Sewing Machine Maintenance: Troubleshooting Drop-in Bobbins

[@aangela7328]

OMG
I got my first sewing machine at the age of 15. The first thing I learned was "Cleaning the area of the bobbin after every second replacement. Do it with a little brush or paint brush." That machine is still working after 40 years.

[@krystee154]

Thank you so much!!! I’ve had a machine sitting out of order for two years! Repair shops said it wasn’t worth fixing and tried to upsell me. After watching this video I realized there was a snag on the drop in bobbin case and VOILA! Emery board to the rescue! So happy to have my machine back.

[@juliefitzpatrickjulieinthe6421]

Thank you so much! I would never have thought to look for a hole from where I sewed through the plastic of my bobbin case. There it was! A new one is on its way to me and I should be up and running for my workshop on Saturday. $20 for a new bobbin case instead of a months-long wait for a repair at the shop. You rock!

[@violetta40]

Just when i thought i couldn't learn anything new, you proved me wrong. In fact i learned a lot from this video. Your camera angle was perfect and up close, and also it was so nice to hear your voice explaining things and not have to listen to annoying music playing while your talking. Thanks for taking the time to do this for us.

[@leahpassler6603]

Thanks so much. I have cleaned my machine many times, but ran into trouble putting the bobbin holder back in today. That little mechanism with the spring was just a little loose, and until you mentioned it, I didn't know what was going on.
Fixed and ready to sew!

[@lauramccoy1195]

You literally just fixed 3 problems I didn't even know I had! I came to your video for one problem and you helped me with all of them. My Singer is humming away, good as new again! THANK YOU!

[@robinluther3617]

Perfect! I take my machine apart regularly for cleaning but this video was a great help. Had a "piercing" issue when my machine was less than 3 months old - $100 later, the repair tech told me about the needle piercing the black plastic part and that there was a bur on it - now I know what to look for - if it happens again, I might be able to troubleshoot the problem so my machine only needs a shop visit for an annual overhaul. Thanks for this tutorial, Rob!

[@ManSewingVids]

Thanks for tuning in, Robin!

[@user-zw4xw5ue2e]

Just ran across your video today, while looking at knitting and crocheting videos.
Thank you for trouble shooting with a clear video. Learned what to look for and how to work with this bobbin case. The machine is a 3337 Singer Portable, approximately under five or six years old, purchased from Walmart. This surgery I performed today on this machine, with your technical expertise and valuable information you shared in your video is great!!! Looking forward to more videos, if you still do them. With TH-cam, NO trudging to the machine shop today. Again, thank you.

[@AdiarraS]

Great tutorial, as per usual! I used to be afraid to take my machines apart, but now I fear for the repair bill if I don't clean it out at LEAST once a month, if not after each project , lol. Thanks for being awesome!

[@ManSewingVids]

Glad you enjoyed this tutorial, Cheryl!

[@janetborchers432]

Hi Rob...finally a helpful video on basic maintenance. At my sewing shop they say the repair guys no nothing about sewing, but you know both sides of the coin. We are really fortunate to have your expertise in both areas! Love your help as always. Also, when I sew with Minky, I clean in the middle of the project too!

[@ManSewingVids]

Thank you for tuning in, Janet! Have fun sewing! :)

[@annebentley3656]

great idea when using Minky Janet

[@margielopez8284]

I had 2 problems with my sewing machine. My bottom stitches were sort of wavy and I was having a problem sewing over seams that were matched/nestled up. I watched your video closely, then went back to my sewing machine and followed what you did. I've cleaned under the plate earlier, but decided to really pay attention to the things you showed. Between the teeth of the feed dogs it had so much lint it was compacted to same height as teeth. I've never even looked there before. So I brushed that and the rest. But a dot of oil, put plate back on and now both problems are solved. Sews better than ever straight stitches and sews over the seams with ease. I sew everyday (I'm newly retired) and now I am happy happy! So thank you! I never write any comments or reviews but had to thank you!

[@ManSewingVids]

I am so glad this tutorial was helpful for you, Margie! I'm happy to hear that your machine is back in action. Hope you are sewing up some fun projects!

