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.

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.

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!

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.

Thanks Mighty, I got a bobbin winder with my Innova....LOVE the Innova, the bobbin winder not so much! I think I will order a K-Kraft. They look sturdy...and I won't have to wait 5 mins to get a bobbin!

http://fancyquilt.com

I paid $20.00 for mine, works fine. Haven't had any problems with it winding, or when sewing with the bobbins. Its gone up in price tho, but not more than $10.00.

I have a Pfaff and the sidewinder does not work for its bobbins. It winds them the wrong direction. I've tried turning the bobbin upside down but it still doesn't work.

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 have a Pfaff and a sidewinder and have never had a problem with either winding the bobbins. Or having them wound backwards.

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!