Threading the bobbin on a Brother machine: the step-by-step process
Threading the bobbin on a Brother sewing machine takes about two minutes once you know where to look and what to do. The bobbin is the small spool that holds thread underneath the needle and creates the bottom stitch. On most Brother models, you wind thread onto an empty bobbin first, then insert that wound bobbin into a case that sits under the needle plate. The exact location and method vary slightly between models, but the basic principle is the same across all Brother machines.
This guide covers the most common Brother machines used at home. If your model has a drop-in bobbin (the bobbin sits directly in a round case under the needle plate without a separate bobbin case), the steps are slightly different—check your manual for that specific design. For all other Brother models, follow the steps below.
Key Takeaways
- Wind thread onto an empty bobbin using the bobbin winder on the right side of your machine before you insert it into the bobbin case.
- The bobbin case is a small metal or plastic piece that hangs under the needle plate; you remove it by pressing the release tab or lever on the left side.
- Thread the bobbin case by running thread through the tension spring slot, then under the tension spring, in the order shown on the case itself.
- Insert the bobbin case back under the needle plate with the thread tail pointing toward the back of the machine, then pull up the bobbin thread to lock it in place.
- The most common mistake is threading the bobbin case in the wrong order—follow the arrows or numbers printed on the case, not memory.
Wind the bobbin before you insert it
An empty bobbin is a small plastic or metal spool that looks like a tiny thread spool. Brother machines come with several empty bobbins in the accessory box. Place an empty bobbin on the bobbin winder, which is a small pin or post on the right side of your machine's top surface. Push the bobbin all the way onto the pin until it clicks or seats firmly.
Place your thread spool on the thread stand (the tall post on the left side of the machine). Guide the thread from the spool down to the bobbin winder tension disc—a small metal or plastic piece with a slot. Run the thread through that slot, then wrap it around the bobbin two or three times by hand to anchor it. Press the foot pedal or the start button (depending on your model) and hold the thread end loosely. The bobbin will spin and wind thread onto itself. Stop when the bobbin is full—most machines have an automatic stop that disengages the winder when the bobbin reaches the right thickness, or you can stop manually when the bobbin looks evenly packed.
Remove the bobbin case from under the needle plate
The bobbin case is a small metal or plastic piece shaped like a teardrop or oval that hangs below the needle plate. To remove it, first raise the presser foot (the metal arm that holds fabric down) and raise the needle to its highest position by turning the hand wheel toward you. This prevents the needle from catching the bobbin case as you remove it.
Look on the left side of the bobbin case for a small tab or lever. Press or pull this tab to release the case. The case will swing out or drop down slightly—catch it gently with your hand. Some Brother models have a small latch instead of a tab; if you do not see a tab, look for a lever or button near the case and press it. Once the case is free, set it on a clean surface where you can see the threading path clearly.
Thread the bobbin case in the correct order
The bobbin case has a small slot and a tension spring (a thin metal piece that looks like a curved wire). Most Brother bobbin cases have arrows, numbers, or a diagram printed directly on the case showing the threading path. Read this diagram before you thread—it is your most reliable guide.
The standard threading order is: thread enters the slot first, then passes under the tension spring. Insert your wound bobbin into the case with the thread tail pointing upward. Pull the thread tail and guide it into the slot on the side of the case. Pull the thread under the tension spring—you should feel slight resistance as the spring grips the thread. Pull the thread tail toward the back of the case until about 6 inches hangs free. If your case has a second slot or guide, thread through that as well, following the printed diagram.
The tension spring is what controls how tight the bobbin thread is. If the spring does not grip the thread, the bobbin tension will be too loose and your stitches will look loopy on the back of your fabric. If you thread the case incorrectly, the thread will slip out of the spring and you will have to start over.
Insert the bobbin case back under the needle plate
Hold the bobbin case with the thread tail pointing toward the back of the machine. Slide the case back under the needle plate, aligning the small hook or latch on the case with the slot or opening under the plate. Push the case in until you hear a click or feel it seat firmly. The case should not wiggle or move side to side when it is locked in place.
Once the case is locked, pull the bobbin thread tail gently. You should feel resistance from the tension spring. This confirms the thread is threaded correctly through the case. If the thread pulls out easily with no resistance, remove the case and rethread it, making sure the thread passes under the tension spring.
Pull up the bobbin thread to complete threading
With the bobbin case locked in place and the needle at its highest position, hold the top thread (the thread coming from your spool through the needle) loosely in your left hand. Turn the hand wheel toward you one full rotation. As you turn, the needle will go down and come back up, and it will catch the bobbin thread and pull a loop to the surface.
When the needle comes back up, you should see a loop of bobbin thread on top of the needle plate. Gently pull this loop upward with a needle threader, tweezers, or your fingers until the bobbin thread comes free. You now have both the top thread and the bobbin thread on the surface of the machine. Pull both threads toward the back of the machine and under the presser foot. You are now ready to sew.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is threading the bobbin case in the wrong order. The thread must go into the slot first, then under the tension spring. If you thread it the other way around, the spring will not grip the thread and it will slip out as soon as you start sewing. Always look at the diagram on your bobbin case before you thread.
Another frequent error is not pulling the bobbin thread up to the surface after locking the case. If you start sewing without pulling up the bobbin thread, the needle will tangle with the bobbin thread and you will get a jam or a broken needle. Always turn the hand wheel one full rotation and pull the loop to the surface.
A third mistake is winding the bobbin too full or too loose. If the bobbin is packed too tightly, it will not spin smoothly and your stitches will be uneven. If it is too loose, the thread will slip on the bobbin and you will run out of thread mid-stitch. Wind the bobbin until it looks evenly packed and slightly rounded on the sides, not flat or bulging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the bobbin thread keeps breaking while I sew?
Bobbin thread breaks when the tension is too tight or the bobbin is wound too tightly. First, check that the thread is threaded correctly through the tension spring on the bobbin case—this is the most common cause. If the threading is correct, try winding a new bobbin more loosely. If the problem continues, the tension spring may be bent or damaged; contact a Brother service center for repair.
Can I use a bobbin from a different brand in my Brother machine?
Brother bobbins are designed to fit Brother machines, and using a different brand can cause tension problems or jamming. Stick with Brother bobbins or universal bobbins marked as compatible with your specific Brother model. Check your manual for the correct bobbin type.
How do I know if my bobbin case is threaded correctly?
The thread should pass through the slot and under the tension spring with slight resistance. When you pull the thread tail gently, it should not slide out easily. If it does, the thread is not under the tension spring. Also, when you turn the hand wheel and pull up the bobbin thread loop, it should come free without snagging or breaking.
What if I cannot find the bobbin case release tab?
Some older Brother models have the release mechanism in a different location. Check your machine's manual for the exact location—it may be a lever on the right side, a button on the front, or a latch on the back of the case. If you have lost your manual, Brother's website has downloadable manuals for most models.
Do I need to rethread the bobbin case every time I change thread color?
No. You only need to remove and rethread the bobbin case when you wind a new bobbin with a different color or when you need to clean the case. If you are changing the top thread only, straightforward remove the old spool, place a new one on the thread stand, and rethread the needle—the bobbin case stays in place.