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How to Wind a Bobbin

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How to Wind a Bobbin

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A bobbin is a small spool, usually made of plastic or metal, that holds the lower thread in a sewing machine. It works together with the top thread to form each stitch.

Make sure to use the proper kind of bobbin for your machine or tool.

The Patagonia® Expedition Sewing Awl uses a Class 15 bobbin to hold thread.

Follow this guide to add new thread to a bobbin using a sewing machine or a bobbin winder.

Return to the Patagonia Care & Repair homepage.

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    1. How to Wind a Bobbin, Gather materials: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 How to Wind a Bobbin, Gather materials: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 How to Wind a Bobbin, Gather materials: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
      • You'll need:

      • A sewing machine or bobbin winder

      • An empty bobbin (compatible with your machine or tool)

      • A spool of thread

      • Your sewing machine or bobbin winder manual (optional, but helpful, especially for first-timers!)

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      • Place the bobbin onto the bobbin winder pin.

      • Place the spool of thread onto the spool pin.

      • Secure the spool with a cap if your machine uses one.

      • Guide the thread through the thread path and tension discs, following your machine's manual.

      • This step is essential for maintaining proper tension during winding.

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      • Attach the thread to the bobbin:

      • If the bobbin has a hole, thread the end through it from the inside out.

      • If the bobbin doesn't have a hole, wrap the thread around the bobbin manually a few times in the direction it will spin.

      • Turn on the machine if it's not already on.

      • Engage the bobbin winder by pushing the bobbin pin to the right or pressing a knob, depending on your machine.

      • Some bobbin winders will start automatically. Others will require you to engage the foot pedal.

      • Hold the thread tail for the first few seconds, then let go once it’s secure.

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      • The bobbin will spin and fill with thread.

      • Most machines stop automatically when the bobbin is full. If you want to stop the winder or if you run out of thread, disengage the bobbin pin.

      • Cut the thread and remove the bobbin.

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      • The ideal bobbin has:

      • Uniform distribution: The thread should be wound in smooth, uniform layers across the entire bobbin. There are no peaks, dips, or bunching in the middle or at the edges.

      • Firm tension: The thread should be tight and compact. Each layer lies flat and smooth without loops or tangles.

      • Proper fill level: When full, the thread shouldn't extend past the rim of the bobbin.

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    2. How to Wind a Bobbin, Troubleshooting: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 How to Wind a Bobbin, Troubleshooting: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
      • Loosely wound: A messy bobbin leads to messy sewing. The bobbin must be wound tightly and with consistent tension to function properly—this applies whether you're using a sewing machine or an Expedition Sewing Awl. Unwind the bobbin, re-thread the machine, and try again. Make sure the thread passes through all tension guides.

      • Not winding: Make sure the machine is in bobbin mode. This may involve flipping a switch or pressing a knob. On some machines, the foot pedal must be pressed to activate the winder.

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Spencer Pennington

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