Lift the extension and in the back section of the vertical panel the bobbin is in, there is a knob to turn. If it's difficult, soak it in SM oil. You'll love this machine. You can post any questions in the 301 thread. ISMACS and Jenny at sew-classic have a free manual to download. You may want it when you have to remove the needleplate for cleaning. There's a nice pic of putting it back together correctly.