SA Embroidery
Machine Maintenance Guide

How to Replace Bobbin Case
on a Juki Embroidery Machine

A worn or damaged bobbin case is one of the most common causes of thread tension problems and skipped stitches. Replacing it takes 5–10 minutes with no specialist tools. This guide covers Juki L-type and M-type bobbin cases across all major Juki machine series.

Updated May 2025·6 min read·Skill level: Beginner
Before you start: Confirm you have the correct bobbin case type for your machine (L type vs M type). The type is usually printed on the existing bobbin case or listed in your machine's parts manual. Using the wrong type will damage the hook assembly.

Tools You Need

Phillips screwdriver
#1 or #2 size
Flathead screwdriver
For needle plate
Needle-nose tweezers
For thread removal
Small cleaning brush
Lint removal
Sewing machine oil
For race lubrication
New bobbin case
Correct type for your model

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

1
Turn off and unplug the machine

Always disconnect power before working near the hook area. On multi-head machines, switch off the head you are working on and engage the head-lock if available. The hook area contains fast-moving parts — safety first.

2
Remove the needle plate (throat plate)

Use a Phillips or flathead screwdriver to remove the 2–4 screws securing the needle plate. Set the screws aside safely. On Juki LK series, the needle plate lifts directly after removing two front screws.

3
Remove the presser foot and needle

Loosen the presser foot screw and remove the foot. Remove the needle by loosening the needle clamp screw. This gives you clear access to the bobbin case and hook area.

4
Open the bobbin case latch and remove the bobbin

Open the small latch on the front of the bobbin case and pull the bobbin out. Set the bobbin aside — if it still has thread, you can reuse it.

5
Remove the bobbin case

Grip the bobbin case by the latch/finger and pull it straight out of the hook basket. It should slide out with light pressure. If it resists, check that the latch is fully open. Do not force it.

6
Inspect the hook basket and race

With the bobbin case removed, look inside the hook basket. Check for thread tangles, lint buildup, and burrs on the hook tip. Clean with a small brush and a drop of sewing machine oil on the race track. If the hook tip has a visible nick, the hook assembly also needs replacing.

7
Install the new bobbin case

Hold the new bobbin case with the latch open and the slot aligned with the positioning finger in the hook basket. Slide it in until it clicks into place. Close the latch. Give it a gentle tug to confirm it is locked.

8
Reinsert the bobbin and rethread

Drop the bobbin into the bobbin case with the thread running counterclockwise (for most Juki models). Pass the thread through the tension slot on the bobbin case. Pull a few inches of thread out through the slot.

9
Reassemble and test

Replace the needle, presser foot, and needle plate. Power on the machine and run a test pattern on scrap fabric. Check for consistent stitch formation, correct thread tension, and no skipped stitches.

Juki Model — Bobbin Case Compatibility

Juki ModelBobbin Case TypeNotes
Juki LK-1900L type (standard)Check sub-class for hook orientation
Juki TL-2010QL type (large)High-capacity bobbin, check size
Juki MO-6814SM type (looper thread)Overlock — different mechanism
Juki HZL seriesL type (standard)Household — same replacement process
Juki DDL-8700L type (standard)Industrial single-needle
Juki LBH-1790L type (industrial)Buttonhole machine, check parts list

Common Troubleshooting After Replacement

Problem: Thread keeps breaking after replacement

Fix: Check the bobbin case tension spring — it should have slight resistance. Also check for burrs on the hook tip. If the hook tip is damaged, the hook assembly needs replacing too.

Problem: Bobbin case falls out during operation

Fix: The positioning finger in the hook basket may be bent or worn. Inspect the finger and the slot on the bobbin case. Replace the hook assembly if the finger is damaged.

Problem: Upper thread loops visible on back of fabric

Fix: Bobbin tension too loose. Adjust the small screw on the bobbin case tension spring clockwise in very small increments (quarter turns). Test after each adjustment.

Problem: Machine skips stitches after new bobbin case

Fix: Hook timing may need adjustment after reassembly. Check that the needle plate is fully seated and the needle is at the correct height for your machine model.

Buy Genuine Juki Bobbin Cases — Wholesale

L type, M type, and all Juki-compatible bobbin cases in stock. Ships worldwide via DHL in 4–7 days.

Starting from $0.9 per unit · Bulk pricing for 10+ units

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