3 Reasons Your Bobbin Thread Keeps Jamming (and How to Stop It!)

[@ericasolak1226]

I've been crushed thinking I had a bum machine! Low and behold I've been hitting each of these speedbumps! THANK YOU for this amazing info! My swear jar won't fill quite as fast anymore 😂

[@twinsnneedles]

That's great to hear!

[@toniajohnson4101]

SAME!!!! Was about to buy a new one and would have had the same problems!!!!

[@twinsnneedles]

@@toniajohnson4101 Some machines are more forgiving than others, and sometimes you can use not-great sewing habits and get away with it 8 times out of 10, but that other 20% of the time, you won't have a happy sewing day! So glad this helped.

[@Starrs1411]

Same! I’ve been turning the wheel all directions as don’t have a button that keeps my needle down so I can pivot!! Thank you thank you!!

[@rosie0970]

My mother taught me to use a sewing machine when I was six, I'm now 77. Everyone has this happen, it's just the way things are with machines, the more times you sort it out the more experienced you become, and know what to look for when you thread it up. Sew be happy😊.

[@2KITTIES-CLRR]

Thank you so very much for explaining these sewing "problems" to us. I'm not a newbie, but, I'm also not an expert. I've often wondered why they said for you to not turn your wheel in the "opposite" direction. I knew it could cause problems with your bobbin thread, but, i never knew why that would happen. I also never knew what could happen if you didn't hold your thread at the beginning of your stitching. I've always done that, but, never knew the specifics of what would happen when you didn't. Plus, I've often wondered how the thread take up lever position was important at the end of your sewing. I try to remember to have it in the uppermost position. But, i have often had that extra loop of thread under my fabric - and, i never knew why that has happened. WOW !!! You've explained so many things that I've been wondering about for so many years. TYSM for sharing your techniques and knowledge with us. I appreciate your help. 😻❣️😍

[@twinsnneedles]

Thank you for the kind words! One of the things I love about sewing is that there is always something new to learn, even if that's the "why" behind the "how."

[@2KITTIES-CLRR]

@@twinsnneedles That is so true ! 😻❣️😍

[@jonstevenson2283]

thank you for explaining this. I am new to sewing and have had some problems with thread bunching. And some instances of tread being hard to pull just like you were showing. Now I know what caused that to happen.

[@twinsnneedles]

So glad I could help!

[@budgetandplanforit8477]

This is probably the best video I’ve found for trouble shooting this issue. Camera work, explanation and solutions. I was super frustrated with my machine

[@twinsnneedles]

Glad to help!

[@vildeh7684]

Now I don't have to throw my whole sewing out the window, thank you! You're a lifesaver!

[@twinsnneedles]

Glad I could help!

[@StephanieGoodlet-j1s]

Thank you so much, not only did it solve the problem but knowing how it works makes it so easier to understand what is happening and the tip at the end was great, I was wondering why it was difficult sometimes to pull the yarn at the end of sewing

[@twinsnneedles]

You're welcome!

[@adayco]

Thank you very much for sharing this in both a verbal explanation, as well as the visual of the bobbin case, the carriage, the needle, the thread and the fabric. Very well said and the issue is completely understandable as to why the bobbin thread kept having twins and breaking! 😊

[@twinsnneedles]

I love that machine, partly because it's so easy to see what's going on!

[@playhooky]

Hi, new subscriber here! Great video here; I really appreciate it & can tell you're a great teacher! I thought the only things that could cause a rat's nest with my bobbin thread was tensions problems or not holding both thread tails when beginning to stitch - which you can't do when mending & starting in the middle of a piece of fabric such as when sewing a patch on in the middle of the fabric & not at an edge. I'm middle aged & a mostly self-taught sewest. I've had a couple individual lessons & then learned more from practice & YT. I didn't take home ec back in H.S. (in the late 70's) because they also taught cooking & I already knew that I hated to cook lol. Hindsight is 20-20; I wish I had taken it because I could have easily gotten through the cooking section & would have LOVED the sewing section & it would have served me very well over the years. Now I'm learning what I can & thoroughly enjoying it.

