Bobbin winder shaft won't spin. LCD says bobbin winding.

1. Turn the power on the machine.
2. Open the bobbin winder cover at the top on the right side of the sewing machine.
3. Swing up the bobbin thread spool pin. Move the bobbin thread spool pin up as far as possible.

1-Bobbin thread spool pin
4. Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder shaft so that the spring on the shaft fits into the notch in the bobbin.

1-Notch
2-Bobbin winder shaft spring
5. Slide the bobbin winder shaft to the right.

NOTE: If the correct size bobbin is not used at this time; when the bobbin winder is engaged; the bobbin winder will make a usual noise and not wind the bobbin correctly.
6. Place the spool of thread for the bobbin onto the bobbin thread spool pin.
7. Slide the spool cap onto the bobbin thread spool pin.
NOTE: If using thread that winds off quickly, such as nylon or metallic thread, place the spool net over the spool before placing the spool of thread onto the spool pin.
8. Pull out some thread, and then thread the thread guide for the bobbin winding. Hold the thread with both hands, and then securely pass the thread as far as possible into the two slits in the thread guide.

1-Thread guide for bobbin winding
2-Two slits
9. While using your left hand to hold the end of the thread that wraps around the thread guide for bobbin winding, use your right hand to wind the free end of the thread clockwise around the bobbin five or six times.

10. Pull the thread to the right and pass it through the slit in the bobbin winder seat.

Did you push the bobbin winder shaft all the way to the right? You should feel/hear a click. You should also see 2 Cs (one backwards) in the LCD screen. Since the thread take-up lever is moving, I suspect the sewing machine isn't in the bobbin winding mode. Make sure that you are using a Class 15 J bobbin and have correctly redone the threading for the bobbin winding option.

If the bobbin winder shaft doesn't move easily or click into place, you may need to take the machine for service. The winding lever position switch/sensor or another part may be damaged inside the machine.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

hi ina.
see if this link helps you out.
bobbin winding shaft isn gripping the bobbin Google Search

Bobbin winder spindle will not spin - YouTube

? 1:24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh52_ndkSKs
Jun 12, 2013 - Uploaded by djc472
Thread caught between spindle shaft shoulder and bearing. ... Sewing machine won't pick up bobbin thread ...

Why won't the bobbin winder work on my Kenmore sewing ...

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The bobbin winder doesn't spin and I can't wind the bobbin. ... What will release thebobbin winder that is stuck to the right on my Kenmore sewing machine model 385.17826690? Why won't my bobbin holder thread to the top on my Sears Kenmore sewing machine model 385.17928?

Sewing machine bobbin winder won't turn ' ShopYourWay

some machine, you have to push the bobbin winder spindle to the
right so that it will wind the bobbin, I have to on mine.
but if you've already done that then the machine needs to be checked
to see what wrong with the bobbin winder spindle

How do you get the top off

If the fly wheel is going around then the clutch isn't disengaged to wind the bobbin, you need to pull out the flywheel on your model to disengage the clutch for bobbin winding.


Take thread from thread spool across to bobbin winder thread guide, then back to bobbin and thread the tail through the hole on top of the bobbin. Place bobbin onto spindle on top of machine and then push it against the stop to engage the bobbin winding motor. HOld the thread tail up and start winding slowly until the bobbin core has been covered including the starting point. Stop and trim off the thread tail with scissors. COntinue winding bobbin and give the thread a nudge if needed to wind evening top middle and bottom of the bobbin. A good smooth wind is important. Also don't wind at full speed and keep an eye on the thread reel that the thread is coming off, you don't want it bouncing around as this will **** the thread and stretch then relax it affecting your bobbin wind.

Obviously if you know this and the bobbin winding mechanisim is just not working, then it will need a service/replacement by an Elna repair person.

The winding sound is the rubber O-ring against the spinning pulley (back of hand wheel) - do not let this continue, it will wear out the O-ring.

I had the same problem and I found the shaft bushing of the winder dry and needed lubed. Use oil or spray lithium grease and it should work fine. Spin the bobbin shaft by hand (not the hand wheel) to get it freed up after oiling.

You can oil from the top and should take off the side case to clean the excess oil from the O-ring. The shaft bushing is a tight fit and any dry oil will get sticky and prevent winding.

Wind the Bobbin
For the usual jobs, it is the best to use a medium sized thread.
2. Disengage the flywheel by unscrewing the coupling knob as far as it will go.

3. Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder, and push the bobbin winder to the right.

4. Pull out one of the spool pins and place the spool of thread on it.

5. Pass the thread through the bobbin winder tension discs, as indicated.

6. Wind the end of the thread around the bobbin by hand, in the direction indicated.

7. Wind the bobbin, at a medium speed by pressing lightly with a finger on the spool so as to stretch the thread better and thus fill the bobbin to a maximum. The full bobbin stops automatically.

8. Re-engage the flywheel by tightening the coupling knob.

9. Cut the thread and remove the bobbin from the bobbin winder by pushing the latter to the left.