remove the bobbin, wind a new one, and rethread the case. Then bring up the bobbin thread again before you resume.

How tight should the bobbin be wound?

The bobbin should be wound firmly and evenly, with no loose loops or gaps. It should feel solid when you hold it, but you should not have to force the winder to fill it. If the bobbin stops winding before it looks full, it is full enough — do not try to add more thread.

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 when you want to change the bobbin thread color. Changing the top thread alone does not require touching the bobbin.

Why does my bobbin case keep coming loose?

The latch may not be fully engaged. Remove the case and reinsert it, pushing down firmly until you hear a clear click. If the latch itself is bent or broken, it will not hold — contact a Kenmore service center or a local sewing machine repair shop, as the case may need to be replaced.