Is this a Swiss made Elna Lotus with top loading bobbin (check machine plate on right beside power inlet for manufacture details) ? (the original Lotus was released back in 60's but that name has been reused on a number of different models since, some made under licence elsewhere) If yes, then the following applies:
Bobbin should have holes on one side only, always wind it with the holes on top and load it into the bobbin holder the same way so it is rotating anti clockwise when you pull the thread.
Drop wound bobbin into bobbin holder and, while holding the bobbin still with one finger, pull the thread tail towards you into the tension spring, then press down on the thread until you hear it "Click" into the tension spring.
Then hand wind the fly wheel towards you while holding the top thread tail to catch the bottom thread and bring it up to the top needle plate, close the back sliding plate over the bobbin.
Other thing with these machines is ALWAYS hold the two thread tails firmly when you start a new seam so the threads don't get pulled down into the bobbin holder area. Really important.
You can dowload a manual from
www.arizonaexpressionz.com for most of the Swiss machines.
If it is not Swiss made one, then your bobbin may be vertical front loading (like the Brothers).
There are threading diagrams for lots of machines at
www.sewusa.com, there might be one there that covers your machine.
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