[@Whycee54]

I packed up my machine then at 5 this morning decided to give it one more try. The bobbin case was not acting right. I watched this video and I FIXED THE MACHINE!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!

[@CaroleLeeFinna]

HINT...to use the small metal ring screw...put in screw slot, then insert the long screw driver through the hole of the ring to turn it. Thank you for this video. I learnt so much. You're easy to follow. Don't change, great format.

[@lyndarush-myers2174]

Week Nine, day Six of COVID-19 cloistered living in temporary quarters. I am re-learning sewing basics. I am deeply grateful for your excellent tutorials. I have spent hours seeking a teacher who is a good fit with me. I have an M.Ed. in Training. Thank you for your most excellent help. Toward an illustrated picture book, one textile image at a time!

[@JonsBasicGaming]

Hi. My daughter is a fashion student and, following her university closing due to COVID-19, she has to complete her main project at home. Unfortunately her bobbin kept jamming but your video showed us how to fix the problem. Thank you so much for this video!

[@bryanthompson12]

The joy's of TH-cam!!!

[@rosegore1270]

This video answered my prayers for my sewing machine devastated trouble of my bobbin popping up with thread wrapping around it for which my needle jamming into the plastic bobbin. thank you for such detailed and information. 😊 MY SEWING MACHINE IS WORKING NOW!

[@clivekibbler4578]

just bought my very first machine not knowing anything at all about sewing so i delighted to watch your tuition films

[@ManSewingVids]

Thanks for tuning in, Clive! Have fun sewing!

[@christieross2755]

You always explain why you shouldn’t do something. It was explained to me why you never use air on a machine. It can blow the lint into the motor and cause a fire. I was taught to use qtips to get the remaining lint out by going around all the open areas and rotating the race you can get to areas that the qtip fits in and it sticks to the qtip. The only time the service tech uses air is when the covers surrounding the machine are off and it can be blown completely out. I hope my description is understandable. Thanks again for all you do to help us learn more about our machines.

[@joannlarson4723]

Oh my word!!! I cleaned my bobbin area after watching this and you would not believe the lint. Used a toothbrush, dental pick and a sewing brush. I could fill a bottle cap of lint!!

[@jan2bratt]

Thanks for the tutorial, very helpful. Sometimes I use a drinking straw with a piece of thin fabric over the end that I put in my mouth and I suck some of the lint out that way. Helps in those areas down in the machine that I can't even see but where lint has accumulated.

[@youmetube246]

That's a genius idea. Thanks.

[@cherylphillips288]

Rob!!!! Thankyou so much for this tutorial - I have spent the best part of the last 12 hours trying to figure out why my bobbin kept jumping out of the case and jamming! With your very informative video, I have fixed the problem - a little machine oil (i had already cleaned out all fuzz) and smoothing down those needle burrs on the casing - my machine is purring again! You have saved me a fortune - I was ready to buy a new machine to complete a wedding order for this coming weekend - whew!!! THANKYOU!!!

[@rogannaful]

OMG!!! I was about to take my machine in for repairs. all fixed and running like a brand new machine after watching this. Thank you so much

[@louised.7414]

Hi Rob! Thank you for this video! My machine will "jam" occasionally; I learned by trial and error that I needed to dust out the bobbin case. Your video has shown me more details on how to clean this area & now I can't wait till it jams again! 😅 Thanks, Louise

[@ManSewingVids]

Hi Louise! I'm happy to hear that you found this tutorial helpful! Hopefully your machine doesn't jam too often, but if it does, I'm glad to know you are prepared! :)

[@cindyroman5126]

Love how you take time to really show how to simply maintain your machines.

[@dogsareawomansbestfriend]

His humor helped me in the things wrong with my machine.

[@juliem9096]

WOW! Awesome... your first point about needle nicks on the shuttle was my whole problem!!! One little nick was the issue and I cleaned it up with a nail file / buffer. THANK YOU!!!!

