Last Updated on 12 months by Susan Mayrich

Are you wondering how do you remove a bobbin Janome case? Removing a bobbin case from a Janome sewing machine is not as simple as it sounds.
One common mistake is to yank the bobbin out of the machine and expect it to come out easily. Pulling on the fabric or hand-cranking can also be ineffective if you don’t know what you’re doing.
The right way to remove a Janome bobbin case depends on your model, but in general, you’ll need to release the tension by loosening one screw (or knob) at the top of your sewing machine; then use two hands – one holding onto each side of the frame – and pull up on both sides simultaneously while rotating counterclockwise until they pop loose.
Janome Sewing Machine Bobbin Case Removal
Hold the bobbin case horizontally, separating its seam with your thumb and middle or forefinger. Gently push down on one side of the seam to create a little space. Place your hand’s index finger into that space, then gently widen it with your other fingers until you can reach inside and pull out the bobbin case.
This is usually done by pressing on one side first before changing which part of the grip releases more tension (i.e., releasing more on one side than the other).
Once you’ve gotten some digits past the starting point, start widening until you can get enough traction further in to tear it open all at once.
Continue reading to know more about how do you remove a bobbin Janome case.
Simply remove any end caps, tuck up some folds, and hit the cap with a stapler. Or, use glue or tape to close it up – just be aware that you will have to re-tension your upper thread every time you change the bobbin, as this will cause a slight decrease in tension at each thread switch.
Taking apart a drop-in rotary bobbin case
- Hold the case with your thumb and index finger below and to one side of the thread tension discs.
- Grasp the upper edge of the fabric between your thumb and forefinger or middle finger.
- Pull away from you, gently widening the fabric opening as you do so. Care not to tear the fabric as you widen, decreasing the opening size.
- Continue to pull until you can grasp a tension disc and gently lift it up and away from the case. Repeat with each tension disc until all are removed from the bobbin case. Use your fingernails if necessary.
If they’re worn or damaged, replace them
- Locate the end of the upper thread and pull gently on it until a knot catches in the hook at the end of the take-up lever.
- Turn your hand so that you face the fixed lower bobbin case with your fingers holding onto the fixed part of the lower bobbin case.
- Use your index finger to feel the opening access on the bobbin case and carefully insert it into the opening.
- Grasp and pull down on both sides of the seam until you can remove the lower bobbin case. If necessary, use a fingernail or tweezers if your fingers can’t grip it.
- Remove the bobbin from its case, and examine it for lint or other debris which could cause a tension issue… if it is dirty, use a small brush to remove loose particles.
If there’s a lot of lint build-up, replace the bobbin case
- Pull up on the lower bobbin case until you can grasp it at the seam. Carefully remove the lower bobbin case, taking care not to tear fabric as you widen the opening of the upper thread area.
- Insert your finger into the opening and locate it around a hook on the take-up lever arm. Turn your hand so that you face the fixed lower bobbin case with your fingers holding onto the fixed part of the lower bobbin case.
- Use your index finger to feel the opening access on the bobbin case and carefully insert it into the opening. Grab and pull down on both sides of the seam until you can remove the lower bobbin case. Use fingernails or tweezers if your fingers can’t grip the bobbin case at its seam.
- Grasp and pull down on both sides of the seam until you can remove the lower bobbin case. If necessary, use a fingernail or tweezers if your fingers can’t grip it.
- Remove the bobbin from its case and examine it for lint or other debris, which could cause a tension issue if it is dirty; use a small brush to remove loose particles.
- Insert your finger into the opening and locate it around a hook on the take-up lever arm.
You may also be interested to know about Janome sewing machine and serger parts.
It’s A Wrap!
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