Replies

1. 
   stitchmd | May 02, 2005 07:17pm | #1

   Happens all the time, even after more than forty years of sewing. Some machines have clear plates over the bobbin so you can see how much is left, but of course you can't see when your fabric is over it.

   No gimmick, just common sense. Make extra bobbins so you don't have to stop and rethread for it, and pay attention!

2. 
   Elisabeth | May 03, 2005 04:36am | #2

   Oh yes, lots of times! It's especially depressing when the seam you just sewed was a difficult one and you were glad it went well, hah. After years of sewing I have a pretty good sense of when the bobbin is almost used up, even a feel for how much to wind on the bobbin for a smaller project, but it's certainly not foolproof. I think there are some machines with a low bobbin warning, but that is just too high tech for me :-)

3. 
   kjp | May 06, 2005 04:09pm | #3

   If I'm sewing a short, easy seam and have lots of time, my bobbin will never run out.  If I'm sewing a long or challenging seam, let's see...baby hems, a curved seam I haven't basted, gathers are always a good one...I can guarantee that my bobbin will run out, and of course, I won't notice it!  No, there's no gimmicks.  I've though of color coding the end like they do on cash register tape - grin- but haven't for the obvious reasons.  Someone needs to invent the endless bobbin that doesn't need to be wound!

4. 
   raven99 | May 07, 2005 11:47pm | #4

   My previous machine was a Singer 2010 which had a red LED that would light when the bobbin ran low. Great feature! My current machine doesn't have this feature but I have noticed with this machine as well as with my previous 3 machines (including the Singer) that they sound different when the bobbin thread runs out. Its very subtle and its not something I'm consciously listening for, but most of the time I notice it after only a few stitches. Of course there are still times when I'm preoccupied that I'll sew an entire seam without bobbin thread. Yes, very frustrating!

   Marion

   
   

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   Edited 5/7/2005 4:52 pm ET by marionc

1. 
   SewTruTerry | May 09, 2005 11:03pm | #5

   Yes we have all been there done that. Something that I have come up with or heard somewhere is to load 2 bobbins. If you are using bobbin thread in the bobbin and fashion thread in the other for example and use both one on top and one in the bobbin.  Then you will notice when the top thread is running out you know that the bobbin is running out.

1. 
   DClemens | May 10, 2005 10:56pm | #6

   That's an excellent suggestion about using a bobbin both top and bottom.  I just got a new machine that doesn't warn me of low babbin thread, my old one did.  I'm going to try your idea.  Donna

2. 
   rsolish | May 11, 2005 06:09pm | #7

   thanks terry that is a good idea to try!!
   at least now i know i'm not the only one.

   Edited 5/11/2005 11:11 am ET by raya

1. 
   bodro1962 | May 17, 2005 11:46pm | #8

   Thinking back to the time when I used a treddle, I happened then too.  Now I like my serger. I still have the same problem.