Replies

1. 
   damascusannie | Nov 17, 2008 06:43pm | #1

   I've heard mixed reviews. I think it largely depends on how happy or unhappy you are with the bobbin winder on your machine. Those who hate the bobbin winders on their sewing machines, love the Sidewinder, those are perfectly happy but just caved into the temptation of buying a new gadget, aren't so impressed. The feeling I've gotten is that it works just fine, but not necessarily any better than a regular bobbin winder.

2. 
   betty_boop | Nov 17, 2008 07:23pm | #2

   Many of the new fine threads as well as invisible threads are difficult to wind on the new machines, therefore I purchased the Side Winder and like it very much.  I do, however, feel it is overpriced for a plastic devise and wonder how long it will continue to work.  The only thing about it that is really a drawback in my opinion, is that you have to unplug it to shut it off!.  It does a fine, fast job of winding.

1. 
   Pattiann42 | Nov 17, 2008 08:14pm | #3

   Betty Boop - you do not have to shut off the power to stop the winding!

   Next to the post for the bobbin in a lever.  Flip it back and away from the bobbin. 

   This indicates the bobbin is full and the motor will stop.

   BTW, you are not the only one to not know this - the instructions are vague so it is reasonable to think cutting the power is the solution.

3. 
   Pattiann42 | Nov 17, 2008 08:19pm | #4

   I thought it a neat notion and bought one over a year ago during a notions sale at JoAnn Fabric.

   I use it now and again. 

   Walmart has the SW, and I believe it is less expensive than MSRP.

    

   Edited 11/20/2008 4:52 pm ET by spicegirl1

4. 
   mcarr719 | Nov 19, 2008 03:17am | #5

   I bought one when they first came out because I have two different machines that need to have the wheel disengaged in order to wind the bobbins. Because I am losing the grip strength in my hands this was becoming a problem for me. I'd say that this thing is an "okay" tool to have around, but I really prefer the built in machine bobbin winders. I find that the sidewinder often doesn't fill the bobbin completely, which means I need to wind more bobbins at one time for a project.mc (mary carr)I was put on this earth to accomplish a certain number of tasks -- But I'm so far behind that I'm going to live forever

5. 
   SueMoMo | Nov 19, 2008 04:22am | #6

   I have a bobbin winder that I have used for almost a year.  I never minded by machine's (Bernina Record) winder, so I am not really sure why I bought one.  It does work well if you want to use fancy threads in the bobbin.  For regualr bobbins, I like my machine's built-in one better.