Understanding the Benefits of Bobbin Winders

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Having to stop in the middle of a sewing project to wind a bobbin can be frustrating. ZJ Humbach shares a way that she likes to avoid that by using a bobbin winder to wind several bobbins ahead of time.

Bobbin Winders Explained

There are several different brands and styles of bobbin winders available at many fabric and craft stores today. ZJ shares her favorite one to use and explains why she likes to have one that can be plugged in as well as runs on batteries. She then shows how easy they are to open up and use. On most bobbin winders it will be fairly easy to see where the thread is placed as well as where the bobbin is placed.

ZJ shows that the correct thread path from the thread to the bobbin is usually clearly marked on the bobbin winder. Once you have everything in place and threaded you can simply push a button and wind the bobbin. ZJ explains that she like to sit and wind five to ten bobbins before starting a large project to eliminate the need to unthread the machine while sewing to wind an empty bobbin.

Winding a Bobbin

ZJ shows that a bobbin wound using a bobbin winder looks just as good as a pre wound bobbin, and also looks just as good as a bobbin wound on a machine. She also explains why she likes to use the bobbin winder as opposed to winding a bobbin on her machine or through the needle, as there is a small change you could damage parts of a sewing machine by bending the needle.

While bobbin winders can be used to wind general sewing thread onto a bobbin, it you are doing a technique known as bobbin work where you use a thicker thread, yarn or ribbon in the bobbin you will still want to wind that bobbin by hand.

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9 Responses to “Understanding the Benefits of Bobbin Winders”

  1. Troyphotographer

    My wife bought me one of these. Seems ever brand is the same. I think it is the quality of the materials in the different brands is what makes each brand unique. Anyway my wife saw a Spimplicty brand one for $15.99 on sale at Walmart a few months ago. I love it. I am a big man with big hands and this device was easy even for me to use. It will save a lot of needless wear and tear on my machine as well as being super convenient as ZJ said. I am just mentioning additional benefits to one of these wonderful machines. Thank you for making and presenting this very informative video.

  2. Regina

    When I 1st saw a bobbin winder, I was in my constant frugal mode, it was a snap decision I didn't need one. When I finally tried one all I can say is wow! I love mine & use it for every project. You don't need to quit your project to wind bobbins. I also use it to wind embroidery thread for my crazy quilt projects as a take-along thread.

  3. Hadassah Gold

    I'm getting the Berninna 770QE with Embroidery Module . Will this fit my xtra large bobbin. BTW My new machine will stop automatically when the bobbin runs out.

  4. Martha M M Nel

    what is the cost?

  5. Lynn

    The SideWinder does NOT work with Viking bobbins, despite the description. I had to return mine.

  6. kathleen koepke

    The bobbin winder is a wonderful tool! Husband bought it as a gift. Use it all the time.

  7. Kumarie Samlal-Mangos

    Perfect Little Gadget Since I am a collector of Singer Sewing Items this was one of my favorite item to have when testing machines. Excellent for your sewing room or travel.

  8. Laurie

    Joslyn, Both of my pfaffs have bobbins that can be wound using the sidewinder. But for me this brings up the fact that industrial machines have a bobbin winder on the side so it will wind while sewing. Love the industrial mchines.( - ;

  9. joslyn

    Hi. Will the sidewinder work with the specialized Pfaff bobbins? Thanks.

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