[@twinsnneedles]

I think finding a way to anchor a thread tail when doing repairs or starting in the middle of a piece of fabric is one of the hardest parts! I'm so glad my video taught you something. I think it's exciting to learn new skills at any age.

[@deliseburrus7631]

Informative. I have sewn for years and did not know these things. thank you.

[@meganjpmap4544]

Everything you explained is new to me! Thank you for being so detailed and repeating it in a way that is understandable. I was making every one of these mistakes lol

[@twinsnneedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandybruce9092]

Excellent information for any sewer!!!

[@JRoseAgain]

I did not know any of this and I’ve had all of these problems. Thank you!!!

[@twinsnneedles]

You're welcome!

[@gerardlunow567]

The engineering point of view. It is how I think. Thank you!

[@sandybruce9092]

Even those of us who aren’t newbies still can have problems. Pretty much it’s because we have either made an error in threading the top thread or haven’t threaded the bobbin correctly! For me, this cures my goofs 100%!

[@PrettyLittlePackages]

I have been looking for solutions for this issue for months....I had given up and had begun searching for a new machine....then your video appeared! I am off to try these tips. Hoping they will fix my jamming issues. Thank you.

[@twinsnneedles]

I hope it helps!

[@czarlie287]

WoW thank you so much! I kept having the ugliest rats nest threads bunch up and everything....your video really helped me out. After watching, I was able to make my first ever little practice project on my machine and I was thrilled I figured it out. Great video, straight to the point and very clearly explained I really appreciate the info thank you!

[@twinsnneedles]

Great to hear!!

[@drewthedweeeb]

Thank you for the helpful video :] I'm sewing quite a lot for the holidays and being able to finally use a machine will make things much easier!

[@twinsnneedles]

Wonderful!

[@cozypreneur]

3 minutes into the video and you already solved my problem! Amazing :) watching the rest now to make sure not to make those mistakes either !

[@twinsnneedles]

Wonderful to hear!

[@dbalaji07]

you hit all the problems i faced today. I faced all three problems you described 😂

[@twinsnneedles]

Hope my video helped!

[@davidemley6116]

I learned much on your site holding the 2 threads when start is now clear .

[@twinsnneedles]

Great!

[@carolsopinski4549]

This was an excellent tutorial, thanks “sew” much😂. I also struggle with tension issues on my 40 year old Singer. I would love some education on the tension after all these years! In future videos🤗

[@twinsnneedles]

I can definitely talk about tension! I'll add that to my "to do" list.

[@sandybruce9092]

@@twinsnneedlesI remember being told back in Home Ec in the late 50s never to tough the tension! I still hope not to have to do this😬😬

[@twinsnneedles]

Goodness! Like I said, you may not need to (very much), but sometimes you do!@@sandybruce9092

[@akshayag4260]

thank you so much , I’ve been stressing out for an hour then I found your video and I immediately found the solution.

[@twinsnneedles]

Great!

[@studiobirb]

Thank you so much for this video! I borrowed a machine that uses this kind of bobbin holder, and I couldn't figure out what was going wrong. I figured it out now :D thanks again!

[@twinsnneedles]

Glad I could help!

[@poisonclarinet]

Ma’am, you are a genius. Thank you kindly.

[@twinsnneedles]

Glad to help!!

[@BvsMAcosh]

Your equipment is such a classic. Nice explanation too.

[@twinsnneedles]

Thank you kindly!

[@courtneybalestier3989]

You ANGEL! Newbie here who was getting so frustrated. I have a very similar style and vintage of machine and learned so so much, thank you!

[@twinsnneedles]

Great to hear!

[@jenniferc9002]

Thx for the tips! Love that you were able to show what was actually happening in the bobbin area! Very helpful instructions!💕

[@twinsnneedles]

Glad it was helpful! I love using that machine in my classes because it’s so easy to see what’s happening.

[@hy9093]

Thank you so much. like another viewer, I had thought my belt had broken and was going to repair the machine because it kept stalling. I am a pre-novice lol but your video was so helpful I can now begin to be a novice! Much gratitude.

[@twinsnneedles]

Happy to hear it!

[@jellyfish-z6z]

Everything makes so much more sense now, thank you 🙏

[@twinsnneedles]

You’re welcome!