[@feyHiker]

I've had a headache for the last few days. After watching your videos it's gone! And the headache wasn't because of sewing machine problems. Now I can't wait to get after my machines! Owners manuals are terrible at info about maintenance, thank you for your informative videos! And yes, I just subscribed. 😊

[@cxqcxq5176]

Thank you! Liked and subscribed! Learning so much as a complete noob who busted my brand-new machine a few weeks ago. And now i just bought another machine at the thrift store last night. will visit this again!

[@jackiegulik2950]

Super helpful thank you. I am only in day 2 of CORVID-19 lockdown in NZ and my machine decided to jam. Your tutorials saved the day!

[@bonnieanderson6412]

Thanks Rob. You are awesome. I really like that you have oops moments and that you leave them in. Because we all have oops moments. It makes it more real when we see the "experts" having those moments as well. Thanks again. Guess I have to clean and maintain my drop in bobbin.

[@dogsareawomansbestfriend]

Help's me know no one is perfect!

[@UsterKoolageArt]

I love your videos, and today, such frustration with a looping thread under my project. I cleaned, changed needle, I even used my little computer vacuum. I rethreaded bobbin and top thread, and still looping. I will go through it again and watch your video as I do. Thanks for your enthusiastic videos!

[@catherinebreaux6761]

Thank you!!!!!!!! Dust was in the center of my drop in bobbin spot and it was making the bobbin jiggle and therefore everything was off and no stitches were made correctly it was suuuper loose and then would jam! But now I’m back in action! Thank you!!!!!

[@TheCynedd]

Rob, I liked the tutorial - except - instead of using air to blow things IN the mechanism I use my vacuum to suck it out after using my lint brush. It was still a great tutorial; I especially like your reminder to change their needles often.

[@sandrak5596]

Thank you! My bobbin case was rattling, I cleaned it by following your video and it hums silently now!!

[@maaiketjepkema7207]

Very helpful, finally solved my problem with my bobbin drop. Thought I would need a repair after trying everything I knew about cleaning, but you take it a few steps further and it actually worked very well. My stitches haven't been as regular for ages. I'm looking forward to explore your other tutorials.

[@knittingfoxmontana9730]

I was having major issues with my bobbin case and was working on it when your video popped up. What a coincidence! Thank you for sharing this video with me. I learned something new too. Change my needle at the START of new projects. I can remember that! Love your videos. Please keep them coming. :)

[@tonyyong]

Thank you for sharing, I managed to solve my wife's Janome DC6030 thread looping issues using your 2 coloured thread method to find the root cause for the top thread tension. Another video mentioned to clean the top tension discs area. Cleaning the feed dog and bobbin area was a great tip. My wife was please. Thank you for providing this video.

[@anneirenej]

Thank you. I spent a couple hours trying to sort this out and watched a very unhelpful video… and then saw yours and thank you so much all fixed and ready to go. You may not see this but i hope you do.

[@jewelsowens]

Thank you so much! You saved me from a trip to the repair shop and from spending money I dont have to spare

[@patriciahaywood5045]

Thank you, thank you! What a wonderful informative video. It solved my problem with a bouncing noisy bobbin case and save me a trip to the repair shop!!

[@dogsareawomansbestfriend]

Your humor made me want to watch more. Sounded like what I've done to my machine!

[@lynns8090]

I am still trying EVERYTHING to fix my tangled thread mess on the bobbin side of the fabric. I am told it has to do with upper threading, but it is threaded correctly. I have a Brother cs6000i since 2016. All of a sudden it hates me. Haha. No error messages, just a tangled mess. ANYWAY, I removed the metal plate with a penny as my screwdriver. Why supply a screwdriver too tall to use is another mystery. Thanks for your video, I am a subscriber now!

[@cindymcfarland4686]

I have a Viking. I was told to never use air to clean out the machine and that it never needed oil. I clean out my entire bobbin area with my little brush every 3 bobbin replacements. Lots of fuzz! I'm quite careful to not push more lint down into the machine: I try to get it all. Good video!

[@ManSewingVids]

Thanks for watching, Cindy!

[@Carlton_Wilson]

Oh, it needs oil. All sewing machines do. It just needs to be disassembled and serviced by an experienced technician in order to be accomplished without harming the machine.

