What bobbins do I use in my Janome machine?

It’s a question we get asked all the time, so let’s talk about bobbins! They all may look the same, but they are not created equal.

History Of the Bobbin 

Although the basic sewing machine as we know it has been around for around 170 years, or so, the bobbin has changed significantly. In 1846, the first American patent was issued to Elias Howe for “a process that used thread from two different sources.” Elias Howe’s machine had a needle with an eye at the point so when the needle pushed through the cloth and created a loop on the other side, a shuttle on a track then slipped the second thread through the loop, creating what is called the lockstitch.

In the 1920s, Janome founder Yosaku Ose, a pioneer in Japanese sewing manufacturing, replaced the traditional long shuttle with a round metal bobbin like we all know today. The Japanese thought the new round bobbin looked like the eye of a snake, which translates to the innovative company name we know and love today, Janome.

The beauty of Janome sewing machines is that from basic entry-level to sophisticated top-of-the-line, almost all machines take the same Janome “J” bobbin.

Janome machines undergo rigorous quality control testing in which only Janome bobbins and Janome needles are used, so we know they work and produce excellent results.

We always recommend using Janome brand bobbins, which have a “J” on the centre post, to receive the best performance and stitch quality from your Janome machine. The bobbins have a rubberized compound in them which makes them quieter in the machine, allows them to instantly stop spinning when you stop sewing, and they don’t break as easily when you drop them on the floor and accidentally step on them. Ask me how I know that one, lol!

Although our plastic bobbins are a basic Class 15 bobbin, we have found that all manufacturers do not make them uniformly and bobbins from other manufacturers might not work as well. They might be slightly bigger, or smaller, or might have a slightly curved top and bottom. These differences may not be so noticeable to the naked eye, but your machine will certainly know the difference and you’ll soon see and feel the frustration with inferior stitch quality and potential thread breakage and/or thread jams.

Metal Bobbins

Although most Janome machines, especially those which are Horizontal Rotary Hook, aka Top-Loading models take a plastic bobbin, certain machines were designed to use metal bobbins. These are generally Vertical Oscillating Hook, aka Front-Loading models, where the bobbin is housed in a separate metal bobbin case which snaps into the all metal hook assembly at the front of the machine. Metal bobbins should NOT be used in Top-Loading machines as those machines have a magnet which helps hold the bobbin holder in place. That magnet will interfere with the movement of the metal bobbin so it’s advised not to use them. It is ok to use plastic bobbins in the front-loading machines, however.

Janome machines which use this traditional front-loading assembly are generally the mechanical entry-level machines, like the Janome 1522RD, Janome HD1000/HD1000BE, and the Janome 234.

Janome 1522RD – also comes in other colours! Check with your Janome Canada for details!

The high-speed straight stitch models, like the Janome HD9/HD9BE use the Janome Jumbo Metal bobbin which is 1.4x bigger than the regular bobbin. This means it’ll hold more thread so you can sew and quilt for longer periods of time in between bobbin changes. Who doesn’t love making things easier and saving time?

Janome HD9BE high speed straight stitch sewing machine

All Janome Quilt Maker longarm quilting machines take a specific “M class” larger metal bobbin. The larger size means you can wind more thread onto the bobbin to quilt longer without having to stop to change the bobbin.

Large M class bobbins for the Janome Quilt Maker longarm quilting machines

When stitching at such high speeds, up to 2500 SPM with the Janome Quilt Maker Pro20, it’s a good idea to clean the lint from the bobbin area every time you have to change the bobbin. You might need to oil the hook assembly, as well, so it’s a good habit to get into doing some cleaning and preventative maintenance in the process of a project. Consult your machine’s Instruction Manual for oiling instructions.

Janome Quilt Maker Pro20 longarm quilting machine

For more about Janome bobbins, Janome needles; sewing and machine maintenance tips and tricks, check out previous Janome Life blogs and videos on the Janome HQ You Tube channel.

Happy Sewing!