[@77andsunny]

Thank you for helping me solve my problem and get my pants hemmed. 😁

[@twinsnneedles]

Happy to help!

[@Jawsjawsjawsrg]

You solved my problem with out showing my problem. Some how the tread got out of the take up lever. When you talked about it, I realized that I needed to check it.

[@twinsnneedles]

Glad to help!

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Handwheel: the 1% of the time that it does not move toward you (I have a vintage full rotary as such), it wreaks havoc with your muscle memory! Excellent tutorial. Now, I just learned something today while organizing some sewing room chaos. I purchased a special bobbin hook for my Juki Kirei for free motion. IN the instructions, it mentioned that if you need to reduce tension on the bobbin, to put it in the obverse (not "P", but an inverse "P). I thought that quite interesting, though I've not tested it. Reading manuals is really important!

[@twinsnneedles]

That’s a great tip! I wonder how many machines work that way.

[@MaracasEmbroidery]

Thanks for this help. I have not used a sewing machine for 45 years but someone gave me a sewing machine recently and sure enough it had a few issues. It appears to be brand new but first the hand wheel was stuck and I couldn't figure out why. Turns out it was that the little latch to thread the bobbin was switched to that position and it automatically locks the hand wheel. Three weeks of trying to find that info, 🤣 I finally figured that out yesterday and now the bobbin thread would not pull up. I took it apart (I started that yesterday) and finally today I figured out that the entire thing had been replaced backwards. I now feel a little badly for the original owner because they gave up but now I just might have a working sewing machine that was given to me for free. BTW, the machine was donated and I have no way of knowing who donated it to the agency, which it was then purchased by my friend who gifted it to me because he knew I wanted a sewing machine. Sorry for the long comment but it I'm glad you were here to help me. Thank you!

[@twinsnneedles]

I am SO GLAD to help! I think a lot of sewing machines out there would run just fine with the kind of TLC you've given yours. Thanks for not giving up on it!

[@carolinefrawley8092]

Thank you so much! No other video could explain the issue to me and you were so wonderfully clear in showing exactly what to do ❤

[@twinsnneedles]

So glad to hear that!

[@rutheniiumz1800]

You saved my boyfriend’s pants. Thank you! Very comprehensive and easy to follow. :)

[@twinsnneedles]

Glad I could help!

[@KM-yw2yb]

Great explanation and clear demonstration. Thank you!

[@twinsnneedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandybruce9092]

I was taught to hold my thread ends when starting a new seam, but my new machine has automatic thread cutting and I had to learn something different.

[@twinsnneedles]

Oh yes! That is a real time-saving feature!

[@dibbleboo]

This was so helpful. I was doing all three things 😬 Thank you so much !

[@twinsnneedles]

Glad it helped!

[@invigilator1]

I have a Kenmore limited edition that has the top load bobbin with the clear plate. I have a Kenmore limited edition that has the top load bobbin with the clear plate. I had been having problems with jamming periodically which were sometimes solved by just cleaning and oiling, but your advice about holding tension in the thread as you get started solve that problem for me even though the machine already had that little tension hook. Thank you

[@twinsnneedles]

Great to hear! Kenmore made some very nice machines.

[@bondee5865]

That's a great help; I now know to watch for these three issues. 👍🏼 Thanks

[@rachelford8260]

Thank you for sharing! This is the most informative and well explained video I’ve found!

[@twinsnneedles]

Thank you!

[@freakishchick182]

Thank you for sharing. I had thus issue multiple times today. Now I know where I've gone wrong.

[@dazeofgloryshopworks5806]

Thank you! I've been struggling today with a project that is slightly hard on the machine in the first place but couple that with not using the same machine and second guessing my infrequent usage of sewing machines. Thank you for explaining exactly what I have been doing wrong 🤘🏼

[@twinsnneedles]

So happy to help! Every once in a while a machine really does have a major problem (timing gets out of whack, for example, and it really won't sew right), but that is really not very common.

