So when I bought my sewing machine last year (a Viking Emerald 116) it came with 4 bobbins, which I've now filled up with various threads. I haven't used the thing a whole heck of a lot until recently, just randomly here and there. But the original bobbins it came with, are now filled with thread, and I'm needing more.

Now whenever I go into a craft store, there are different types of bobbins, model numbers, etc.

They all look the same to me. Aren't they universal in size?

I've looked through my manual and there's nothing in there, that I could see about the "size" of bobbin I should be buying. I don't want to buy the wrong type and have it break my machine, so... umm, can someone give me the run-down about bobbins? hahaha

There is no such thing as a Stupid question when it comes to quilting. I made this same mistake recently. My machine came with 4 bobbins that I haven't needed more. Used these same bobbins for the last 6 years.

Saw some on sale at Wally world and bought them. They are COMPLETELY different than my machine.

I have a Janome 415 and it takes specific Janome bobbins. Not all bobbins are created equally as there are many different shapes and proportions to the individual bobbin casing per type of machine. JoAnn's had a very good sale on bobbins recently and I found out their New Home line of generic machine parts and accessories work very well for my machine. I would encourage you to take your owner's manual to your favorite store and talk to a knowledgeable clerk. I don't know if there is a cheaper version for your machine, but there may be and I would start there. JoAnn's or Hancocks first. Somewhere where someone knows what they're talking about, but not bound by dealership stuff to make you buy really pricey stuff.

Hope this helps.

Melissa

I think you need to buy husqavarna bobbins,you chould check on ebay if you don't have a dealer near you

I think the name of your machine and model will be on the back of the bobbin package.....if all else fail take a bobbin with you to a sewing machine store and they will fix you up......and I have over 100 bobbins from plastic to metal.....and I use them all...I hate not having the color I need wound and ready to go.....just ask around and all will help.....:-) Good luck I'm sure you will find what you need...

That happened to me sort of. My manual does not state anywhere about bobbins OR needles. I got class 66 and it didn't work, but I got another machine and they did work. So, if you make a mistake about getting the wrong ones, save them :wink:

I have a Bernina and a Pfaff and they take specific bobbins. I have bought them on e-bay, in the sewing machine store and also JoAnns, cause they have packages on their notions wall that say "Berning", or "Pfaff" or whatever and if you can get them with their Half of Notions wall sale, they arn't so expensive. Take one of your bobbins with you to make sure that they are the same as what you have. I like having lots of bobbins, though I don't have 100 bobbins line gcathie, but I have at least 35 or more. I like to wind up a whole bunch of bobbins before I start sewing so that I don't have to stop and wind later. When machine quilting I will wind 4 or 5 bobbins with the color to match the backing, more if its larger and I plan to quilt more, Then I can just quickly change the bobbins. Having plenty of bobbins is a good thing. My Pfaff took both plastic as well as metal but they were Pfaff specific bobbins. My Bernina used the metal ones.

your local sewing/vacuum shop will carry
these or order them for you...

Something a lady in a class I took learned the hardway... not all bobbins are interchangable. Her machine used plastic bobbins, and she got a metal one the same size and used it. It totally stuffed her machine, something to do with creating a magnetic field and it messed up the electrics in her machine.

I think she had a Pfaff from memory.

The moral of the story... when you spend a lot on a machine, it's crazy to then try and cut corner buying extras for it.

I have 2 Berninas -- the bobbins are NOT interchangeable.....so make sure you buy bobbins specifically made for your machine :wink:

I have lots and lots of bobbins for my old singer..everytime I made clothes for the kids or costumes or curtains, or....I needed differnt color thread, so I've got bobbind wound with every coler i have!!! but I'm just starting to aquire extra bobbins for the new pfaff, but i did finally find a store on ebay that sell genuine pfaff bobbins(or so they say) and I emailed and asked if what they were selling me would fit my machine. I have them now and they look exactly like what came with the machine. I buy them 20 at a time!! You can never have too many :lol: :lol:

Put one in your purse and ask for help at the store....I have 3 different brands of machine and i use 4 different types :D

If you bought it from a dealer, I would go there for them, otherwise, take a bobbin you have with you and make sure the ones you get are the same depth and width, if you have metal or plastic get the same kind.

