21quilter

Interesting this topic has come up. My MIL called me this weekend and asked what my old sewing machine used metal or plastic. (I gave it to her when I upgraded almost 17 years ago.) I thought it was metal. She had it in for a tune-up and was told to start using plastic bobbins. I have never heard that before.

Jeanne S

I use plastic bobbins in my Baby Lock Audrey with no problems. But I only use metal bobbins in my Juki TL1020Q as this machine requires a specific bobbin. I would use the type specified for your machine to avoid big problems by trying to save a few pennies. Bobbins are cheap when you think about your overall investment in your machines and fabric.

quiltedsunshine

As a sewing machine mechanic, I really don't like the plastic ones. They get rough around the edges, then your thread doesn't feed well. However, some machines just work better with the plastic ones. If you're going to use the plastic ones, you need to know when it's time to throw them away and get new ones.

Anniedeb

My Singer came with plastic bobbins. I've had it for 4 years, never had a problem with them...unless you count dropping them on the floor and stepping on them because they're clear!!

mighty

I have only used the plastic ones with the machines that came with them.

notmorecraft

I was told to use whichever the manufacturer recommends, my old Janome uses plastic and its seen a lot of use in 20 years and I'm still using the bobbins it was supplied with. My really ancient machine uses metal and I've never tried to change to plastic my mechanic agrees.

Teddybear Lady

I kept having the same problem. I found some metal ones that fit my machine and haven't had any more problems.

zennia

My Janome uses the plastic bobbins. I buy them from my dealer and never had trouble with them. Bobbins may look the same size but they are not. Just make sure you get what fits your machine.

Sandygirl

I have never had a machine that took metal. I buy the correct brand for my Janomes. I don't sub for generics. No problems unless I step on one.

sandy

GailG

The plastic bobbins work fine in my old Singer 404, interchangeable with the metal bobbons (solid metal which has only one hole for the thread). My other machines came with the metal bobbin with holes all around. I usually use those bobbins instead. On occasion I have used the plastic bobbin in my Janome and it has worked. I have never had a plastic bobbin to break. I suppose I'm the lucky one.