What Size Bobbins Do I Need?

While most sewing machines come with a bobbin or two when you purchase them, you may want to buy extra or have the need to replace them at some point in the future. ZJ Humbach explains that there are many different types, styles, and sizes of bobbins available and discusses why it is important to ensure that you are getting the correct size for your machine.

Bobbin Sizes, Types, and Styles

ZJ begins by showing some of the most commonly found sizes, styles, and types of bobbins. The smaller bobbin sizes are used in conventional sewing machines while the larger bobbins are used in longarm machines. She also shows some of the subtle size differences between the bobbins used in conventional sewing machines and explains why it can cause stitch quality and other issues if you do not use the correct size for your machine.

Next, ZJ talks about some of the different bobbin types available, from plastic to metal, and gives tips on whether you should use them in your machine or not. While most machines come with plastic bobbins, metal ones can generally be used in those machines as long as they are the correct size. She also shares tips on how to ensure that your bobbins are always in good shape. If you drop a bobbin, whether it is plastic or metal, there is a chance that the bobbin could chip or bend, which could cause stitch quality or other serious issues with your machine. For this reason, proper bobbin storage is important.

ZJ then discusses some of the different prewound bobbin options available today, or you can learn how to wind a bobbin on your own. She shows that you can get them ones that are made of plastic or metal as well as ones with paper sides. ZJ shows how to remove the paper sides from the bobbins before use and explains why it would be necessary to do so.