I found that even with Janomes the plastic bobbins are not necessarily interchangeable. I use what is recommended for the machine.

that is true. Some Janome's use the L and some the A. However, my Janome dealer told me that even tho my machines use the A - I can actually use the L but not to refill them. Don't normally do it but it can be done. However, if you have an L bobbin you can't go the other way around because it is a shorter bobbin.

I always use what comes with the machines. I have 2 older kenmores that state in there manuals ( For best stitching results use clear plastic lightweight bobbins when stitching at high speed with widest and longest stitch setting.) To this day I just use the metal ones that also came with them because I am piecing and free motion quilting and don't need the stitch set at the longest stitch setting length. They give me a very good straight stitch. Bobbins are very important in getting good stitch quality.

Suzy

A plastic bobbin came with my machine that is a Brother cs 6000i But I have used the metal ones with no problems. Was always told they were better.

The most important thing is to use the bobbin specified by the owners manual for your particular machine. Just because they actually fit in the case, it doesn't mean you can use that bobbin. it has to be the RIGHT bobbin. It has to have the correct clearance, enough depth so the thread somes out properly - those type of things. Machines take one type of bobbin, and they are not interchangeable.

Yes each machine has a preference. Overall th metal tend to run smoothr especiall in an older machne. I use plastic on my Pfaff 1475 which smy personal machine. However, almost all the vintage machies we have worked n do better with metal. They run smoother, quieter and some hold more thread.
There is a huge variety of bobbins out ther- we still have some w have not been able to identify.

When I took my Janome in for its check up, I got the metal bobbin back in a plastic bag with a note, Use only plastic bobbins.

I have found that most of the books that come with your machines today do specify the bobbin type/class needed. And also read the package when buying bobbins - they list the machine types that particular size bobbin is used in. Some of the plastic bobbins are crowned ( a slight hump) in the center and some are prefectly flat. So, do read carefully.

My flat metal ones do work in my machine that takes flat plastic bobbins.

I use plastic bobbins because that is what came with my Singer Genie back in 1977. Whenever I've had a problem it hasn't been because of the bobbin itself.

Some of the Pfaff will use a plastic bobbin some will not. My 1985 1222 needs a metal one because the bobbin refill is magnetic and you cannot fill a plastic bobbin with it. I tried! My 2004 Pfaff used either metal or plastic. Best to use what is need for your machine. My Janome and Brother bobbins are interchangeable, thank goodness.

Metal bobbins will also mess with the computer in a new machine. If your machine comes with plastic bobbins there is a definate reason.

my first electronic machine, a Kenmore, used my old metal bobbins from my mechanical machine but I couldn't see when it got low so switched to plastic. I recently got a Baby Lock and found it needed certain, flat sided plastic bobbins and can't use my other plastic ones. But, the flat-sided plastic bobbins work in my Kenmore. So I think its a matter of experimentation, ask a maintenance tech or use what's recommended for your machine.

I use the one they tell you to use for the machine they are plastic for all my machines. However even if I put the wrong plastic one i the machine it slips and slides around in the shuttle area. Sue

Most of you seem to have what seems to me to be fancy machines. When I can afford it I also will have another machine. I have an inexpensive Simplicy machine that has served me well, for quite a while. The manuel doesn't say anything about what kind of bobbin to use. The bobbin case is metal and the bobbins I use are plastic. I also have gotten plastic bobbins that I thought were the same but they were not. My metal bobbins are too big for the machine. When I have read the bobbin bubble packs I have yet to read one that said you could use it on a Simplicy machine. But my Shirley Baby works for me and I can't ask for anything more.

In my old reliable Kenmore, I used metal bobbins inserted into a removable case. There was no top or bottom to the bobbin. In my new friend a H/V, it takes a specific bobbin that are extremely expensive. Thought I was going to choke when I went to the store where I bought the machine at and saw they were selling them in a package of 10 for $15.00. I have since found them online in packages of 30 for $10.00. The one thing that was important to get used to is the bobbin will only fit on the winder with the "H" logo facing up. Since this is a drop in type, it can only be inserted with the "H" up. (Yes, I tried to put it in upside down on purpose, and it don't work)

TonnieLorlee,
Which Husqvarna Viking do you have?
Sharon W.

Which model do you have?

Good morning. Shiirley is Model 1170, I purchased her from QVC. She and I have made clothes. quilts and a few odds and ends. I have limited room when I live, so I can't use a large machine. As I said we seem to get along really well. She will do quite a few regular and stretch switches. I am teaching my DGD (nine years old) to sew and she thinks Shirley is really neat. DGD knows that she will get Shirley when I can afford another. BrendaK :lol: :lol:

I would use whatever came with my sewing machine. The high tech machines nowdays are tooooo expensive to start messing with bobbins.... In would hate to kill my embroidery machine cause of a bobbin..... IMHO!

I just got a new Brother sewing machine - XR 7700. Much cheaper than my Pfaff sewing machine that went kapoop on me & it's not worth repairing. Manual for the Brother machine says to use SA156 bobbins [hard to find locally & expensive too]. It has to be 11.5mm or 7/16" in height. Wal-Mart sells bobbins but does not state which Brother machines- 'it fits most Brother'. Can the Singer Class 15 bobbins work? Dritz Class 15 bobbins do not fit proper, a little short & it wobbles in the bobbin slot of the machine.
Any suggestions?

I would try to locate the ones specified for your machine. You may be able to find them on line. It may be expensive intially, but it the long run would probably be cheaper. Hope you can find them at a good price.

I would use what your manual or DVD is telling you to. The expense to fix your machine would not be worth trying other bobbins. A good rule is if the machine comes with plastic bobbins, use only plastic bobbins and the size they recommend. Vikings usually have there own special bobbins. I have 2 vikings and the bobbins are not interchangeable. Many times the feet for the vikings don't work on other vikings either.
I also have a Brother machine and it takes its own # bobbin also.

Suzy

That is what a Bernina dealer told me. If the machine comes with a plastic bobbin - - a metal bobbin will throw the timing and all sorts of other stuff off.
If the machine comes with a metal bobbin, and you try a plastic, your tension will be a nightmare.
Makes sense to me! <wave>

I've used both metal and plastic bobbins in my Pfaff (mid 1980's model) and my old (1962) Bernina and my Singer 237s (early 1960s?).

I can't tell that the machines can tell the difference.

But those are all OLDER machines and may not be that finicky???

And horror of horrors - I used the cotton covererd polyester Coats & Clark threads in them. And they sewed a very nice seam and the quilts are still holding up nicely.