[@hotjanuary]

Carlton Wilson, google the name of your machine + service manual. Tells you how to safely take your machine apart.

[@emgarden]

@@Carlton_Wilson My machine manual has instructions on where to put the oil under the bobbin case (I'm sure other moving parts might need it at some point but a technician would be best as they're inaccessible to the average user), and it came with oil for the machine.

[@pattijeglum3550]

Thanks, Rob, for going through this. My friend gave me her Babylock Crafter and I love it. I do have challenges with the bobbin, especially setting the black bobbin holder in the proper position. My machine does not have the little markings... I really appreciate this lesson. I didn't know to change needles with every project...now I know. God bless!!! pj

[@ManSewingVids]

Glad you enjoyed the tutorial, Patti! Have fun sewing!

[@faitharrowood8001]

Great video, I love your upclose camera! Thanks too for reminding me to clean my machine, it needs it!

[@beccadawson8206]

Thanks. You pointing out the spring bit to look at later was just what I needed to know. A tiny bit of lint there was causing all the problems

[@sewcatsew]

Thank you! I'm trying to sew a lot of masks and my bobbin case kept jumping out of place. Found this tutorial and was able to "fix" the needle holes in the bobbin case piece and I'm back to work.Glad I found you!

[@crumblyduckling403]

This is the only vid so far that has convinced me to fork out for a new bobbin case as mine has chips and scratches on it.

[@dankfamous1]

I only have 1 machine and it was used from the thrift store I Mostly just hem jeans 👖and I have shortened a couple of sleeves on dress collar type shirts so I am happy that I was able to figure out the tension part

[@PattiMac00]

Perfect timing. Had to get a new bobbin collar as my jam caused my needle to literally rip my collar up. This video really helped

[@drewk1514]

Absolutely helpful tutorial that explains many overlooked details. I have a Baby Lock Accord with the exact bobbin case set up so this was perfect! Thanks for doing this demo. Baby Lock dealers sell an adjustable screwdriver that works great on the stitch plate and needle clamp.

[@ManSewingVids]

Thanks for tuning in, Drew! I'm glad you enjoyed the tutorial!

[@Robgra]

Thank you. I like your maintenance and troubleshooting videos as much as the ones with projects.

[@lesleykenny1062]

Excellent tutorial, thank you. Just a note to tell you a dime works to open the needle plate screws too! I know I have tried it when I couldn’t find the screw driver that came with it. I keep a dime by my sewing machine now!

[@suecone2198]

Fantastic info! I knew cleaning the bobbin case was important but you explained how to get all that fuzz out & gone. I used to use the can air until I was told how bad it was. Great video!😍

[@Kygothgirl]

I found you video and it really helped me get my machine cleaned up and oiled. Now I need to fix the tension on the bobbin, it's still pulling.

[@candicemaroney6792]

Thanks so much for this video. I had a problem and took the switch plate off to clean and then couldnt get the bobbin back in correctly. Your tips showed me exactly how to align it! Thanks.

[@maryanntooze9600]

Thank you. So very helpful. Super appreciate the zoom in at the appropriate time. Just completed the maintenance amd will see it I need a new bobbin case afterall. Thank you!!!

[@alisawillson708]

Rob! I was searching for a video that might help with my machine bobbin problem...when I saw yours I knew it would be one I could learn from and trust! I think this video will help me. My top thread seems to get stuck on it's way around picking up the bobbin thread...your video makes me think the bobbin case might be out of alignment. At least I have a place to start before I call in the big guns (my husband :) ) Thanks so much! I love all your tutorials.

[@alisawillson708]

I'm so proud to say I did pretty much everthing you did in this tutorial and I fixed my bobbin problem...couldn't have done it with out you!! :) thanks so much

[@joane8651]

Thanks for giving us a better understanding of how the machine operates especially the bobbin, very helpful information.

[@kgowdyable]

This video was beyond helpful in understanding my machine and really helped me out A LOT when it stopped working last week. I was able to use the information you shared here to troubleshoot the issue a s resolve the problem. Thank you for your fantastic videos! They are, by far, the most helpful I've found.

