Drop in Bobbin Case Removal and Refitting

You may need to remove your bobbin case from a drop in bobbin style sewing machine to do some cleaning and oiling. Other reasons may include freeing up a jam in the bobbin case area or to inspect or replace a damaged bobbin case.
Many sewing machines use the drop in bobbin system and this video covers many different types of make and model. The machine specifically used in this video is a Janome MyStyle 22.
The main difference between models may be the way the throat plate (needle plate) is attached to the bed of the machine. Most machines have one or two screws holding the plate on.
Make sure to unplug the machine when you're doing this sort of work. The last thing you want is to accidentally putting your foot on the controller and ruining your day.
Remove the presser foot, bobbin and remove the needle if you want to get sharp pointy bits out of the way.
Once the plate is removed you will be able to remove the bobbin case easily unless there is a jam you need to clear.
The bobbin case should lift away easily but inserting a finger into the area where the bobbin goes and lifting the bobbin case up and towards you. From there you can inspect the bobbin case for any damage. The main cause of damage is caused by a jam where the bobbin case gets dragged out of its position and rotated by the hook where the needle may perforate the case or gouge it as it goes.
Replacement bobbin cases are generally easy to find and easily fitted back into place.
While the plate is off, it's a good time to do some basic cleaning and oiling. Clean the bobbin case and note there sometimes may be a small patch of bristles attached to the case which should not be removed. Remove all lint from the area, paying special attention to the feed dogs where lint can compress between the feed dog columns.
The Janome machines have an oiling wick down the centre of the hook shaft so make sure you don't accidentally remove that. The wick can be oiled with a few drops of sewing machine oil.
With the cleaning and oiling done, you can replace the bobbin case. There's a cut out in the edge of the bobbin case that should be positioned to the rear and the little nub should rest against the left side of the little leaf spring. Quite often there are arrows on the case and the machine to line up to help with positioning.
You can put a small drop of oil where the case meets the hook. This helps quieten the machine down slightly. Turn the machine over by hand to make sure everything is in order.
Attach the throat plate and secure it with the screw(s). Install the bobbin and cover. Attach the presser foot and replace the needle. Thread up and test sew but turning the machine for a few stitches by hand first to check everything is in order and that nothing is jamming up. Then use the foot controller to do a test seam.
Find my website here - www.institches.co.nz
Help support the channel for as little as $1/month - www.patreon.com/sewingmachines

[@amandafield3569]

For weeks, I couldn’t figure out why my bobbin case won’t stay in. I bought the(singer 7285Q patchwork)machine used- it’s missing the felt! Thank you. I’ve watched many videos and yours is the only one that helped. I am so grateful. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@LRoufa]

Your very tight camera shot showing the bobbin nub up against the spring was the moment I saw my problem. So happy to finally have my bobbin issue fixed! Thank you for saving me a bunch of money!

[@kimjensen9967]

Thank you! You are the only one that mentioned that the bobbin case should not spin. It should stay put. Now I know what to look for. Very helpful video :)

[@InStitches]

Glad I could help!

[@nydiaquinones3165]

Thank you. That was so helpful. I had so many pending projects, now I can work on them.

[@sorenable]

Same here! Mine was jiggling a lot and I didn’t realize it wasn’t supposed to that much.

[@sunx2024]

This solves my problem. The little spring on my machine somehow moved a bit and the knob went right past it, so the needle punches the case a lot. Moved the spring back and problem solved. Thank you so much!

[@trinhthucphamthai1546]

My bobbin case kept moving passed the spring and I didn't know how to to fix it. Thanks for the video, I'll try this weekend.

[@__x1o23]

This was exactly what I needed!! I was afraid I was going to have to buy a new sewing machine, so thank you for uploading this video to help us all!! Such a quick fix and you explained it VERY VERY well!! 30 years of experience definitely shows!! Thank you again

[@InStitches]

Glad I could help!

[@melodytenisch6232]

Thank you so much! I took the bobbin case out to clean out trapped thread buildup and couldn't put it back in. I have a Kenmore that's about 20 yrs. old but works great. Yours is the only video I found showing how to do this and you explained everything wonderfully. Chapeau dear sir!🎩👵😊👍👍

[@rosegrumbine7931]

You saved a Christmas gift today! Using my sister-in-law’s machine to finish my nieces present. Bent a needle and it wasn’t working right. Your information was just what I needed. Thank you so much.

[@spudboyfan1286]

My Kenmore from 1982 was made by Janome and for the first time in 40 years I thought it finally died when the bobbin case was moving around. Your video was perfect as my machine has the same top loading bobbin. I found some lint in there and cleaned it out. A needle broke yesterday as well. My case was in great shape so after dusting around in there and checking the spring and putting it back so far so good. Thank you so much for taking the time to post this video. I now understand the bobbin case and what to watch for in the future. ❤

[@annahenry9499]

Thank you for the little tip about the spring needing to be "under" the spring holder...saved a trip to the shop..Thank you!

