Loading a bobbin
Now that you've mastered threading the upper thread, it's time to learn how to wind and load the bobbin. Below, I provide the fundamental steps for understanding your bobbin. For specific details, consult your machine manual, as some manuals may include illustrated diagrams guiding you through the process.
- Wrap the thread around the front of the bobbin winder thread guide, and then proceed to wrap it around the bobbin in the direction indicated for your specific machine (in this example, clockwise).
- Guide the thread towards the bobbin, wrapping it around the bobbin two or three times in a clockwise direction. Finally, pull the thread through the slit in the base.
- Now, push the bobbin winder to the right until it clicks neatly into place. For some machines, you may need to push the lever toward the stationary bobbin winder instead. Proceed with the next steps based on the type of bobbin your machine uses.
For a top-loading bobbin:
- Remove the bobbin housing cover.
- Place the bobbin into the hole, following the guide for the direction the thread should unwind.
- Slide the thread into the slit. Begin at the front of the opening to ensure the thread passes through the tension-adjusting spring. Follow the path up and around.
- Pull the thread to the end of the path along the tiny thread cutter.
- Hold the bobbin with your finger and pull to cut the thread.
- Replace the bobbin cover, ensuring it is inserted in the proper direction.
- The machine will draw up the bobbin thread on the first stitch.
For a front-loading bobbin:
- Slide the bobbin into the bobbin case, ensuring the thread unwinds in the direction specified in your manual.
- Pull the thread back into the slit and under the thread guide at the top of the case.
- Pull out the small lever on the case to hold the bobbin in place.
- Slide the combined bobbin and bobbin case into the bobbin housing, paying close attention to the fit. It should click into place.
Exploring the Needle Plate:
The needle plate, also known as the throat plate, features helpful markings for sewing precise seams. These markings serve as references for seam allowances.
For most sewing projects, the standard marking at the top for 5⁄8 inch (1.5 cm) is commonly used, except for doll clothes, which typically have a 1⁄4 inch (.6 cm) setting. To aid in fabric alignment, a corresponding line marking is positioned at the front of the plate.
Beneath the foot, you'll find four small rows of metal teeth known as feed dogs. These feed dogs gently guide the fabric under the foot as you sew.