[@janinearrunategui8107]

Thank you so much for this how to! If it was not for you I would be stuck in quarentine without my machine! Much love!

[@sewcrazybaker]

I take my machine apart like that after every project to clean out the lint and the fuzz. If it's an ongoing project, I like to clean it out every 3 weeks. Sometimes more often. I guess I'm lucky cuz I don't have any of those tiny screws to deal with. And I don't like to use canned air, but I have once or twice.
Thank you for a great video!

[@karenbenson6884]

Thank you so much you have just saved me a bill and 5 weeks wait at the repair shop!

[@mememeowable]

The best place to find out all about fixing my machine. THANK YOU , THANK YOU, THANK YOU. BEST SITE EVER.!!!!

[@BonitasBounty]

This was really helpful and makes opening up my new machine (which started jamming while I was sewing a pair of fluffy pajamas) seem far less scary. My best guess is that the issue is fuzz from the material. Reading the manual did not leave me feeling as confident about tackling the issue as your clear, concise video did. Thank you very, very much!

[@aubreykalexander1942]

Thank you! I sew with my Janome very infrequently, maybe once every few years, and I literally had not done this since college and couldn't remember how. All set and humming again!

[@peggygary2305]

Thank you so much..I was in the middle of a project and the case jumped out somehow and I couldn't get it back in. Followed your directiions to success. lI think what helped the most was the close up shot of you doing it .

[@robertscholey2012]

I too am often amazed at the amount of lint that builds up under the needle plate, great vid thanks Rob for the reminder.

[@myhouse108]

I have a long offset screwdriver - straight on one end, Philips on the other. Such a help on sewing machine screws.
Loved your clear videos, great instruction and enthusiasm! Keep up your good work!

[@grandmasherrybq]

Thank you! You helped to end my frustration on how to put the bobbin case back in.

[@maryaozer]

Thank you! You helped me fix my machine. Bobbin case was not positioned properly. All better!

[@jacquelinefraser6024]

I was going crazy trying to take out the bobbin. Thanks for your help 👌

[@lisacremeans1973]

Thank you! I was able to find out what the problem was on my sewing machine with this video and the other on timing. Top thread guide cover was loose and I need a new plastic bobbin case.

[@ManSewingVids]

Awesome! Glad you found this video helpful! :)

[@missmix48]

Thank you ... you just helped me fix my machine. I thought it was a goner and had already bought a new one because that black bobbin case was jammed cockeyed in there & I was to afraid to dig into it. To bad this video wasn't on sooner, but that's OK now I have two good machines.

[@mcmugged]

This saved me from having to take my Janome machine in for servicing. The last time I took it in, I had to wait about 6 weeks to get my machine back.

[@AshWill4L]

I love how descriptive this video is! I recently started sewing and was not aware that I needed to clean the lint out of the bobbin case until my bobbin case got damaged. I will be using this video for reference when I get my new bobbin case today. Thanks 😋

[@mimiandhercrew05]

Where did you order??

[@AshWill4L]

Mahaliah Maurice I ordered from amazon, although it didn’t fix the problem. I have a Brother, I called customer support and the wonderful representative walked me through several things I could try to get it to work and it turned out the bobbin case was fine, I just needed to change the tension, use a different sized needle and that was it. After the call I was able to use my sewing machine with the original bobbin case and it’s been working smoothly ever sense. 🥰

[@kathleenlaas5233]

I am glad to have stumbled across this video. I could hear you! It was wonderful. I didn't know that should clean my machine that often. But I have learned that if it has a lot of lint it can go crazy. I will keep watching.

[@terriesales]

The best detailed tutorial on TH-cam. Thank you! You helped so much.

[@barbaraferron7994]

After changing the bobbin I got a thread jam. While clearing the thread jam I took the needle plate off to get a better look. Then as I pulled the thread and moved the handwheel back and forth per manual instructions the bobbin case popped out. I had to force it back in and it kept popping out again. You said "the needle plate holds the bobbin case in place", so I put it back on. I still had to rethread the top thread and then the machine worked as it should.