[@dazeofgloryshopworks5806]

@@twinsnneedles yes for sure. For the most part, it was my settings. I'm still having a slight difficulty getting the bottom stitch correct to my liking but I was able to complete the project and it will be good for as long as i need it. It was vinyl and I just find it tricky stuff.

[@therustichandyman]

Reason #1 saved my sanity. Thank you!

[@twinsnneedles]

Glad to help!

[@lindaandsteffi]

It’s like your read my mind ! Thanks 😊

[@s.ann.1010]

Thank you! Gosh, how I needed this today... part 3 was my issue. Live & Learn 😊

[@twinsnneedles]

So glad to help!

[@Thedeanofdrink]

Hey this was very helpful and I definitely learned a lot. I'm having an issue where my bobbin isn't catching at all, and I can't figure out why. I have a machine very similar to the one in your video though mine looks about 10 years earlier from the 70s. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

[@twinsnneedles]

When this happened to me, my needle was inserted incorrectly. Have you tried changing the needle/checking that?

[@maryspeight2840]

Thanks . Just got a vintage machine and learning how to operate . Cheers . G.Speight

[@twinsnneedles]

Oooh, which machine?

[@hfuhruhurr]

Ah! This explains most of my newbie mistakes. Thanks!

[@aleciahansen7859]

Your machine is the first that looks similar to mine (ala KZbin tutorials). Thank you for the video. So helpful. New sub!

[@twinsnneedles]

I love all of my machines, but I have a soft spot for that one! That is the one I bring to class because it's so easy for my students to see what's happening with it.

[@lesayager1982]

Thank you for very informational video!!

[@twinsnneedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aldanaerario900]

Thanks Lara, that was veeeeery helpful! 😊

[@twinsnneedles]

I'm so glad!

[@ZapZipity]

Hi! im new to sewing and watching this video helped me a lot but i have an issue that may have not been covered in this video. my sewing machine keeps jamming and forming rats nests under my projects no matter what i do and ive checked my bobbin area to see what the threading process looks like but it looks as if my top thread does not fully circulate, i dont know what the reason for this is and i would like to know if you have any thoughts about it

[@twinsnneedles]

It sounds like maybe the top thread is getting caught on something in the bobbin area. This can happen when there's been damage to the bobbin case. If you have the manual for your machine, it should tell you how to remove the bobbin case. Once you get it out, feel very carefully on all of its surfaces to see if there are any rough spots. You may be able to polish out rough spots with 2000 grit (or higher) sandpaper, but be very gentle when using that. If that doesn't work, you may need to start the search for a local repair tech to take a look.

[@warrior3195]

Thank you very much for your expertise. From newbie

[@twinsnneedles]

You're very welcome!

[@paigeturner165]

What a great teacher you are! (From a teacher 😅) x

[@twinsnneedles]

Thank you! 😃

[@nancyalexander780]

EXCELLENT VIDEO THANKS💯

[@twinsnneedles]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marlathielk8554]

Brilliant! Thank you so much!

[@twinsnneedles]

You're very welcome!

[@TheComfyNestwithGrace]

Thanks for the help!

[@twinsnneedles]

Happy to help!

[@jubithinks9116]

Thanks. This was very helpful.

[@nafeesathdhahlan8122]

Thanks you so much dear ❤well explained ❤❤❤

[@twinsnneedles]

You're welcome!

[@susanconder6590]

So doubling up on the thread is caused by not having the needle all the way up? Do I understand correctly?

[@twinsnneedles]

It can. It can also be a sign of a dull needle or something getting caught in the bobbin area.

[@ZukiswaNelane]

What would be the problem if the thread keeps on getting trapped on they bobbin case long hook

[@twinsnneedles]

It could be the bobbin hook is a little damaged. Try feeling for any rough spots. You may want to see if you can repair or replace the bobbin case.

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

I have that double thread problem with my BabyLock Presto 2……also when I start to sew, if I don’t hold my threads I get the mess underneath. I wonder if we pressed the needle up position before starting to sew????? This problem is very annoying.

[@twinsnneedles]

I always hold onto my threads when I start to sew. Some machines seem to need it more than others, but I really do think most machines sew better when the seam starts out with a little tension on the thread tails. I think keeping the machine "needle up" at the end of each seam might help with your double thread problem, since that's basically what I'm doing manually here.

