Would love to hear comments on the use of metal bobbins. The plastic bobbins varies in size. On advice from my dealer I do not make use of pre wound bobbins but wind bobbins on my machine. Sometimes the plastic bobbins seems to be a bit smaller which causes a vibration and perhaps breakage or crows nest at the bottom. The metal bobbins seems to be a bit bigger and fits my machine perfectly. Is there any reason for not using the metal ones as they do not seemed to be sold by my dealer.

Seems each machine has its own preference to bobbin and thread. Be sure to purchase the appropriate size. My dealer very clearly stated that any bobbin other than the HV brand would NOT work in my machine because of the curvature of the top side. Well, I have been more than satisfied with the plastic-sided prewounds I purchased. Only drawback is that I cannot rewind them on my machine. I also have done the math and it is less expensive for me to use prewounds.

1 comment

by eleen 13 Oct 2013

I think that was my problem. I bought the last set of bobbins from a shop that carries more than 1 brand assuming they will fit but they are curved and too small.

I have a Brother PC8500D machine, my first machine purchased many years ago, that I have only used clear-sided plastic NEBS pre-wound bobbins on, since day one! No problems, whatsoever, and I enjoy the convenience of not needing to wind bobbins. I now have a commercial machine that uses paper-sided pre-wound ones, and without any issues! I say a big "Hoorah" for pre-wound bobbins!!
Hugs, Angel

1 comment

by eleen 13 Oct 2013

Thank you - As long as I prewind the bobbins upfront it is not really a big hassle. But then to me it is just a hobby and it is not as if I do projects all day. Might add it is on my bucket list to one day retire doing my hobby more on a full time basis and then for sure I would love to have a commercial machine. ***

I think your dealer is right,winding your own bobbins always gives you a better tension. have been doing machine embroidering for 17yrs and use metal bobbins and always the same bobbin thread.My machine at the moment(7yrs) is a Brother Innovis700 and the bobbins I use are the same as on my ELNA sewing machine (the much older ones)

2 comments

by eleen 13 Oct 2013

So if I understand you correctly - you do use the metal bobbins. Thanks for the advice. I know you are from South Africa, whereabouts? :)

by yvonnevanwerkhoven 14 Oct 2013

Pretoria Mountain View

I have brother machines. LOVE prewounds on plastic bobbins - no problem using them (and reusing the bobbins for matching colors for lace, etc. later). If you have the shorter prewounds there should be a little pin (sometimes called a top hat) that fits in the bobbin case and then the bobbin goes on it and sets it at the right height to flow smoothly. Definitely worth a try to see if they work. Prewounds have much more thread than you can do on your machine (or on a stand-alone bobbin winder) so you don't have to change so often.

1 comment

by eleen 13 Oct 2013

Thanks :)

If you get the proper size prewound bobbin for your machine you should not have any problems. Nesting underneath the project means there is a problem with the upper thread. Give the prewounds a chance before you rule them out as they have much more thread on them so last longer. I have HV Diamond and HV Ruby Deluxe and use prewounds in both with no problems. Hugs. Nan

1 comment

by eleen 13 Oct 2013

Thank you - might just consider it - currently using a big cone of bobbin thread which I from a cost point of view first would like to finish. I've always had lots of stock but are now starting to run out of thread etc and probably because our weak currency the items tend to get more expensive. Maybe it is that I need all the stuff at the same time (505 spray, avavlon, thread etc). The dealer said that if you wind your own bobbins you will always be sure that the same tension will apply which is more positive for the machine. To me it made perfect sense.

I think it would be helpful if we know what brand and model machine you have. I have Babylock machines, both a multi-needle and 2 sewing/embroidery machines. I do not use metal bobbins in any of my machines. I do use prewound bobbins in both machines and I have had no trouble with the prewound bobbins. I do not use metal bobbins at all. You might need to use a little disk to raise up the prewound bobbin a tiny bit so it fits better. Check your manual on this if you haven't already. If so, you should already have the disk in your tool box that comes with the machine. But a bird's nest at the bottom usually indicates something is wrong with the upper threading. Try running a length of unwaxed sental floss through the upper threading just as if you were threading the machine. Don't thread the needle with it. Just pull it through and throw it away. The dental floss will dislodge and bits of thread or lint that has collected. I do hope you find the problem and get it fixed quickly.

2 comments

by eleen edited 13 Oct 2013

Thanks I have a Elna equal to Janome. After I asked the question I also started to browse the internet as well and came across an interesting article at http://www.theuniversalthreadhold...
I would have loved to use the metal bobbins as I have a lot of them but apparently there might be magnets in the drop down bobbin holder which may cause problems if a metal bobbin is used. Will have to wait for the shops to open as I bought the incorrect size last time around. I like to wind 10 to 20 at a time. hate to do it in between project.

by eleen 13 Oct 2013

Interesting that when you edit the words seems to get stuck to each other. Sorry it is not a typo error.