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.

Interesting this topic has come up. My MIL called me this weekend and asked what my old sewing machine used metal or plastic. (I gave it to her when I upgraded almost 17 years ago.) I thought it was metal. She had it in for a tune-up and was told to start using plastic bobbins. I have never heard that before.

I use plastic bobbins in my Baby Lock Audrey with no problems. But I only use metal bobbins in my Juki TL1020Q as this machine requires a specific bobbin. I would use the type specified for your machine to avoid big problems by trying to save a few pennies. Bobbins are cheap when you think about your overall investment in your machines and fabric.

As a sewing machine mechanic, I really don't like the plastic ones. They get rough around the edges, then your thread doesn't feed well. However, some machines just work better with the plastic ones. If you're going to use the plastic ones, you need to know when it's time to throw them away and get new ones.

My Singer came with plastic bobbins. I've had it for 4 years, never had a problem with them...unless you count dropping them on the floor and stepping on them because they're clear!!

I have only used the plastic ones with the machines that came with them.

I was told to use whichever the manufacturer recommends, my old Janome uses plastic and its seen a lot of use in 20 years and I'm still using the bobbins it was supplied with. My really ancient machine uses metal and I've never tried to change to plastic my mechanic agrees.

I kept having the same problem. I found some metal ones that fit my machine and haven't had any more problems.

My Janome uses the plastic bobbins. I buy them from my dealer and never had trouble with them. Bobbins may look the same size but they are not. Just make sure you get what fits your machine.

I have never had a machine that took metal. I buy the correct brand for my Janomes. I don't sub for generics. No problems unless I step on one. ;)

sandy

The plastic bobbins work fine in my old Singer 404, interchangeable with the metal bobbons (solid metal which has only one hole for the thread). My other machines came with the metal bobbin with holes all around. I usually use those bobbins instead. On occasion I have used the plastic bobbin in my Janome and it has worked. I have never had a plastic bobbin to break. I suppose I'm the lucky one.

Never used them, will not put them in my machine!

I only use the bobbins that are recommended for my machines. Right now none of my machines use plastic bobbins.

If bobbins are interchangeable why can't you wind different bobbin on a particular machine. I have three Janomes and one Bernina and I can use one machine to wind bobbins that I use in another machine.

My machine takes the plastic ones. I do not know if it can use the other. I have not had any break on me. Wonder if your machine needs the metal ones. What does the owners manual say?

:) yes, I agree but my Singer from 1990's came with plastic ones so that is what I use -- I have learned to look at the bobbin to make sure the top thingy is straight and not bent before refilling it -- more of planned obsolescence

I agree, it just doesn't seem that something plastic would work in such an important part of the sewing machine. Bernina doesn't offer them so I have never used them and I wouldn't have even if they offered them.

Why couldn't you. Sometimes people buy prewound bobbins and it is for sure they don't know what machine wound those...

I wind most of my bobbins on my Janome 350E as it winds the BEST bobbins! Tight, reasonably fast and there is no place for lint to gather that I can't get to as it is on the top of the machine. I can see the whole thing. I have three Janomes and use the same bobbins in all of them. Both plastic and metal.

Bobbins aren't interchangeable unless they're the same bobbin size. Bobbins are manufactured to specifications, and sometimes the differences in specifications are hard to see with the naked eye; the hole could be slightly smaller, or some other dimension different by just a couple of centimeters.

Makes a difference to the machine, though. I once "fixed" a machine that was brought to me because it jammed when it sewed. Owner said it worked fine until she ran out of thread and inserted a new (plastic) bobbin. Turned out the new bobbin was not quite the same as the old bobbin, even though they looked very similar. When I looked closely, I could see that one had slightly curved edges while the other was straight.

I have some metal bobbins and some plastic. I much prefer the metal ons.

However, i do use the plastic ones for a specific purpose. I always use my "good" thread for piecing and quilting. I always put my "good" thread on metal bobbins. That way I know it it the good stuff!

I have a bunch of older, cheaper thread that I use for mending, basting, or making something that I know is not going to be expected to last a lifetime. I put that thread on the plastic bobbins. That way, I know it is the less than great quality thread! Works for me!

I use plastic as metal will wear out plastic casings also if you have a thread sensor it also needs to be able to sense when thread is getting low so it needs a clear bobbing, its why paper prewounds don't work with sensors. I haven't had any problems with my bobbins breaking unless i accidentally step on one. But I also bought a package of like 50 for 5 bucks so I have plenty and am not constantly using the same one

My brother is very selective and will only sew with a brother plastic bobbin. Not tried a plastic in my bernina my janome goes with anything. I think it depends on your individual machines idiosyncrasies. I have a box of new plastic ones and have noticed they are lighter than previous lots. I use my plastic bobbins on top if I am only sewing small sections of different colours a to classes. It saves taking a large plastic box.

I think you meant millimeters... a couple of centimers is about an inch.

I use the plastic ones - they were recommended for my machine.

Mine can with plastic and that is all I use, but I do keep a few packages of them on hand...

I saw this on Sew-classic's web page:

"For Singer 15-91, 15-90, 15-88 or 15-125, this bobbin is not what you should get.(any machine that uses BC#125291). *Current manufacturing standards for the metal, class 15 bobbins often result in fitment issues.

Effective 12/13/2012- Sew-Classic no longer tests or alters these bobbins for fitment. We recommend the 2518-P instead of the metal class 15 bobbins for all machines."
http://shop.sew-classic.com/Bobbins-...ils-2518-A.htm

The plastic bobbins are inexpensive so consider them somewhat disposable. They will work for either the metal bobbin holder or the plastic bobbin holder. I think there are little liner things you can put in there to slow them down a bit, too.

Good too know reason! I also do this.

The last time I bought bobbins for my 1970's era Viking at a Viking store I was given a choice of plastic or metal. There was no difference in price so I bought the metal ones. I do have some plastic ones as well that I received as a gift. They work fine too. I have never had one break. I just like the feel of the metal bobbin better.

My machine is used to plastic bobbins. That is what came with it and what I buy when I need to replace one. My biggest problem with plastic bobbins occurs when I drop them on the floor and have trouble finding tem because they are clear!!

I have used metal and plastic interchangeably without any problems....but the metal ones do have a nice feel to them.

My machine came with and uses plastic bobbins. I've been using them for probably 8 years and the only probably I have with them is if they get dropped on the floor and I don't get them picked up right away they are chewing toys for my dog(s), so I'm careful with them....that's the only time I've had one break!!