[@ruthlutz4257]

Thank you! Just what I needed to repair the plastic bobbin case on my Janome. I prefer vintage machines, but have one modern machine for the extras it offers, however it is more challenging to maintain!
Great job!

[@NasirQazi1]

Thank you for explaining everything so precisely. Told everything in details.

[@barbarahague6843]

Thank you for this Video Extremely helpful. I usually take to the repair man but can no longer drive my car.
I looked to google.🤗🤗Not bad for an 84 year old😏😏 I have managed to clean and replace all the shuttle bits and pieces correctly. We shall see 🥰

[@suebagshaw8665]

Thanks Rob I had a problem with my new machine and this really helped me to sort it. So glad I found this video.

[@megan2176]

Thanks! Lots to think about! New needle, clean out dust, possible oil, and checking for any nicks that might be catching my thread... it's getting caught as it comes around the bobbin case, so I need to check that out. :)

[@gordoneng]

Thank you Mr. Appell, this was a wonderful instructional that helped me get my daughters machine back up.

[@dannyduge5154]

Hey Rob, I subscribe on you for several important reasons. Number one, your camera focuses perfectly on where it suppose to focus that is why it is for me to follow you. Second, I understand what you are talking about. The major part is you have a great or very professional cameraman!! Its really annoy me when the speaker is talking to the specific topic then the camera still focuses on the speaker face instead of the what is supposed to show. GOOD JOB!!

[@ladyd54]

Great video Rob. I have a electronic attachments for my Miele vacuum cleaner, which would keep the link from falling down into the machine cavity.

[@roseporter7548]

So helpful found you looking for making a dog bed good video. I could not get my bobbin back in correctly watched this video and it went in right away. Thank you .

[@chersgear7202]

The bobbin area is making a scratching or rubbing noise. But, it only does it when I insert the bobbin case. This is a brand new machine (about a week old). Nothing looks wrong with dropin bobbin. I changed needle, etc.

[@CynthiaAstle]

Excellent help for my bobbin problem. Love you, Rob!

[@cgriffisteach1]

An offset screwdriver helps with those plate screws. I've also got the Brother multi screwdriver took that is very helpful. It also tightens the embroidery hoops.

[@carol-anncox759]

Thanks for this. Good to know some of my problems with my machine are not unique.

[@diannepatterson265]

Excellent video Rob! Guess what I'm doing first today? I'm almost afraid to see what's under there! Thanks you so much for providing priceless info! Have a great day! Dianne Patterson

[@ManSewingVids]

I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the tutorial, Dianne!

[@rawlsmar]

wish I had watched your video before I pulled all that "lint" from the center and saw it was a bit of wool cording on purpose, I stuffed it back in. Thanks for your video, it was great.

[@megan2176]

Love the quality of your videos! Nice clear voice, clean set up, and good view into the machine! Thanks!! :)

[@Meltiqueful]

Your videos are so awesome! You're so good at explaining things!

[@ManSewingVids]

Thanks for watching, Amelia!

[@ncboot5014]

Just can't thank you enough for sharing your sewing machine maintenance tips... THANK YOU!! :)

[@p-pawphilyquailandcreepycr8071]

Wow this one is really awesome.im back sewing.thank you!

[@vannahhall915]

Love the maintenance tips! Keep it coming Rob.

[@philsullivan3679]

Nicely done:
Great instructional.
Super camera work.
Words are very clear and precise.
Voice delivery is very confident, yet calming.
Now to the cons;
It's not you, it's me!The Husqvarna Designer One I own, will not pick up my bobbin thread.
I am pretty familiar with working on sewing machines. I have several types and models.
However, this is the only touchscreen I own. I am baffled with why it is not picking up. It does not move or engage at all. It is a floating type bobbin holder and race.
If you have any ideals as to what may be causing this,
I would be very interested to know??
I appreciate any input you may have.

[@grammaali3462]

Great lesson! I'm going to try a dab of oil. Thanks for sharing Rob!

[@pollyrash1490]

What is the purpose of the oil?