Are Sewing Machine Bobbins Universal?

Bobbins are considered to be one of the four crucial components of a sewing machine. For you to achieve a good stitch, you should use the right bobbin for your machine. The number one question that sewers usually ask is, ‘are sewing machine bobbins universal?’ Well, I’ve answered that for you here.

No. Sewing machine bobbins are not universal, so you won’t be able to use them in any sewing machine. Bobbins have specific make and model or even the sewing machine brand. Using the wrong bobbin will have negative effects on your project.

The bobbin’s role is to hold the thread or other material you need for your sewing project. In this article, I will discuss whether sewing machine bobbing is universal or interchangeable. Aside from that, you will know the importance of a bobbin on a machine, the role of a bobbin on a machine, and how you can determine the right size to use.

Sewing Machine Bobbins: Universal or Interchangeable?

One of the big misconceptions when it comes to sewing machine bobbins is that they are interchangeable or universal. Every machine has a bobbin area that should be the bobbin itself. If there is the slightest difference between the bobbin and the machine, then it can lead to big problems.

There are two different bobbins used in machines: plastic and metal. When a sewing machine uses plastic bobbins, the tension value differs from metal ones. If you switch the two, then you can lose tension. It will lead to losing balance and will mess up any stitching you do.

If your bobbin is too tall, it can alter the stitch, leading to negative formation. The same thing goes for the drop-in bobbins. Make sure that you use bobbins the manufacturers say to use. It will ensure that nothing disrupts the performance.

Bobbins are considered to be accessories. Almost all manufacturers advertise them as separate products, while some include them as a promotional package. However, promotional packages are not that popular now.

When it comes to bobbins, they are an integral part of the sewing machine package. Without it, it won’t work the way you want it to work.

Types of Sewing Machine Bobbin

As mentioned above, the two types of sewing machine bobbins are metal and plastic. They have the same opening, and the size, as well as the spool opening, is crucial when selecting the right bobbin. Here are some of the standard pool sizes available:

• Standard
• Jumbo
• Extra Jumbo

The Plastic Vs. The Metal Material

Most bobbins look similar when it comes to the structure and material. You can either use metal or plastic on your sewing machine, depending on what matches your machine. For older vintage machines, plastic bobbins may not be compatible.

You can use them at first, but the longer you use them, the loser they will be. The reason for this is that they will have plenty of jerking motion. It will lead to imperfect stitches and can get pulled up while you are using it.

Aside from that, you can see visible differences when it comes to tension. Now, even if plastic bobbins are compatible with your old vintage machine, performance will not be as quality. There is also a chance for an issue to happen while you’re sewing.

With modern machines, plastic bobbins will work well due to their design. Manufacturers will make products that are diverse and compatible. It is always best to have some extra thread on plastic bobbins.

Doing this will ensure that the bobbin is heavier and will reduce the jerking around while you work on your sewing project.

Compared to plastic bobbins, metal is more durable and sturdy. The same issues can happen in metal and plastic bobbins which are liable to move if they are empty. However, metal is still a great alternative when it comes to old vintage machines as they are heavier than plastic.

Importance of Choosing the Right Sewing Machine Bobbin

Now, it can be frustrating to try to find the right sewing machine bobbin in your supply store. You might find yourself running from one shelf to another to find the right one. You might also find yourself breaking your machine into pieces when you don’t have the right bobbin.

Buying bobbins can take a toll on your budget, so ensuring that you have selected the right one will save you money in the long run. It will help avoid any thread tangling or prevent the needle from breaking.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it is best to pay attention to the bobbin you use on your machine to avoid problems like this.

Everything You Need to Know About a Bobbin

The bobbin comes in a small wood, plastic, or metal wheel. It has a reel design, and its main purpose is to hold the thread whenever you are sewing. There is a designated space on your sewing machine that is cylindrical and can wrap the thread on it.

Now, there is plenty of bobbin winder mechanism that you can use to wind the thread. However, other sewers choose to do this manually, which is taking out the bobbin, winding the thread, and putting the bobbin back into the machine.

Bobbins are detachable, and the machine will catch the bottom thread placed on the bobbin. It is also a crucial part of the sewing process; without it, you won’t be able to sew properly. Whenever you create a stitch, it will all depend on the bobbin.

The most overlooked part of a sewing machine is the bobbin. Even though it may sound insignificant, it is not the case.

Role of a Bobbin: What’s Their Role in a Sewing Machine

Bobbins hold the thread or yard that you will be using in your sewing project. Now, it doesn’t mean it will only hold these two materials, but it can also hold thin materials such as ones used for weaving.

The bobbin will push the thread up and go through the plat, then connect at the top of the thread. It operates as a part of the machine and works well with the spool holder. The bobbin will hold the thread from the side or the top.

The spool holder’s role is to secure the bobbin from underneath. It creates an anchor for the thread you’ll be using for your sewing project. With this process, it will lead to making the stitches that you want to happen.

Using the Right Bobbins: What You Should Know

All sewing machine manufacturers include bobbins with their accessories. When you buy a new machine, you will get a bobbin that’s designated for your sewing machine. Manufacturers like Elna, Kenmore, or Janome use the same type of bobbins.

The Bernina model only uses one of the two types of bobbins available on the market. If you have the older machines, there are about seven or eight different types of bobbins that you can use.

Now, just because you own a particular machine brand doesn’t mean you would use the same bobbin. For you to determine the type of bobbin to use, you would need to check your manual or local sewing machine dealer.

Generic or After-Market: Is It a Good Choice?

There are plenty of notions that companies offer ‘generic’ bobbins that cost less than what the manufacturers offer. Now, these types of bobbins will work just fine as long as they fit your machine. So, before you buy one, make sure that you check with your machine’s manual first.

Some bobbins are less than half the price of a genuine bobbin, and they work just fine. Genuine bobbins are not expensive, so it is best to use them instead. It is still the best option since the manufacturers themselves make it.

Determining the Sizes of Sewing Machine Bobbin

Choosing the bobbin size can be extremely difficult. The best way to check the size that you look at its thickness. There are some bobbins that are easy to pinpoint because they are thinner than the other ones on the market.

For those who know the type and class of their sewing machine, they can try each type of bobbin and see what works for the machine. Most machine uses L-class bobbins, and their size is about ¾ inches.

When you have plenty of bobbins lying around, make sure that you find a way to mark and store them properly. Doing this will make sure that you can use them in your future projects. One of the ways that you can organize your bobbin is through color grading.

You can categorize the bobbin size by colors by placing them in their own containers. Lastly, you can use nail polish to mark your bobbins. Place a small dot on each one and use different colors that way, you would know where to use what.

Final Thoughts

Bobbins are small and not that noticeable in your sewing machines, but they play a big role when it comes to your sewing projects. This is the part of your machine where it holds the thread. Most questions that sewers ask are if they are universal. Unfortunately, they’re not. You would have to use the manufacturer’s bobbin in your machine for it to work properly on your sewing projects.