I like metal bobbins BUT I have a Janome and the dealer said I can not use them in my machine because of magnetic stuff and the programming of my machine. So I use the plastic.

What is most important is that you use the bobbin that are recommended for yiur machine! They are recommended for a reason by the manufacture. I have a Singer that takes 15J bobbins not the 15. The 15 will work in the bobbin case but they are a little loose. 15J are more expensive but that is what Singers recommends. My Brothers uses a specific metal bobbin that is not avaliable in plastic but I have never tried to use a different number either plastic or metal. I have used plastic in my singer and really do not see much difference between the metal vs plastic as far as durability.

My Baby Lock recommends the clear bobbins so that's what I've been using with no trouble.

i have used the plastic for years because that is what came with my machine. I had a problem with just one bobbin that got wobbly then the side broke off. Other than than, smooth sailing.

my old Kenmore uses metal bobbins, my Janome uses plastic, have never had one break ... I like the plastic because they are clear and lightweight.

I use what is recommended for each machine. Have had no issues with metal or plastic.

Bobbins
 

Plastic bobbins came with my newer Singer. Metal with my 401. I'll use the kind that came with the machine. Easier to keep track of. Spent some time yesterday winding bobbins and attaching to spools of same color. Trying to keep them organized.

I am careful to use whatever bobbin comes with my machines. I can't remember ever breaking a bobbin (knock on wood here); but my machines are all in cabinets that have the bobbin holder thingy in one of the drawers; so that is what I am good at doing when I am sewing at a particular machine--thread color is not so important when I am in a hurry, just the right bobbin. I have one machine that will use plastic or metal bobbins; that is a 201, I think. I am a picture of OCD when I am teaching someone to sew on one of my own machines--making CERTAIN that he/she is aware of using the right bobbin in that machine. Plus, IMHO, speed sewing might be a matter to consider here. I am not a speed demon on any of my machines. Just my take on this subject this morning.

My machines are older. The instruction manuals have NOT specified what bobbins to buy. Wish they would have. The pfaff dealer sold both plastic and metal bobbins for my pfaff 1731 (a late 1980s macine.)

Also wish the the manuals would state what type of shank the attachments should have. (Low, high, super high)

I've been using the plastic bobbins for years and except when I drop one and then step on it, making it wind up in the circular file, and have not had a problem. I also have an older Brother machine which uses metal bobbins and have not had a problem with those; but I've never interchanged the two. I just keep a bobbin case for plastic bobbins and one for metal bobbins, they don't take up that much space.

I was told once that the advantage to a plastic bobbin is that if you step on it it will break while a metal bobbin could distort and you would maybe not notice it---this came from one of the old time repair men---my current Brother came with plastic so that is what I use

ROFL!!! Good thing my dh didn't see my post. I can just see him rolling his eyes......

I just bought a Baby Lock Ellisomo and was told ....never use a metal bobbin because it can blow the computer element in the machine. All my other machines use plastic except my old Kenmore. And I do find that plastic bobbins do not hold as much thread as metal.

Metal in my nearly 60 year old Kenmore and in my even older Singer, but only plastic in my Janome because that's what they came with. My Yorkies love it when I drop a plastic bobbin and fail to pick it up right away. The bobbins don't last long and neither does the thread. Just thank goodness they haven't been injured by swallowing plastic shards. froggyintexas

Glad this topic was introduced. My Brother came with metal. It has such a great quality of stitch I wouldn't use anything else. Don't know if it would make a difference but its the old "if its not broke don't fix it". I have a Janome that uses plastic, the stitch quality is not anywhere near as nice. I had thought about seeing if they made metal ones, but after reading your comments, sounds as if I should stick with what came with it.

I'm with you bearisgray, my manuals don't say and none of them say the shank either I get so confused.

I use both and have not had any problems with them. I do like the metal better but both works fine...

I always use what the machine originally came with. I heard the stitches wouldn't be right otherwise.
I've never heard that the plastic Robbins should be replaced. That's good information. I will be inspecting my bobbing now.
I really learn so much here.
Thanks everyone
Cindy

I have had machines that took plastic and one that took metal much prefer metal last much longer , even if you drop and stand on them , they keep there shape much better . Cathy

The Janome and Bernina bobbins are the same in height and width. But the Bernina bobbin center hole is a little tighter. You can tell them apart by how many holes are in them. The Bernina ones have 7 holes, and the "class 15" bobbins have 10 holes. The 10-hole bobbin work in a lot of different machines. But as you've discovered, the Bernina ones will work in other machines, they just can't be wound on other brand bobbin winders.

I use the plastic bobbins as that is what came with both the Brother machines I have. To me if it came with metal ones or if there was something in the owner's manual then I would use them but since they didn't I stick with plastic.