The humble bobbin, an essential part of your machine, but it's also one of the first hurdles many of us face when we first start sewing. When we think about sewing for beginners – this is one of the first steps you'll need to get to grips with.
The very first domestic sewing machines for consumers were introduced in the 1860s and since then the industry has boomed for the home sewist. Today the selection of machines on the market is the biggest it’s ever been with models available to suit every budget. Despite the high price tags on some models, the core of all sewing machines is the same.
When you use a sewing machine, the top thread and a bobbin thread entwine to form a strong stitch that connects two layers of fabric. Threading the machine is the first thing you will need to learn and winding and inserting the bobbin is the part that can slow a lot of beginner sewists down.
In this post we'll explain what a bobbin is, share our tips for how to shop for bobbin thread, and talk you through how to thread a bobbin – alongside how to change, wind and insert one.
By the time you're done with this article you'll be threading bobbins with your eyes closed!
If you're new to sewing, you might also like our guide to how to use a sewing machine. It has lots of useful tips to help you get started!
What is a bobbin?
The "bobbin" is actually the thread holder that feeds the thread on your machine that appears on the underside of each stitch. Modern bobbins for domestic machines are circular with a cylindrical centre and are made from plastic or metal.
The bobbin is wound on a pin at the top of the machine (or sometimes the side) and is then inserted either directly into the machine (drop-in) or inserted into a metal case and then inserted into a compartment underneath the needle plate (front loading).
In this tutorial we’ll show you how to thread and insert a bobbin for both designs of machine. We'll also give you some handy tips for speeding up the sewing process.
