What's Your Take On Plastic Bobbins?
 

My old Singers originally used metal bobbins. A few years ago, I changed over to clear, plastic bobbins so I could easily see what color thread was in them. Now, I'm wanting to go back to the metal ones. The plastic bobbins seam to break, get wobbly and just don't hold up...IMHO. What's your experience with plastic vs. metal bobbins?

I use both interchangeably and have had no real problems with the plastic ones. My Janome takes the old Singer FW metal ones and the newer Singer/generic plastic ones. I've used the same plastic bobbins for a few years and seeing that they are cheap, when one does get a burr on it or breaks I just toss it. Overall, however, I haven't had any true problems with the plastic ones.

Anita

Metal bobbins hold up better over time and are less likely to distort. However, you should use metal bobbins only in machines that were made for them. A lot of the newer machines come with plastic bobbins; using metal bobbins in them can damage the bobbin case.

I was told the bobbin material should match the bobbincase or the area the bobbin sits in. My Juki has a metal bobbincase so it uses a metal bobbin. My Viking has a drop in bobbin, and has a plastic bobbin area, so it uses a plastic bobbin.

I have sewing machines that use metal bobbins and I have sewing machines that use plastic bobbins. I use metal bobbins in the machines that came with metal bobbins and I use plastic bobbins in the machines that came with plastic bobbins. I do NOT use metal in the machines that came with plastic bobbins and I do not plastic in the machines that came with metal bobbins. I would go back to the metal bobbins if it were me.

Lately, I'm finding that the plastic bobbins are much lighter and so the thread seams to "unthread" itself in the bobbin case. Then, I get a big bird's nest. I'm definitely going back to metal ones.

I only use the bobbins recommended for my machine.

Well that is what my Janome takes. I only buy them from my dealer too. so far, so good. I have heard they can break over time though. so far I've had mine for years and no problems. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. now I inspect them before filling and using.

I use them interchangeably in all my machines. I have some vintage machines and some mechanical brothers. So far I haven't noticed any difference.