Sewing machine question: the piece that holds the spool of thread on top is missing. What can I use?

If you are not in a hurry, most brands of machines have replacement parts and you can get a new spool pin (that is what it is called) for most machines. What brand of machine do you have?

It’s a Brother. I was kind of hoping to not have to wait. I just took a class last weekend and don’t want to forget how to use it! This machine is different from what I learned on so it’s going to take some figuring out anyway. Thank god for youtube!

Here is a link to the Brother replacement parts site (need to know the model number). In the absence of a real spool pin, you need to describe the location where you plan to attach the “stand-in” for the real plan for me to think of a great solution. For a quick solution, I would likely run to the hardware store for a small dowel. I would take a spool of thread with me so that I got a dowel that would fit (most spool holes are the same dimensions).

I think you might be able to use a long nail, the ink barrel from a pen, about 7 pieces of spaghetti bound with scotch tape, etc. . . .

I would go to a sewing machine store and get one.

The hardest part of a machine is threading the needle. Other than that, there’s nothing you’ll forget. With sewing, just practice makes perfect.

On my sewing machine, the spool spindle is a part that comes from the store and simply screws in.

Break a chopstick or something similar and hot glue it in place. Make sure your spool moves freely on it first though.

Another option that I’ve used before is just getting a cone of thread and setting it on the right side of the machine and I kinda zig zag between the bobbin winder and the thing that stops the bobbin when its winding (I should know these names, I sew for a living. lol) and then pull the thread over to thread it normally. It can get a little more finicky when sewing though sometimes so you have to be vigilant as you sew, which I know isn’t best for a beginner. But it does work!

I set my machine up next to my serger, and I sew so much that I have to use cones of thread, so I set the cone of thread of the end of my line of serger cone station things, and they have the little hook thing above the cones and I just have the thread go off that and then thread my regular machine normally. But when I go to conventions and bring my machine I don’t bring my serger so I had to figure out that little cone of thread sitting next to the machine trick.

If all else fails, you can absolutely find a replacement part for that. Its probably one of the most common parts to replace and it will most likely only be a few dollars. Check at craft stores around you for one, or see if there’s a Brother dealer in your area. Or order one online.

Lollipop stick

If this is the piece that holds your spool of thread, you can use a spool holder off to the side of the machine. The spool holder is available at most sewing and fabrics shops. It is designed for using cone threads on a regular machine. You will also need a thread guard or spool wrap that controls how the thread comes off the spool so that the thread does not get caught in the nick on the side (if you have spools of this design.) Available same place.

If the missing item is for the bobbin winder, you may find a separate device called a Bobbin Winder, used for winding lots of bobbins quickly while your machine stays threaded. Quilters and Machine Embroiders love it. It’s made by Singer. It also means you’ll need at least two spools of the same color thread, one for the machine, one for the bobbin winder.

If the machine works with either or both, you’re golden until you need to upgrade.

Good Luck!

A crochet hook perhaps?