Quiltingboard Forums

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)
-   Main (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/)
-   -   A Very Stupid Question from a Beginner (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/very-stupid-question-beginner-t15767.html)

Rainforest_elf 01-24-2009 12:00 PM

So when I bought my sewing machine last year (a Viking Emerald 116) it came with 4 bobbins, which I've now filled up with various threads. I haven't used the thing a whole heck of a lot until recently, just randomly here and there. But the original bobbins it came with, are now filled with thread, and I'm needing more.

Now whenever I go into a craft store, there are different types of bobbins, model numbers, etc.

They all look the same to me. Aren't they universal in size?

I've looked through my manual and there's nothing in there, that I could see about the "size" of bobbin I should be buying. I don't want to buy the wrong type and have it break my machine, so... umm, can someone give me the run-down about bobbins? hahaha

mpeters1200 01-24-2009 12:04 PM

There is no such thing as a Stupid question when it comes to quilting. I made this same mistake recently. My machine came with 4 bobbins that I haven't needed more. Used these same bobbins for the last 6 years.

Saw some on sale at Wally world and bought them. They are COMPLETELY different than my machine.

I have a Janome 415 and it takes specific Janome bobbins. Not all bobbins are created equally as there are many different shapes and proportions to the individual bobbin casing per type of machine. JoAnn's had a very good sale on bobbins recently and I found out their New Home line of generic machine parts and accessories work very well for my machine. I would encourage you to take your owner's manual to your favorite store and talk to a knowledgeable clerk. I don't know if there is a cheaper version for your machine, but there may be and I would start there. JoAnn's or Hancocks first. Somewhere where someone knows what they're talking about, but not bound by dealership stuff to make you buy really pricey stuff.

Hope this helps.

Melissa

azdesertrat 01-24-2009 12:10 PM

I think you need to buy husqavarna bobbins,you chould check on ebay if you don't have a dealer near you

gcathie 01-24-2009 12:17 PM

I think the name of your machine and model will be on the back of the bobbin package.....if all else fail take a bobbin with you to a sewing machine store and they will fix you up......and I have over 100 bobbins from plastic to metal.....and I use them all...I hate not having the color I need wound and ready to go.....just ask around and all will help.....:-) Good luck I'm sure you will find what you need...

Quilter101 01-24-2009 12:20 PM

That happened to me sort of. My manual does not state anywhere about bobbins OR needles. I got class 66 and it didn't work, but I got another machine and they did work. So, if you make a mistake about getting the wrong ones, save them :wink:

Jim's Gem 01-24-2009 12:25 PM

I have a Bernina and a Pfaff and they take specific bobbins. I have bought them on e-bay, in the sewing machine store and also JoAnns, cause they have packages on their notions wall that say "Berning", or "Pfaff" or whatever and if you can get them with their Half of Notions wall sale, they arn't so expensive. Take one of your bobbins with you to make sure that they are the same as what you have. I like having lots of bobbins, though I don't have 100 bobbins line gcathie, but I have at least 35 or more. I like to wind up a whole bunch of bobbins before I start sewing so that I don't have to stop and wind later. When machine quilting I will wind 4 or 5 bobbins with the color to match the backing, more if its larger and I plan to quilt more, Then I can just quickly change the bobbins. Having plenty of bobbins is a good thing. My Pfaff took both plastic as well as metal but they were Pfaff specific bobbins. My Bernina used the metal ones.

dreamer2009 01-24-2009 12:41 PM

your local sewing/vacuum shop will carry
these or order them for you...

BlueChicken 01-24-2009 01:32 PM

Something a lady in a class I took learned the hardway... not all bobbins are interchangable. Her machine used plastic bobbins, and she got a metal one the same size and used it. It totally stuffed her machine, something to do with creating a magnetic field and it messed up the electrics in her machine.

I think she had a Pfaff from memory.

The moral of the story... when you spend a lot on a machine, it's crazy to then try and cut corner buying extras for it.


sewjoyce 01-24-2009 03:03 PM

I have 2 Berninas -- the bobbins are NOT interchangeable.....so make sure you buy bobbins specifically made for your machine :wink:

mommaB 01-24-2009 03:52 PM

I have lots and lots of bobbins for my old singer..everytime I made clothes for the kids or costumes or curtains, or....I needed differnt color thread, so I've got bobbind wound with every coler i have!!! but I'm just starting to aquire extra bobbins for the new pfaff, but i did finally find a store on ebay that sell genuine pfaff bobbins(or so they say) and I emailed and asked if what they were selling me would fit my machine. I have them now and they look exactly like what came with the machine. I buy them 20 at a time!! You can never have too many :lol: :lol:


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 04:41 AM.