[@ZumaLilly]

I landed here whilst looking for help with a loose bobbin case for my Juki hzl g210. I found that your Janome is very similar to my machine. Your instructions were precise and inspired me to have a go at fixing my own problem. Thank you very much!!

[@picklepirate]

Thank you for being a hero, this video is so helpful. I love newer sewing machines, but my grandma passed down her older model, which has this more difficult drop in bobbin case.

[@terraerwin2414]

I found this to be a useful, thoughtful, and clear tutorial in a sea of nonsense on you tube... it helped me solve the problem I knew I was having and a couple of other things I didn’t even know where wrong, and I would like to offer my sincerest thanks! After finally delving into needed home maintenance on my machine (about which there is numerous content available) I found little guidance in my manual or other tutorials about how to properly return the bobbin case and immediately started dealing with jamming after reinstalling it incorrectly. Your video was thorough and included important supplementary knowledge and explanation clearly obtained from your years of experience providing professional machine maintenance. You have given me a better understanding of how my machine works and what I need to be looking for when I am troubleshooting in the future, thank you for sharing you knowledge!

[@InStitches]

Thanks. I'm please it was helpful.

[@heatherecker8084]

Thank you so very much for this detailed go-thru! I wasn't sure what the heck I did, but got her back together in few minutes. Really appreciate it!!

[@janicefung1481]

Your experience resolved my bottom bobbin being loose. Super thanks!! I also got to understand how the bobbin casing works and a mini drop off oil going a long way.

[@tanstoptips1376]

Thank you from the other side of our planet, you've saved me a fortune and my sanity. 4 x videos on how to prevent your top thread from looping underneath the fabric and 2 days of a process of elimination, I found yours, and you've pointed out the problem, that little spring which had popped out from under the casing. Not obvious from the diagram in the manuel. I knew it was something simple as the machine parts were all working. So thank you so much. Off to clock up the kilometres . 😘😘

[@SistahBear1]

I just thrifted a “new home” machine. You got me all set up to sew! Thanks so much

[@sorenable]

I can’t thank you enough for this tutorial! I had a Singer Superb with a drop in bobbin case that was giving me tension troubles. A tiny adjustment to the bobbin tension screw (with the help of your detailed tutorial on how to access, clean, oil, and reassemble the cradle) did the trick! Thanks a million.

[@InStitches]

Thanks. I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@hemanth3828]

Thank you for this programme. My sewing machine isn’t that dirty, but to learn how to remove and replace the bobbin holder, I removed it and brushed as you explained. My word. There was a thin layer of fluff gathered on the sides. Small amount, but the cleaning and oiling made the machine move smoothly.

[@awasacademicwritingadvisor1905]

Incredibly helpful! Love your delivery, so clear and so calm - makes it easy to understand and you get right in there with your camera. Thank you for showing how to open up the bobbin case on my Sewmaster to pull out some cotton that had got wound around inside and created a jam. N.B. We did need to unscrew a second screw on the other side which we couldn't get at for ages - in the end used a Swiss Army penknife screwdriver attachment, half-open so at a right-angle which helped us to get under the casing. But when I got in I know what to do! Was so stressed I couldn't use my machine and now problem solved -Thanks again

[@SakuraMauri]

I LOVE YOU!!! I THOUGHT I BROKE IT BUT I WAS JUST PUTING IT IN WRONG!!!

[@ziirosociety]

Thank you for going into such detail! It's hard to find anything technical for sewing machines which is surprising. I identified 3 issues on 2 of my machines after many hours of searching for an answer thanks to your videos!

[@karenhill5934]

Wonderful video! My 1 year old Singer was very jammed. My machine has a portion of the front which is removable for storing supplies. One of them is a small screwdriver to remove the screws. I did that, cleaned the threads, but couldn't put the bobbin case back in. It was great you mentioned it doesn't move, I was trying everything. You Tube has a solution for everything, Your video was easy to understand, and the close ups were just what I needed. Popped it in, and it works fine. Great work!

[@Andrea-fe6dy]

Brilliant! Thank you! I have a Singer and this video helped me. I was sewing fabric 1x5 inch and it sucked the whole strip in in seconds! First time. Inside needed a good dusting - every cloud has a silver lining. 😊

[@marymcnally4852]

Thanks a million! This really solved my problem and now I understand a lot more about the bobbin case and how it is positioned.

