Singer 66 Bobbins
 

Hello All,

I recently bought my first treadle machine, a 1919 Singer 66. It only came with one bobbin, and I was wondering if you can use new class 66 bobbins on a old machine. I was finding very mixed information online.

Thanks,
Elizabeth

Yes you can. They are still the same bobbins even if they look slighly different. I think the old Singer machines originally came with 6 bobbins, that's what both my 99 and 201 came with. The problem I have had with brand new metal 66 bobbins is they act up with the bobbin winder. They are very nice and polished on the outside, but inside the "hub" they aren't always that polished; which means they don't always go on the bobbin winder. It's not a big problem, but to give you an idea; I bought 12 bobbins on e'bay, and I think I threw 6 of them out. They all worked fine in the bobbin case, maybe I could get them on the bobbin winder with a bit of wiggling and force, but I just could not live with that. Some sellers are aware of this and test their bobbins, but I have heard some complaints even from most reputable sellers.

The plastic bobbins work too, they are often called Apollo, or just class 66. Some find their machines behave better with the metal bobbins, but I don't notice much difference. I prefer metal bobbins, they look right the machine and last forever.

Buy new bobbins from Sew Classic or Stitches In Time. The packaged ones in stores are cheaply made and poor quality. Another way to get quality bobbins is to buy vintage ones on Ebay or Bonanza.


Cari

I did not have good results with the new plastic ones from Singer. It caused tensions issues that were resolved by using an old metal bobbin that came with the machine.

I agree with Cari. The new bobbins from JoAnn or Walmart work, but not well. Spend another dollar, and get the good ones.

I ordered vintage ones off ebay for my 66 treadle

Thank you everyone for the input! I was not planning on using plastic, as it just does not seem right to use plastic on such lovely old machines. :) I looked on ebay, but couldn't find any nice old ones. I'll just have to keep looking, or try some from JoAnn. :) I don't want to have to end up winding the bobbins by hand, so I'm definitely leaning toward buying old bobbins. :D
Thanks!

I ended up ordering metal bobbins from Sew Classic. They fit the machine and bobbin winder quite well. :) Thank you again!