Singer 9117 Automatic Bobbin Winder

[KKRichardson]

Is there some kind of trick to using the automatic bobbin winder on a Singer 9117 machine? I have followed the instructions but the thread just wraps around the whole bobbin case. I bought it used and I'm wondering if the bobbin winder works at all. It doesn't even pull the thread from the spool. I'm very frustrated. Any ideas?

[MartySews2]

KK, I'm not familiar with that model but most of the current machines on the market today have tension disks for the thread to pass thru. If you forget one step, the bobbin will wind around the base of the spool and not the bobbin. Believe me, it happens easily. The tension guide may have a bent or broken spring which would mean that it won't wind also. Maybe this link will help you ... http://www.singerco.com/sewing-resources/bobbin-winding. Another thought is that you have the wrong size bobbin on your machine. Check in your manual for the correct size bobbin and make sure that it is not upside down when you put it on the machine. If your machine did not come with a manual there are several sites in which you can download a manual for under $20.
Marty

[KKRichardson]

Thanks Marty. I think I will take it to the sewing machine shop and see if they can help me. None of the tutorials on the Singer website show my machine. The automatic bobbin winder uses a bobbin that has a metal point in the hole, and if I can't wind it on the machine, I will have to wind them by hand. I was thinking I could wind the bobbin on my old machine but this won't work because there is no hole in the bobbin.

I've followed the instruction in the manual, and even tried a few variations, but so far nothing has worked. I've ordered new bobbins, in case the one that came with the machine has something wrong with it. I just think this is probably an easy fix, I just don't know what else to try. I think I need an expert to look at it.

[pinecone]

I have the Singer 6235 bought about 1985 and it looks like it takes the same bobbin as yours. http://www.singersewingmachine.com/store/products/1162-singer-model-9117-pdf-manual-download.aspx I just did a search, didn't downolad the manual but noticed what the bobbin looks like. I have many bobbins bought "back in the day" that work fine. I bought some new ones a couple years ago and they are temperamental. Grrr The metal spring in the center is more wobbly in some and they don't wind worth a hoot. Good luck. Hope the dealer lets you test drive the bobbins first. Bring your own machine and thread...and go on a slow day.

piney

[KKRichardson]

I'm hoping the new bobbins will do the trick. I was afraid there was something wrong with the one that came with it. Unfortunately, the shops in my area don't carry that bobbin in stock. They had to order them.

[pinecone]

Glad you got to order them. I got mine through here: http://www.newarkdress.com/ I also order my machine needles from there. I like the bulk Organ, change it about every 8 hours of sewing.

piney

[1911er]

Some times the little bumps on the bottom of the cover plate get worn and you need to press down on the cover plate just above where the center of the bobbin is for it to put enough pressure on the spring thing in the center of the bobbin to activate the auto wind.