[@SimplyAnnieB]

Thank you for this video. I was having issues with my Janome sewing machine. I found your video watched the entire thing. After viewing your video, I ordered a Janome Bobbin Case for my 7700CP. It came in the mail today. I am up and running now. Thank you, Thank you.😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@lindaelleker7761]

Thank you. I spent ages trying to refit it after the bbon pulled it up. Was about to take it to the shop but decided to see if I could find the answer on you tube. Infor you gave about the casing was very helpful. I went back and tried again and it worked. Don't know what I had done differently but it worked

[@samantha.redacted]

Thank you so much! As for the screwdriver problem, I’ve taken to using a dime to unscrew that top screw

[@debbiehall4155]

Extremely helpful, and easy to follow. Thank you!

[@peggyohair8804]

Thanks for helping me out. I love my little Janome and was having some bobbin issues. Your video help solve the problem. Much appreciated!

[@InStitches]

Great to hear!

[@ej7156]

Brilliant. Sorted out my bobbin problem immediately after ages trying on my own - thank you!!

[@InStitches]

Thanks.

[@bonniestrickland1815]

Thank you for such good instructions. My machine had jammed and when I was getting the fabric and thread out it pulled the bobbin case. I put it back in, but incorrectly. I dreaded trying to fix it and left it for about two weeks. Your video gave me hope that I could correct the problem. And it did! Thank you so much.

[@susan3200]

Thanks so much. I wasn't aware that I needed to oil the bobbin case. I successfully fixed my machine and promptly made a new hot pad for my kitchen.

[@RiffRaffMama.]

Yours is about the 10th video I've watched trying to fix my sewing machine and after changing the needle and messing around with the timing and getting nowhere, it was something you mentioned only in passing that ended up being my problem. You pointed out the spring and said you'd seen them sitting over the top sometimes when they shouldn't be... mine was sitting over the top. Once I finagled it into its proper location (there's a tricky little slot you have to get it into) my sewing machine sewed for the first time in a long time! *Moral of the story* - when you get a tangle of threads in your bobbin case, don't just rip it all out in frustration, you never know what else you'll rip out of place!

[@cathybishop9092]

THANK YOU !!!! I fixed my thread nesting problem under the needle plate. I love your teaching style ! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💯

[@h2oelephant]

INCREDIBLY helpful. Thank you!!!

[@EverythingsOrange]

Thank you so much! I just fixed my machine!! I've no idea how but just did all of this to machine and it works!! 😁😁😁 You are an angel 👼🏼

[@clairecrebar6943]

OUTSTANDING video. Thank you so much, it really helped me!!!!!!!!!!

[@user-ul9yv2bl7e]

Thank you! You definitely saved me the journey to the service shop for the tiniest repair ✨✨

[@lindabennett7465]

This is perfect and I love being able to fix my own machine for a fraction of the cost and no waiting time! Thanks

[@RAMach-zl1dh]

Lifesaver! The little metal part on my machine was not underneath, thanks for the tip!!!

[@annsutherland3407]

Thanks so much! You just saved me a trip to get my machine fixed. I didn't know about the bobbin tension screw.

[@Yewbzee]

Great video thanks. My bobbin case started rattling and vibrating whenever it started stitching on a Brother machine I'd had for a few months, the stitching was bunching and tangling straight away. The only slight damage I could find on the bobbin case was a very, very small scratch on the underside. Anyway I changed out the bobbin case for another and it fixed it. It looks like this thing is very sensitive to any slight damage.

[@melodytenisch6232]

Back again for a refresher course with my Singer Heavy Duty sewing machine a kind sister got me. As I said, you explained everything beautifully. Many thanks.👵🎩😊👍👍

[@felinesandflowers]

Thank you very much for your incredibly detailed and informative video. I loved how you made it so easy and clear to follow your instructions. I was able to fix my old New Home SD 2014, which was bunching the thread after I attempted to use it for free motion. It’s now working again very smoothly.

[@InStitches]

Thank you.

[@SummerBee2248]

Thank you so much for valuable knowledge and experience. I am grateful for all the details that you gave especially the notch and little spring parts. I was overwhelmed with the thought of fixing the machine myself, but you made it so easy and it was.

[@normaanderson3100]

Your video was so helpful and saved me time and money by fixing the problem myself. Now I can get back to finishing my projects. Thank you!

[@jessicawillson7444]

Excellent tutorial on getting to know my bobbin case and realizing it is working perfectly!

[@adriannplummer563]

Very, very helpful! Thank you. Awesome solutions to my bobbin problems. Thank you.

[@kevinkeller581]

Awesome video! Helped me fix issues I was having with my bobbin case.

[@InStitches]

Glad it helped!

[@jocelynperldeiner2093]

Lifesaver! Thank you so much for this video!

[@jon780249]

Hugely helpful and clear. Thank you.

[@ClareJackson-kf9dl]

Saved my Easter and my sanity. Thank you so much.

