What to do when the bobbin runs out of thread in mid-seam, and how to prevent it.

[dscotthep]

I was just thinking about this the other day while hemming a tarp (and having the same issue). I came up with a possible solution but haven't tried it yet. Tell me what you think: Instead of winding a bobbin, use a second spool of thread of the same color mounted behind (or possibly below) the machine. Feed the thread up through the bottom of the machine into the "bobbin area"(?) and through the tensioning mechanism (in my case a small leaf spring on the bobbin case (which would now be empty). Assuming I can get the thread to pass this potential maze smoothly, is there any reason why this wouldn't work?

[5shot]

The top of thread has to go around the bobbin in order to create the stitch. Every industrial machine on the planet would work the way you described if it could be done.

[Slider]

May sound like extra work and additional threading of the machine, but I just use full bobbins for the top and bottom. I can keep up with how much thread is on the top bobbin very easily and then I make my decisions based on how much thread is left and what I am in the middle of.

[dscotthep]

Does the machine use the same amount of thread for the top and bottom stitch? Does it depend on the type of stitch or machine used?

[Bubba]

Sometimes I wind two bobbins about with about the same amount of thread, one maybe a tiny bit less than the other. I then use the lesser bobbin as the top thread. A balanced stitch should use the same amount of thread on the top and bottom so if I keep an eye on the bobbin on top of the machine, it gives me an idea of how much bottom thread I have left.

[captaincoupal]

sewing machine.gif
Here's the GIF that helped me to understand how the bobbin works and why they all use one.

[jwygralak67]

May sound like extra work and additional threading of the machine, but I just use full bobbins for the top and bottom. I can keep up with how much thread is on the top bobbin very easily and then I make my decisions based on how much thread is left and what I am in the middle of.

That's brilliant!

[Bubba]

Whoops, Slider beat me to it.

[Double]

Cool tidbit of information! I find looking in the bobbin case and checking how much thread is remaing upon setting down at the machine gives you an estimate on how much can be sewn or if respooling is necessary. Usually am aware when the bobbin will run out by doing this ritual.

[ocnlogan]

I wind bobbins for and use them on the top and bottom. The bobbins tend to run out approximately at the same speed, with the top running out about 2-3 ft before the bottom.

But this helps me know when I'm close to running out, just by looking at my top bobbin. Not sure its the best method, but its simple, easy, and doesn't cost anything .