Wind the bobbin before you thread the needle
On a Janome sewing machine, the bobbin winds on a spindle at the top of the machine, separate from the main threading path. You load empty bobbins onto the winding spindle, engage the bobbin winder mechanism, and let the machine pull thread from your spool while the bobbin spins. The whole process takes two to three minutes and must happen before you thread the needle — a full bobbin underneath is what creates the bottom thread in your seams.
Janome machines have two common bobbin winding setups depending on your model: a horizontal spindle (where the bobbin sits sideways on a pin) or a vertical spindle (where the bobbin stands upright). Both work the same way, but the spindle position changes where you place the empty bobbin and how you position the thread guide.
Key Takeaways
- Empty bobbins go on the bobbin winding spindle at the top of the machine, not into the bobbin case underneath.
- Thread the bobbin winder by running thread through the tension disc and around the bobbin itself before you start winding.
- Push the bobbin winder lever or button to engage it, which disengages the main needle so the bobbin spins instead.
- Wind stops automatically when the bobbin is full, or you can stop manually by releasing the winder lever when the bobbin feels firm.
- A full bobbin takes about two to three minutes and should be wound evenly without lumps or loose spots.
Locate the bobbin winding spindle and load an empty bobbin
Open the top of your Janome machine and look toward the back right corner. You will see a metal pin or spindle — this is where the bobbin winds. The spindle may point sideways (horizontal) or straight up (vertical) depending on your model. Check your machine's manual if you are unsure which type you have.
Take an empty bobbin and slide it onto the spindle. If the spindle is horizontal, the bobbin sits like a wheel on a pin. If the spindle is vertical, the bobbin stands upright on the pin. Make sure the bobbin sits all the way down and does not wobble. Some Janome models have a small metal or plastic cap that holds the bobbin in place — slide this cap over the bobbin if your machine has one.
Thread the bobbin winder through the tension disc
Pull thread from your spool (the same thread you plan to use for sewing) and guide it toward the bobbin winder area. Most Janome machines have a small tension disc or thread guide marked for bobbin winding — it is usually a slot or notch near the top of the machine, separate from the main needle threading path.
Insert the thread through this tension disc or guide. The thread should sit snugly in the slot so it has slight resistance as it feeds to the bobbin. This tension keeps the thread wound evenly and prevents loose or bunched spots. If your machine has a bobbin winder tension dial, you do not need to adjust it — Janome sets these at the factory for standard thread.
After threading the tension disc, wrap the thread around the bobbin itself one or two times by hand. This anchors the thread so it catches when the bobbin starts spinning. Some Janome models have a small thread guide arm that does this automatically — if yours has one, straightforward lay the thread in the guide.
Engage the bobbin winder and start winding
Look for the bobbin winder lever or button on your machine. On most Janome models, this is a small lever on the right side of the bobbin winding spindle that you push or pull to engage the winder. Some newer models have a button instead. When you move the lever or press the button, it disengages the needle mechanism so the bobbin spins instead of the needle moving up and down.
Once the winder is engaged, press the foot pedal or start button to begin winding. The bobbin will spin and pull thread from your spool. Watch the first few rotations to make sure the thread is feeding smoothly and winding evenly around the bobbin. If the thread is bunching or winding unevenly, stop the machine, re-thread the tension disc, and try again.
Stop when the bobbin is full
Most Janome machines have an automatic stop feature that cuts power to the bobbin winder when it senses the bobbin is full. You will hear a click or feel the machine slow down. When this happens, release the foot pedal and the winding stops.
If your machine does not have an automatic stop, or if you want to stop before the bobbin is completely full, release the foot pedal and push the bobbin winder lever back to its original position. This re-engages the needle mechanism. Remove the bobbin from the spindle — it should feel firm and full, with thread wound evenly from end to end. If you see lumps, gaps, or loose thread, the bobbin may not be wound correctly and should be rewound.
Trim the thread and load the bobbin into the case
Cut the thread between the spool and the bobbin with scissors or use the thread cutter on your machine if it has one. Leave a short tail of thread (about two inches) sticking out from the bobbin — this helps when you insert the bobbin into the case and pull up the bobbin thread later.
Take the full bobbin to the bobbin case underneath the needle plate. Open the case by unlatching the small metal or plastic cover on the front of the machine. Insert the bobbin into the case with the thread tail pointing toward the slot in the case. The bobbin should sit flat and spin freely. Close the case cover until you hear it click.
Troubleshooting common bobbin winding problems
If the bobbin is winding unevenly or the thread is bunching, the tension disc may be threaded incorrectly or the bobbin may not be seated properly on the spindle. Stop the machine, remove the bobbin, and re-thread the tension disc. Make sure the thread is sitting in the slot, not riding over the edge. Reload the bobbin and try again.
If the bobbin stops winding before it feels full, the automatic stop may have triggered early. This can happen if thread is caught or if the bobbin is not aligned properly. Remove the bobbin, check that nothing is blocking the spindle, and wind again. If the automatic stop keeps triggering too early, your machine may need cleaning or adjustment — consult your manual or contact a Janome service center.
If thread is slipping or not winding at all, the bobbin may be damaged or the spindle may be worn. Try a different bobbin. If a new bobbin still does not wind, the spindle or winder mechanism may need service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any bobbin on my Janome machine?
No. Janome makes several bobbin sizes and styles, and using the wrong one can cause tension problems or damage the bobbin case. Check your machine's manual for the correct bobbin type. Most modern Janome machines use Class A or Class M bobbins, but older models may use different sizes. Buy bobbins directly from Janome or a authorized dealer to be sure.
How tight should the bobbin be wound?
The bobbin should be wound firmly and evenly, with no gaps or loose spots, but not so tight that the thread is stretched. When you hold the full bobbin, it should feel solid and the thread should not move when you tug gently. If the bobbin feels soft or spongy, it is under-wound. If the thread looks stretched or the bobbin is hard to turn by hand, it is over-wound.
What if my bobbin winder does not have an automatic stop?
Older Janome models may not have automatic stops. Wind until the bobbin feels firm and full, then release the foot pedal and disengage the winder lever. You can also stop by hand — just watch the bobbin and stop when it looks full. It takes practice to judge when to stop, so err on the side of slightly under-wound rather than over-wound.
Do I need to rewind bobbins or can I throw them away?
Janome bobbins are reusable plastic spools designed to be wound many times. You can wind the same bobbin over and over until it cracks or wears out. Most sewers keep four to six full bobbins on hand so they always have a wound bobbin ready while one is being used. Bobbins are inexpensive, so buying a few extras is practical.
Why is my bobbin thread loose or bunching in my seams?
Loose or bunched bobbin thread usually means the bobbin was wound unevenly or the tension disc was not threaded correctly. Rewind the bobbin, making sure the thread runs through the tension disc and is anchored to the bobbin before winding starts. If the problem continues after rewinding, the bobbin case tension may need adjustment — this requires a screwdriver and is best done by a service technician.