[@lizharrison4241]

Thanks very useful and cleat instructions. 😀 Happy sewing now.

[@ShirleyWilliams-mk3lf]

Thank you so much. I've really struggled seating my bobbin case for a very long time.

[@realee507]

This video was amazing! So helpful. Thank you so much

[@julesa181]

A great clear video & explanation. Thank you so much it resolved my bobbin problem

[@ROUNDTRIP...SRILANKA]

Thank you so much for your Clear explanation.

[@wendigray7298]

Thank you! My machine is working properly again!

[@marywalsh908]

This was extremely helpful!!! I had already given up trying to fix the problem. Thank you!thank you! Thank you!

[@ekaetefujah]

Thank you! A chunk of fabric found its way down there (I have a Necchi NM2000) and I got ii out using your instructions. I was about to just cry and go to bed. Thank you!!!

[@djarnott5427]

Thank you so much for this video. I fixed my machine thanks to you!!

[@spookycloud]

I was about to start smashing everything in my general vicinity and this video saved me. THANK YOU.

[@InStitches]

Glad I could help

[@user-kw4nr1jd9c]

On point ,precise, clear instruction. Exact information I needed. My problem is now fix Thank you.

[@kerriwilson7056]

Thank you so much! Even though my machine is a Singer, this video helped me tremendously!!!

[@dorcasngoieyumba8494]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video

[@maygonzalez989]

This was extremely helpful thank you

[@farfromkallefornia]

This was so helpful THANK YOU!!

[@yanelylopez6074]

thanks so much!!! i've been having some issues and i've been extremely stressed.. this helped a ton!!!!!!! greatly appreciated☺️☺️

[@InStitches]

Glad it helped!

[@valerienagle7065]

Thank you. You are a life saver

[@joellemarks4821]

Thank you so much! I’ve been trying to figure this out for months!!!!

[@marynelson1737]

Thank you so much. Your directions were very clear .

[@galemuniz8504]

Hello, this video really helps me, thank you

[@jdmarr2259]

Thank you! Great informative video!!

[@Rose-rp2nx]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@SapphireUK]

Thank you so much for your vdo. It really helped me when I thought I am never be able to put my bobbin case back into correct position. May God bless you

[@bubbley1963]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@tamiwall7377]

Thank you, this was very helpful

[@missy4804]

I have been sewing since I was 12 years and still I have so much of problems to attach this piece back on. Thank you for your help.

[@samarberri8648]

Thank you. That was very helpful

[@blessedwithblackevents]

You should be a school teacher. Thank you so much for this simply explained video!

[@elysiantulips5793]

thank you! my case got knocked out of place somehow so this video helped a lot :)

[@patsymoloney533]

Very informative!

[@rashmijindal5386]

Thank you from Delhi This video is very helpful for me cause my bobin case damaged somehow And now I have to install new bobin case Mine is singer 3820 machine I think this is the same procedure for my machine

[@go53169]

Thanks that was so helpful!

[@clarachanchile06]

Thank you very much . It sorted my problem. You are very kind to teach us and it was explaining very clear. 😃😘😘😘

[@InStitches]

Glad it helped!

[@kuntheaseth241]

Thank you so much ! If I didn't watch your instruction, I will not know how to take off my Bobbin case and clean. It took me awhile.

[@teresasjourney]

Thanks, this has helped so much...hugs, love, and Prayers

[@InStitches]

You are so welcome

[@drmarzia3940]

Thanks much for detailed explaining, and clear video. It’s much cheaper helpful.

[@digistra9893]

thank you so much for this. appreciate it a lot

[@magdakurtovic1638]

Many thanks!

[@coroshah7344]

Thank you , clear instructions.

[@brianfeeney9493]

Fantastic 🎉 ….. CHEERS MATE !!!! Merry Christmas 🎄🙏🏻💫

[@phlo-m7237]

My bobbin case doesn’t stay in place like yours, it spins around a little more. When i sew the thread gets stuck and almost removes the whole bobbin case

[@lanitailored]

Mine too. Have you found any solution?

[@shannoncranfill8115]

Thank you for this video. Oiled my Singer for the first time and then it sounded awful. I didn't know the little spring was to be under its plate.

[@jaden0012]

I really like your video. To the point, useful and very clear video.. Many thanks.. It was very helpful..!

[@neusaniemann7462]

Great video. Thank you!

[@InStitches]

Thanks. I'm pleased it was helpful.

[@patsythaliaharrigan8518]

Thnk u soooo much sir I almost get a fit to get the vobbling case back in

[@MsGeminorum]

Thank you!

[@hemanth3828]

Thank you.

[@princessk5002]

Omg. Thanks so much for this video. Just what I was looking for.God bless

[@InStitches]

Glad it was helpful!

[@madmag8181]

Thank you !!!