Ebay is a great source for extra bobbins. I've bought several packages for my Bernina and also for my Singer. You just need to make sure the seller says they will fit your machine brand and model.

I have a new Babylock and had the same problem. I need a lot of bobbins. There were some at the store where I bought the machine, but I spent so much on it, I didn't want to buy more stuff. Mistake. :roll:

The manual states nowhere what to use.

I emailed Babylock--not helpful. I tried ebay--emailed two sellers--both confidently told me something different. Bought 8 from the local sewing machine/vac place--didn't work--they wouldn't fit on the bobbin winder.. Seller of the machine told me what kind to get--but I couldn't find them anywhere. I ended up having her send me some--credit card via phone. I ordered 20--that ought to do it.

I have messed up so many machines by using the wrong bobbins, that I make sure I have the right ones now for the right machine. Even the lower price machines seem to use certain bobbins. I thought maybe buying prewound bobbins would be the way to go, now I have a drawer full of them that I can't use!

Wow, the horror stories from y'all really drove it home, hahaha. I went directly to the place I bought it... even spoke to the same person who sold me my machine, I think, and she hooked me up with the right sort of bobbins. She only had 10 of the type I needed, so I cleaned her out. But I feel much better having a good bit of bobbins specifically for my machine, now.

Good for you, that was a smart move that you won't regret :lol:

I have a viking Sapphire 830. It uses the green bobbins. But I bought some thread filled bobbins online and they fit just fine. The green bobbins are slightly larger than a standard bobbin.

I have used a wrong bobbin in a machine, not mine at home, but one at church where we have a couple donated sewing machines. These bobbins were in the machine cabinet drawer. I filled the bobbin and inserted it and the machine wouldn't sew! Then, I couldn't get the bobbin out of the case! I really had to struggle :? . The bobbins "looked" the same, but apparently were not! I am much more careful about bobbins after that experience.
I have a Sidewinder! And love it, and fill about 20 bobbins at a time so I can keep on sewing when I am piecing. Haven't ventured into machine quilting yet!
Getting more bobbins was definitely the way to go! :lol:

Elf, You need to purchase Viking bobbins for it. If you do not have a Viking Dealership in your area, look in the back of your instruction book and there will be a website or a 800 # for Viking. They WILL help you. Do NOT use generic bobbins...
Good Luck...

I agree. I have a Husqvarna Platnium 750. I also use to sell these machines some years ago. They use a certain size bobbin. they are green with a little H engraved. Depending on your model, will tell you what bobbin to buy. Each model is represented by a number from 1-6. Read your manual and check what model you have, from there you will see what number you are. Then when you go to get your package of bobbins, make sure that number is on the package. Some of these packages will have several numbers from 1-6, but if your number is on it, its great. For example, the Designer I (well when I sold them them that is) I think used Bobbin number 6. (well let's say for example if I am wrong). You cannot use the same bobbin that the Designer I uses for your machine or mine. It won't fit properly.

Clear as mud?
If you have any other questions, pm me!

Rainforest_elf -

I would stick with Viking bobbins. Also - if your Emerald uses a clear bobbin, that is not the same bobbin as the green one used by the Designer and Scandinavia.

If you do not have a Viking dealer then go on line to a dealer who will make sure that you get the correct bobbin (AllBrands comes to mind but there are many others). Also be careful about Ebay - many listers think that a Viking bobbin is a Viking bobbin.

Triciasquilts is correct - you can really mess it up by using the wrong bobbin. You have a nice little machine - you will enjoy it.

You must use Viking bobbins and nothing else! and the right #. go to the dealer. another tip for the plastic bobbins is do not fill them completly, because they swell and then stick.

Its not a stupid question at all...
They are very tricky....Good luck :lol: