I put the thread thru the little hole, wind a few times, stop and trim thread and then let it wind. If I don't my bobbin doesn't want to wind it just spins. I wind 5-6 each of white, black, and navy or 2 of other colors for large projects at one time so I don't have to stop and re-thread in between projects. I make clothing and do alterations as well as being a newbie at quilting.