Installing Sewing Machine Bobbin
Brittany McCrigler and 6 other contributors
Last updated on Feb 20, 2026
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Introduction
Go to step 1 ↓A bobbin is a small spool of thread that feeds the thread for the backside of the stitch. No sewing machine can sew without one. An incorrectly set up bobbin will create tangles in the thread. Bobbin setups vary from machine to machine. This guide shows the process for a Bernina 830, but the process will be similar for most sewing machines, except for those with drop-in bobbins. Refer to your sewing machine’s owner’s manual for specific directions on how to install a bobbin in your machine.
What you need
Tools
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Use your finger to open the bobbin door below the presser foot.
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Align the hole in the bobbin spindle over the peg in the bobbin case.
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Slide the bobbin into the bobbin case, leaving a bit of thread outside the case.
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Take the loose thread end and slide it through the slit on the side of the bobbin case.
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Slide the thread from the slit straight up along the groove and into the open hole on the bobbin case's side.
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Keeping the bobbin in place, turn the bobbin case so that the back is facing you.
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Use your fingernail to lift the lever on the back of the bobbin case. Hold the lever open.
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Holding the bobbin case lever open, insert the bobbin case into the cavity under the presser foot.
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Align the metal arm on the bobbin case so that it sits in the slot in the machine.
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Release the bobbin case.
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2 Guide Comments
Thank you for giving a good detailed answer that I had with the insertion of the bobbin on the sewing machine. I took a crash course today, came home and this evening decided to go through what I had learned and ran into a snag. I was able to overcome what was incorrect. Again, thanks a bunch 🧵
