Thread Getting Caught In Bobbin Area – Reasons & Solutions

When working with a sewing machine, one of the biggest problems encountered is when your thread keeps getting stuck in the bobbin area. It is frustrating for both professionals and newbies.

There are many reasons why threads keep getting caught in the bobbin area. There are also, ready solutions to get you back to sewing as fast as possible. Thread getting caught in the bobbin area is a common problem. Thus, it is easy to resolve without having to call for professional assistance.

Why Does My Thread Keep Getting Caught In The Bobbin Area

1. The Thread In The Bobbin May Have A Knot

One of the main reasons why your threads keep getting caught in the bobbin area is that your thread may have formed a knot.

When you thread your bobbin, it happens so fast and almost automatically. You can’t know when your thread knots. You will then place the bobbin in its position and start sewing. Once the knot area is reached, your thread will be caught in the bobbin area.

You will then cut off the top thread and check whatever is happening in the bobbin area.

So, how will you solve your thread forming a knot in the bobbin area?

Step 1. When a thread is caught in the bobbin area and your sewing machine jams, cut off the top thread from the sewing machine. This ensures that you keep your fabric in good condition.

Step 2. Open the bobbin case, pull out your bobbin and check your bobbin thread for knots. Knots prevent your thread from moving smoothly from bobbin to needle during sewing.

Step 3. Cut off the knot to untangle it.

Step 4. Rethread your bobbin and put it back into the bobbin case and proceed with your sewing.

2. You May Be Using The Wrong Bobbin For Your Sewing Machine

Another reason why your thread may keep getting caught in the bobbin area is that you are using the wrong bobbin.

Every sewing machine type and brand has a bobbin that is suited to it. If you use the wrong bobbin, your threads will keep getting caught in the bobbin.

How can you ensure that you use the right bobbin for your sewing machine all the time?

Step 1. Read your sewing machine’s user manual. The user manual will inform you of the type and size of bobbin that you should always use.

Step 2. Always use the bobbin that came with the sewing machine. This ensures that you will always use the right bobbin when sewing.

Step 3. If you use your sewing machine for extended periods, one bobbin is not enough. When you buy more bobbins, it is best to order from the manufacturer directly so that you have the right bobbins.

Step 4. Also, remember that you cannot interchange plastic and metal bobbins of the same size for your sewing machine. Sewing machines that use plastic bobbins should keep using plastic bobbins while those that use metal bobbins should use them for all projects.

Every sewing machine has set tension parameters that are suitable for specific types of bobbins. Interchanging them causes tension problems on your sewing machine.

3. Your Bobbin Is Not Properly Positioned

Another reason why your thread keeps getting caught in the bobbin area could be that your bobbin is not properly positioned. Bobbins should move in a counterclockwise direction. Thus, if you place it in the opposite direction, your threads will get caught.

This is how to make sure that you have properly positioned your bobbin.

Step 1. Begin by threading your bobbin as directed in your user manual. Before loading the bobbin, ensure your needle is in its highest position. This prevents accidental pricks.

To raise the needle, either press the designated button or, if applicable, turn the handwheel towards you.

Step 2. Open the bobbin cover plate and place it aside to provide you with ample room to position your bobbin appropriately. The cover plate protects your bobbin from external interference and dust.

Step 3. Insert the bobbin appropriately and ensure that it will spin counterclockwise by pulling the thread. When the bobbin rotates clockwise, it can become unthreaded or catch your threads to jam the sewing machine.

Step 4. Pull the thread to the left through the two provided slots to the back of the sewing machine and load it into position underneath the presser foot. This keeps the bobbin in place and ensures that it moves smoothly.

Step 5. Put back the cover plate and you are ready to start sewing as your bobbin is now correctly positioned.

4. Sewing Machine Not Picking Up Bobbin Thread

Frequent thread jams in the bobbin area can be frustrating. One common issue is the sewing machine failing to pick up the bobbin thread, preventing stitch formation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure smooth sewing:

Step 1: Check the bobbin winding spindle at the top of your machine. Make sure it’s pushed to the left. If it’s positioned to the right, it could hinder the needle from descending to catch the bobbin thread. It’s easy to accidentally move it to the right during threading, so ensure you revert it.

Step 2: Properly insert the needle into the machine. This guarantees clean stitches and allows the needle to access the bobbin thread. Your needle should be secure, with its flat side facing the rear.

Step 3: Ensure your bobbin is accurately positioned. A misplaced bobbin might be the reason the machine isn’t catching the thread.

Step 4: For optimal bobbin thread placement, turn the handwheel towards you. As the needle descends and rises, it will form a small loop on the needle plate. This is the bobbin thread. Use a pointed tool to pull this loop, positioning both threads beneath the presser foot.

Step 5: Now, the needle should easily access the bobbin thread. If issues continue, the machine’s timing might be off, and professional help will be necessary.

5. Your Bobbin Case May Be Broken

Another reason why your thread keeps getting caught in the bobbin area is that your bobbin case may be broken. When your bobbin case breaks, it will be impossible for stitches to be formed correctly as you sew.

A broken bobbin case will cause your needle to bend. As the needle comes down to pick the bobbin thread, it hit the bobbin case which will cause it to bend. This could cause your sewing machine to jam and spoil the fabric being worked on.

Take good care of your sewing machine bobbin case.

When changing the broken bobbin case, make sure to buy the correct bobbin case for your sewing machine. Just like bobbins, bobbin cases are made for specific sewing machines and they are not interchangeable.

Threads Bunch Up Under My Fabric As I Sew

If you notice excessive thread gathering beneath your fabric, it’s likely a bobbin issue. Begin by ensuring both your machine and bobbin are correctly threaded. For optimal results, refer to your machine’s user manual and re-thread accordingly.

If there’s no improvement, it’s time for a cleanup. Extract the bobbin and examine both it and the machine for lint or debris, which could lead to thread accumulation.

A paintbrush can be handy to clear away any blockages in the bobbin zone. After wiping away lint and dust, reload the bobbin and run a test stitch on a spare fabric piece.

If the problem continues, consider changing your needle. A worn or damaged needle might not catch threads effectively.

Additionally, evaluate your thread choice. Opt for high-quality thread suitable for your fabric type, which can prevent thread entanglements in the bobbin region.

You Need Many Bobbins

When sewing, you are likely to encounter lots of bobbin problems. The best thing to do is to regularly change your bobbins. This enables you to keep sewing elegantly and perfectly. A new bobbin for every project will ensure that you don’t face regular bobbin problems when sewing.

One important factor to remember is that bobbins are not interchangeable. Thus, when buying extra bobbins, confirm with your manufactures manual the correct bobbin size for your sewing machine.

Also, remember that you can’t interchange plastic with metal bobbins as they are made for different tension sewing machines. Therefore, always buy bobbins that are suitable for your sewing machine.