Bobbin Winders
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: England Alton Towers
Posts: 6,673
My friend has a machine with a bobbin winder on her machine but she insists on using her battery operated one because she finds it difficult threading the machine because of poor eye sight. Another friend can't understand why she uses it when there is a good winder on her machine. I have one and would throw it through the nearest window if I ever used it again.reason it makes such a mess of the winding and takes so long..we all have our own reasons to use what we do.
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Alaska
Posts: 2,356
I have a bobbin winder- only use it sometimes.
I usually by by bobbins prewound. 8 or 10 bobbins for around $5.50. They seem to last a long time. Guess I do not quilt enough because a package last me about a year.
They are the Class 15 style - 100% cotton.
I know I can order online cheaper- but then you have to get so many of them.
I usually by by bobbins prewound. 8 or 10 bobbins for around $5.50. They seem to last a long time. Guess I do not quilt enough because a package last me about a year.
They are the Class 15 style - 100% cotton.
I know I can order online cheaper- but then you have to get so many of them.
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
the older sewing machines had the ability to disengage the needle head from the wheel, so when you wound the bobbin, you weren't 'sewing'. Some of the newer machines don't have this feature so you 'air sew' when you wind the bobbin. My mom got one of the newer machines and was used to the older version and was very concerned about running her machine excessively when winding a bobbin. Don't know if this is why your friend made the comment. Don't think it actually hurts the machine, although I did get a stand alone winder for my long arm because it was disconcerting!
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,165
The Pfaff 2140 had a bad bobbin winding system. Pfaff did issue a fix, but the Sidewinder does a better job. The 2144 does not have this problem. (both have vertical bobbins)
The Sidewinder is still handy. I always forget to wind extra bobbins for almost all sewing, so I use the Sidewinder rather than disrupt the threading - although you can wind those Pfaffs through the needle. The Sidewinder takes almost every bobbin, I have a collection of old metal ones that I use for the serger. You can wind specialty threads for a small job with the loopers, or one bobbin will do a Tshirt on the needle side.
The Sidewinder is still handy. I always forget to wind extra bobbins for almost all sewing, so I use the Sidewinder rather than disrupt the threading - although you can wind those Pfaffs through the needle. The Sidewinder takes almost every bobbin, I have a collection of old metal ones that I use for the serger. You can wind specialty threads for a small job with the loopers, or one bobbin will do a Tshirt on the needle side.
#15
I have bobbin winders from K-Kraft and they are wonderful. I also have the bobbin winder that came with my Babylock Crown Jewel, also wonderful. The Crown Jewel does not have a bobbin winder on the machine. I really like my bobbin winders but I do not see why you can not use the bobbin winder on your machine. I just think it is personal thing.
http://fancyquilt.com
#18
I improved the first version of the Sidewinder. Take the screws out and put heavy weight (I found a piece of heavy metal in DH's shop that fit) in the case. It keeps the winder very sturdy and upright. Also remember the knob, that has no marking at all what it is, will adjust the tension of the winding. I haven't seen the newer model of the Sidewinder.
I was surprised how many do not know that in some older machines you have to turn the wheel on the fly wheel to disengage the clutch so the needle won't sew when winding a bobbin.
I was surprised how many do not know that in some older machines you have to turn the wheel on the fly wheel to disengage the clutch so the needle won't sew when winding a bobbin.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Carlisle, PA
Posts: 1,964
I also have this side winder - got it as a giftie from a fellow quilt buddy. Don't know what I'd do without it! It's quick and convenient!
For the past 4 years I have used a side winder from JoAnn's $25 with coupon and love, love, love, it!!! I have a 1926 singer treadle, an Elna from the 30's, Sears Kenmore from 50's, Janome from 1996 and a 2010 Tin Lizzy (Tin lizzy's bobbins will only 1/2 fill before turning off). I have never had a problem with bobbins wound on the side winder.
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