Projects on the H O R I Z O N Issue 4 How to Wind a Great Bobbin Bobbins that are loosely wound, like the one shown above, can create stitch problems. They also run out much sooner, because they arenʼt completely full. Letʼs see how to prevent this problem!
Projects on the H O R I Z O N Page 2 The first step in successful bobbin winding is threading the machine for that purpose. If you use the horizontal spool pin, as shown here, be sure to have a cap that just covers the end of the spool. For smaller spools, such as the Mettler Metrosene shown here, be sure to use the small cap. Using the large cap will cause the thread to pull out to the side too much and can cause problems. If you are using the optional spool stand to hold your thread, be sure to put the thread through the clip which plugs into the square hole at the front of the machine. This helps to guide the thread and prevent tangling. We recommend using only Janome bobbins. Part number 102261103 is a special formula bobbin with a little rubber mixed in. They run quiet and smooth. Avoid the so-called universal bobbins sold in the fabric chains. They are universally wrong for most machines.
Projects on the H O R I Z O N Page 3 Next take the thread through the dotted line path embossed on the machine. We have highlighted the path here in red. Following this path is critically important, as it will ensure that the thread has the correct amount of tension on it as it winds on the bobbin. Continue to follow the marked path as shown. This will allow the thread to slide under the tension clip, making for a smooth and even wind.
Projects on the H O R I Z O N Page 4 After threading through the rear path, hold both ends and gently pull on the thread to make sure it snaps firmly into the tension. When properly threaded, you should feel a slight resistance when you pull the thread coming out of the bobbin tension area.
Projects on the H O R I Z O N Page 5 Now itʼs time to thread the bobbin for winding. Start by passing the free end of the thread through the hole in the top of the bobbin. The traditional method of winding a bobbin is to hold the free end of the thread coming out of the hole while winding. Eventually that thread may twist off, leading you to believe itʼs ready to use. Unfortunately it often untwists and comes crawling out of the hole to cause problems. To prevent that weʼre going to pass the free end through the large hole in the center of the bobbin, leaving a short length sticking out.
Projects on the H O R I Z O N Page 6 Snap the bobbin onto the winding spindle as shown. Donʼt fret over the tail that is sticking out on the bottom. As long as it is no longer than the one shown here, everything will be fine. Push the bobbin spindle toward the right to engage the winder. Proceed with winding the bobbin, either by pressing the foot control all the way down, or by unplugging the foot control and pressing the START/STOP button. Once the bobbin stops turning, itʼs full. Stop the machine at this point. If you have used the START/STOP button to wind, and have gone to make coffee, be aware that letting the machine continue to run in bobbin winding mode is not a great idea. While the machine will stop after 2 minutes, running when the bobbin is no longer turning can lead to premature wear of the internal parts of the bobbin winder. That, in turn, can lead to noisy winding, uneven bobbins, or worse.
Projects on the H O R I Z O N Page 7 Once the bobbin has completed winding, push the stem to the left and remove the bobbin. Cut the thread with the provided cutter. Note: If the bobbin is not as full as youʼd like, have your machine technician adjust it. Yes, you can do that yourself by loosening the screw and moving the stopper, but itʼs a fiddly adjustment. Fill too much and the thread will fall below the bobbin and wrap the spindle. Leave the screw loose, and the nut behind it will fall into the machine. Remember that thread you put down through the center of the bobbin? Pull it out now so it extends out of the top of the bobbin.
Projects on the H O R I Z O N Page 8 This last step is perhaps the most important in the whole process. Using small, sharp scissors snip off that thread coming out of the top of the bobbin as close to the bobbin surface as you can. The reason this step is so important is that the needle thread can catch this tail as well as the free end of the bobbin thread. That will very quickly lead to scary noises and possible machine damage. In effect the machine will be trying to pull the bobbin through the hole in the needle plate. Donʼt leave a tail! What if your bobbin isnʼt wound evenly? Itʼs tight, but the thread is wound in a cone shape instead of a nice even cylinder. One possible cause could be that one or more feet are not stowed in the tray on top of the machine correctly. Thereʼs not much space between the thread path and the feet, and a foot thatʼs just a little crooked in itʼs pocket can catch the thread and mess up the wind. Itʼs also possible that you have a bobbin thatʼs broken or cracked. They donʼt last forever! Itʼs also possible that the winding tensioner needs adjusting. This is done with the screw shown in the bottom picture on page 3. Start winding a bobbin, then turn the screw in one direction, no more than ¼ turn. If it starts winding more evenly, turn a little more until itʼs right. Obviously if it gets worse, you need to turn in the opposite direction. Donʼt turn more than ½ turn in either direction! If you turn too far you can disable the tensioner completely, and then youʼll need a trip to the service tech. Use a flat blade screwdriver with a ¼ blade.
Projects on the H O R I Z O N Page 9 What About Speed? For just about all threads set the speed control on the front of your machine all the way to the right. If using the foot control, press it all the way to the floor. This will give you a nice, tight and full bobbin. There is one exception to this rule. The exception is monofilament thread, also known as clear or invisible thread. For this type of bobbin set the speed control all the way to the left. This type of thread must be wound S-L-O-W-L-Y or it will stretch and pull the bobbin core down so tight on the spindle that you cannot remove the bobbin. It can also cause a bobbin to break, or even explode!