Why won't bobbin winder spindle turn? - Sewing Machines

Usually, the needle bar moving means that the bobbin winder spindle (with the bobbin) wasn't moved all the way to the right. If you moved the spindle, then there may be a damaged part inside the sewing machine below the spindle. (The spindle may not be engaging the winding mechanism which stops the needle bar.) I've found the bobbin winder is still available at one parts store: https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/bobbin-winder-janome-653508015.aspx . However, there may be other damage inside the machine that could be involved.

See https://www.manualslib.com/manual/994905/Janome-Decor-Excel-5018.html?page=24#manual for the pictures of moving the bobbin winding spindle.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Three possible causes: 1.Bobbin not push fully down the bobbin winder spindle
2.Need to push bobbin winder spindle to the left before you can wind the bobbin
3.The bobbin winder spindle rubber ring has worn out. This will need a local technician to fix it.

you might have to use some force but not enough to break
the bobbin winder spindle. it's also possible that there is something
wrong with the bobbin for it to get stuck on the bobbin winder spindle
like that.

some machines when the bobbin winder is engaged will not sew, do you
have to disengage the center wheel in the handwheel to wind a bobbin?
or do you have to just move the bobbin winder spindle to the right to
wind the bobbin?
do you have a manual for the machine?

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

if the bobbin thread is winding around the bobbin winder spindle then
the bobbin is not sitting correctly on the bobbin winder spindle,,
the bobbin (metal or plastic) should lock in on the bobbin winder spindle
& the the thread should be around the bobbin tension guide

most machines will have a rubber o ring as part of the bobbin winding mechanism, when you engage the bobbin winder, this o-ring will move over against the main engine drive wheel and this then makes the bobbin spindle turn. So yes, you may need to replace the rubber o-ring, they can perish and wear. Called Bobbin Winder Tyre, you could try www.sewingpartsonline.com, they have loads of Kenmore models listed but can't see yours. However, if you email them, they should be able to advise what part number it is. If you start by opening up the machine case and take a look at the bobbin winder area first, you may find this rubber has split or perished.

bobbin winder is the little spindle on top usually right side above the flywheel. you need to move it left away from the stop as this engages the bobbin winder and disengages the needle movement. your manual should show this under Winding a bobbin. these machines dont have a clutch on the flywheel, just moving the bobbin spindle declutches

When you have the winder rubber on try and turn the winder by hand, if it does not move the chances are the winder has seized, if the winder wheel is moving but not the spindle then the grip (thread) has worn, if you cannot move the whole winder by hand and it has seized you need to get some WD40 and spray a few drops down the spindle, take an electric drill and put it over the top of the spindle and switch it on slowly and it will probably free it off, be aware of oil splashing out.
you mighjt get a digram from www.tandtrepair.com

Check the bobbin winder rubber, it may be worn or broken and insufficient friction against handwheel to turn.........or a thread jam around spindle is stopping the spin. In this case, carefully unwind, DO NOT cut thread.