Automatic Bobbin Winder
 

Hi All,

I am want to buy an external bobbin winder and am interested in any thoughts anyone has on the subject. Suggestions? Thoughts? Worth it? Not worth it? Like it? Don't like it? Brands? Etc...etc..etc..

One of the biggest considerations is if your machine is compatible with it....

This year I bought a bobbin winder, first one. I love it. I bought an Axis, and am very happy with it. After buying it, and using it, for me me it has been worth it. I would highly recommend it.👍

I've had one for years. Well worth it.

I have a cheap pink one, I think it is made by Singer. My dog knocked it off my table and I'm too tired to crawl on the floor right now. Anyway, I got it at JoAnn It looks cheap and it is ugly but it works like a charm. My bobbin winder on my sewing machine broke years ago and this was the least expensive fix. I also use it to wind bobbins for my longarm. Winds any bobbin. I think it was $25.00.

I have one from Joann that I've had a long time. It works fine. I can't think of the brand right now. It wasn't expensive. I use it for my vintage machines.

Yes, Axis, I got it from Amazon around $50. it's worth every penny. The one that JoAnn's sells is not high quality like the Axis. There are probably other sites that sell the Axis, you could google it for more information.

I'm lucky to say the bobbin winder on my Vikiing Epic works greats. Also the bobbin winder that came with my Innova Quilt Machine works great and I can wind "L" bobbins on it too. So far I'm been lucky with the machines that come with their own bobbin winder as part of the machine. Never had one go bad on me.

I have a Singer and an older Kenmore so it's not a special bobbin. But you raise a good point that I should consider a winder that works with more than the class 15, just in case I get a different machine down the road. Thanks!

I use the Sidewinder and it works fine. I opened up the top of it and put a heavy weight in the bottom, nothing in the bottom case but air. Now it doesn't vibrate or tip over. The extra weight makes it run smoother too.

I think that's the one I have.

Thanks everyone for your replies! I'm not a fan of how my Singer winds the bobbins, and also I like the idea of having several bobbins ready to go so it's easier to change when the bobbin runs out.

I saw the Axis on Amazon for apx. 51.00 and they have the Singer one for 23.00 so I just need to decide who much I want to spend. Like I mentioned to Thimblebug6000, it might be worth it to splurge on the Axis in case I do get another machine that uses a different bobbin that mine. Hmmm... decisions, decisions. lol

I got one with my HandiQuilter LA, and loved it. Then when I bought my industrial Juki, I really hated winding bobbins on it, so I bought one off Amazon and it was too fast and I had problems with it so it got donated. DH even tried to make some modifications to it and in the end told me to go ahead and spend the money and by other HQ model.

My Juki bobbins have the same hole diameter as the class L, so they fit and you just move sensor so it shuts off at the right spot. The bobbins for my Babylock don't fit, but I use mostly prewound for that (embroidery) so it's not a big issue. I think if I put some black tape on the spindle I could get it to work, and I might do that so I can wide up a bunch of black bottom thread bobbins.

I have an inexpensive one that I purchased at JAF years ago. I use it all the time! It is made by Singer.

I think the side winder is the one I have. Bought it at Walmart many years ago. I buy big thread spools and it goes so fast the spool goes flying. So I don't use it.

Goes flying? Like off the holder? Oh my! (But, I have to admit I got a chuckle from your comment! Haha)

For those who have a battery powered winder: do the batteries last very long? I was looking at the Singer and it is only battery powered so I'm hesitating. I don't want to buy batteries all the time.

I have a Sidewinder with power cord that I got at a thrift store.

I put it on a pile of books to wind off a cone spool and used a thread stand beside the pile of books.

I have a note with it that you can adjust the tension. https://www.amazon.com/Wright-Produc...d_i=B004AGX2HI

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
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Put a straw on the thread spindle and the spool won't spin off. Also put a weight in the Sidewinder to keep it from tipping over. It would be worth the extra cost to have items quality made in the first place but manufacturers go the cheapest way for the masses.

I have the same one & have had it for at least 10 years. It's just now starting to short out and not start but I have definitely gotten my money's worth from it. It comes w/ the little adapters for different size bobbins. Yep I will be looking for a coupon to replace it. Amazon does sell them but make sure you don't get the battery-operated one-might be nice for a travel one but not what I meant to order.

Hi Dee, thanks for the advice. It makes more sense to get the one that plugs in rather than uses batteries. I don't want to have to spend money on batteries.

i appreciate everyone's help!

I have owned a Sidewinder ever since they first came out. I have used it a lot and I love it. It runs with either batteries or a cord, but I never use the cord as it just gets in the way. It is well-made, stays in one place, and winds the bobbins better than any sewing machine bobbin winder I have ever had. The batteries last a long time and seldom need changing. Maybe I just got a good one, or maybe they have changed them over the years, but should mine ever need replacing, I'd do so in an instant.

Thanks SueZQ. it makes a lot of sense to get one that has both options of batteries or plugging in, especially since I'm not sure where I will put it. It may or may not end up close to a wall outlet.