Everyone wants to take the pain out of starting a new sewing project and one of the most important accessories for any sewer is a bobbin winder. These can be included in a lot of machines but they are not always reliable or are awkward to use. This is why a lot of people opt for an automatic bobbin winder, especially if they do not have one to hand.
An automatic bobbin winder is only going to be useful if it is made to last and has all the important features. This is why we have created the following buyer’s guide, so you end up with a product that helps not hinders new projects.
Auto Stop
When the bobbin is full, the machine will continue to try to operate unless there is an auto-stop function. Most reputable bobbin winders offer this feature which is great for your peace of mind and to ensure that no project is slowed down by having to sort out an untidy and overfull bobbin.
Speed
The bobbin winder needs to keep up with the stitches per minute or you are going to be out of sync. The better products are seamless so even an experienced sewer can get through a project at their most comfortable speed and definitely not have to go slower.
Durability
Although many of the working parts on an automatic bobbin winder are intricate, the quality of the device relies on its durability. Thankfully, a lot of machines are built to last with high-quality materials. This goes from everything from the plate to the spool shaft and all the moving parts.
Compatability
Arguably the most important thing to remember when looking for a bobbin winder is that not all of them are compatible with every bobbin type. Most will be fine with some of the more common bobbins such as M, L, or the universal 15 types but it is always best to check that this matches your needs.
Battery Operated
Most products will plug into the mains which is a good place to start as it means you should never be far from a place where you can use it. However, some can be powered by batteries. This is ideal for anyone who likes to be able to sew without being at the mercy of dual plug sockets. You’ll find that AA batteries are the most common type for automatic bobbin winders with this function.
Sturdiness
This all comes down to the plate. Grip on the corners is important to ensure it says in place. Alternatively, holes in the right places can allow it to be screwed into a craft table. This is the best way to ensure it is as sturdy as possible. With the vibrations of a sewing machine nearby, this is the approach that will make for comfortable sewing.
Thread Cutter
Not having to reach for craft scissors may only shave a few seconds off but it is these small conveniences that can make a bobbin winder stand out. We like to see any neat extra such as a stop/start light as an indication that the machine has all the features that are expected of a quality product.
Every serious sewer needs a bobbin winder to ensure the thread is distributed evenly around the bobbin. It doesn’t matter if the product is the standalone type or a portable one, this is the best way to ensure an even and reliable tension to match the sewing machine.
Counterclockwise. If the bobbin is spinning the wrong way, it can become unthreaded. This will lead to a few issues that will need to be tidied up. Not only are they time consuming to remedy, but they can make life difficult for a sewer.
Only when using a compatible machine. There are certain types such as sergers and chain stitch machines that use a moving looper to thread the underside of the fabric. This means that unless you have one of these machines, a bobbin winder is an important purchase.
This is possible although it is going to be a tricky process with fine thread. Alternatively, thick thread and yarn should be easier to work with when winding a bobbin by hand. However, it is always best to use a bobbin winder. For a small price, the convenience the user gets in return is well worth the investment especially for those that sew regularly.
The first thing to check is that the bobbin is fully engaged. If it is loose, this can cause uneven or slow winding. Push the bobbin pin completely over to ensure it is fixed in place as it should be. An unresponsive bobbin when pushing on the foot pedal is usually a sign that it needs adjusting.
The good news is that these convenient devices don’t cost a lot, so even the high-end products don’t cost a lot more than $50. This is why it doesn’t make sense to go for the truly budget options that are around $30 as this might mean compromising on quality. For the time it saves, this might be the most sensible purchase a serious sewer can make.
After reviewing multiple products, we found the best available to be the HimaPro Store Automatic Bobbin Winder. Not only is it compatible with a wide range of bobbins, but we found it to be the most reliable product for fast and even threading. With a base plate that can be screwed into a table and an auto stop mechanism, it ticks all the boxes.
What makes it even better is that it is still an affordable option, providing an opportunity to use the best the market has to offer for fast stitches and reliable tension.
