Q:  My bobbin will not wind correctly.  It is all loose and “spongey” when I take it off the bobbin winder.  What am I doing wrong?

A:  This problem is going to be a little difficult to answer, as all sewing machines have a different bobbin winding system, but I will try to be general about this issue.

All bobbin winders have a bobbin winding tension somewhere in the threading path.  This is not something that will look like a conventional tension dial, but usually like a silver button set on a hidden spring.  Your thread will pass through this area before going to the bobbin winder.  Make sure your thread is seated correctly in this critical area. 

Did this help?  If not, you can try “pinching” the thread between your thumb and forefinger as it is winding. This can give your thread a little more tension winding onto the bobbin.

At this point I would also like to address something else regarding bobbin winding.  Many machine brands promote the idea of winding the bobbin directly from your needle up to the bobbin winding area.  Although this is convenient (and in fact is sold as a “feature” by a salesperson when you are making a machine purchase), it is not (in our opinion) good for your machine.  First of all, the thread is going to pass through the eye of your needle at a very high speed when doing this, and you will basically weaken your needle and need to replace your needle.  (The thread builds up heat and friction, the eye is very small, and the needle becomes very weak, possible even bent when you wind through the needle).  Secondly, it causes unnecessary abrasion on the thread, making the thread much weaker, resulting in a seam that probably will not be very strong.  Thirdly, as the thread is passing from the needle, over the top of your machine to the bobbin winder, it will begin to cut a groove in the housing of the sewing machine.  (Hard to believe that a small spool of thread can cut a groove in your sewing machine, but it is very common.)

Although it may take a few extra minutes to unthread your sewing machine and wind your bobbin in a conventional fashion, it will be much better for your sewing machine, your needle, and ultimately the garment that you are sewing.