[@AbbyThomas-x7o]

I would love for this video to help me but it doesn’t my machine catches the bobbin thread but when I hold it tight it gets jammed and doesn’t sew

[@twinsnneedles]

I am sorry to hear that the video isn’t helping with your issue! What’s the make and model of your machine?

[@marceneburns3426]

Bubbling up the thread is my problem right now when i being my project i cant seem to get pass this any advice would be appreciated

[@twinsnneedles]

I think you mean bunching of thread underneath the project? First things to try: redo your top threading, change your needle and make sure you’re holding on to those thread tails when you start the machine.

[@melissas.3171]

I have a different issue I’m not sure what’s wrong. It sews but it’s sewing and coming out on fabric like elastic would if that makes sense. I can pull and straighten it out but the fabric then bunches elsewhere like elastic. Can anyone help

[@twinsnneedles]

Sounds like something is going wrong with your tension! Have you tried changing the needle and cleaning the tension disks on your machine?

[@melissas.3171]

@ I will check and see if a different tension setting helps. I never changed the needle so no, but I can look it up in the book how to as see if that also helps thank you

[@twinsnneedles]

Ok so definitely change the needle! You might also want to watch my videos about cleaning your machine. It can’t hurt and usually helps!

[@saimonahmokupe953]

Thank you so much❤❤

[@twinsnneedles]

You're welcome!

[@Awesome123]

Very good video

[@twinsnneedles]

Thank you!

[@hairbyfizzy]

Thank u, u saved me now

[@twinsnneedles]

Great to hear!

[@aneciawatson4832]

I have the popular mini portable machine that I purchased from Aldi. I purchased it 3 years ago and just pulled it out so I can start to re-teach myself how to sew. The machine jams after yhe first few stitches. I'm so frustrated 😢

[@twinsnneedles]

Have you tried cleaning it? It may have a little lint buildup from before you stored it.

[@aneciawatson4832]

@@twinsnneedles I opened it up to see if there was thread stuck. I tested the bobbin case with the hand wheel and it was sticking. I noticed the needle was sticking. I took the needle out and it was not sticking. It's crazy because this machine is brand new never used. I am going to change the needle later and hopefully that stops the issue.

[@FEIYUE-NETFIRST]

nice sharing!

[@Aziakinkope]

Thanks! For me it was reason 1! I wasn’t holding it. Problem solved

[@twinsnneedles]

Great!

[@saraaronzon4562]

Thank you!

[@roshnimaharaj3169]

My bobbin section is not moving when I turn my wheel..

[@twinsnneedles]

Is the needle moving, but the bobbin isn't?

[@SloppyJoeLee]

Thank you. 🙏🏽

[@twinsnneedles]

You are so welcome

[@TexasLady220]

I’m about to throw my Janome out the window. No matter what I do it James and sucks the material down and then I can’t even put the material out! Ugh.

[@twinsnneedles]

Oh no! If you’ve tried changing the needle and cleaning out under the needle plate, the machine might need professional service.

[@Tilly-lf5to]

Mine keeps on doing this and I’ve been trying to fix it for over an hour 😭 and I’ve tried all your hacks but nothing seems to work. If anyone has advice please tell me

[@twinsnneedles]

Some machines need a good clean and maybe a drop of oil in the bobbin area. Have you tried that?

[@Tilly-lf5to]

@@twinsnneedles no I will try that thank you so much 🤩

[@gabymatienzo6490]

Deberían explicar en español, no podemos entender para no malograr nuestras maquinas

[@twinsnneedles]

I’m sorry but I don’t speak Spanish!

[@shyllajade]

These tips didn’t help idk what I’m doing wrong 😭 the top thread is not going around the bobbin but the timing seems fine. Idk what I did

[@twinsnneedles]

Did you double check that the needle is inserted correctly and in the correct direction?

[@Phoenix_DarkMoon]

I have a treadle machine and a 4 year old that cant keep his hands off my machine. I am CONVINCED he has turned my wheel backward and broken my machine.

[@twinsnneedles]

Oh yikes! I hope not!

[@anonymousmous8525]

❤