Which machine do you have? It's easy to wind the bobbin on the 301's. There are some online manuals showing how to do it. You can also check out YouTube. There are quite a few video tutorials on the different models of sewing machines.

I don't have any vintage sewing machine at the moment but have been reading about the old Singers. In my original post I inquired about the Singer Featherweight. 'hazeljane' recommended the Singer 15-91. Both you and 'featherweight' recommended the Singer 301. In further reading online I read none of them have an automatic bobbin winder (naturally) so I was curious how the bobbins are wound? Thanks for the You Tube suggestion. Thanks everyone for the info on the 301 and the 15-91. They both also sound like awesome machines. Now I have more to think about and check on.

They have a winder sort of built in. It is located just to the front of the main wheel. You locate the bobbin on it, threaded through a couple of thread guides, and then push the winder's little wheel so that it is touching the main wheel. As the main wheel goes round, it rotates the winder's little wheel, and the bobbin turns and gets wound.

Sorry, not good with technical terms, but I hope you get the picture.

Here is a Youtube video showing how to wind the bobbin, load the bobbin into the machine and also how to thread the machine on a Singer 301.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFTjH2R8mTg

Here is a link to more videos on the 301:

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...ne%2C+301&aq=f

I really love the 301's....it's such a simple and basic machine. It only sews a straight stitch so if you wanted to do zig zag stitching you would need the attachment for that or get a different model.

Sounds good to me. That is exactly how I do it! Can't picture a machine without a bobbin winder!!!

I don't know abt your machine models, but I own a Viking, bought it in 1974, runs like a champ. if it goes under the needle, I can sew it. I have a second gear to slow it down. Make a lot of Denim quilts and never broke a needle. I sure would like to be able to afford a light weight.... :)I know there are a lot of great machines out there, but I have what I have and at my age don't forsee a new one with the fancy designs. :(

Thanks all for the kind help and information!