When I try to fill my bobbin the thread gets all balled up on top of the bobbin instead of filling it. What should I do?

hi Beverly.
you have not said what make and model.
but try this.
Always wind the bobbin before threading the machine and needle.

1. Place spool of thread on spool pin.
2. Slide spool pin holder/cap firmly over rim of spool to prevent thread from tangling.
3. Push bobbin winder pin to far left if it is not already there.

More items...

Winding a Bobbin ' Singer Sewing

www.singerco.com/sewing-resources/bobbin-winding-other
or try this.
How to fill bobbin for sewing machine
How do you fill a bobbin on a Brother sewing machine? Use only the included bobbin or bobbins of the same type (part code: SA156, SFB (XA5539-151)).

1. Turn on the sewing machine, and open the top cover.
2. Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder shaft so that the spring on the shaft fits into the. ...
3. Remove the spool cap that is inserted onto the spool pin.

More items...

How do I wind the bobbin? ' Brother

support.brother.com/g/b/faqend.aspx?c=us&lang=en&prod=hf_pc420eus... Search for: How do you fill a bobbin on a Brother sewing machine?
or you could go and look at this link to see if it helps you out some more.
igniter button for SUNJOY PH018PSS Google Search

So the thread is filling only the bottom half of the bobbin? When winding (slowly), use a pencil, stilleto, or something similar and lift the thread between the thread tensioner and the bobbin to help fill the top of the bobbin. Your machine's winder probably needs an adjustment or the thread path for bobbin winding is not correct.

You could stop the bobbin filling process just before the bobbin is "full."
Most machines have a finger that rides against the area being filled; maybe this is bent?

Rethread the machine, change the needle and make sure the bobbin is wound properly.

You should not have both, bobbin and top thread filled with elastic, it may screw up your timing. And you are talking major expense to fix. Use regular thread in your bobbin.

Other than your machine being out of time and needing service, following are suggestions to try:

Be sure to use the correct type of needle for the thread and fabric you are sewing, ie sharp, top-stitch, embroidery, universal, or microtex for woven fabrics and ball-point needle for fine knits.

AVOID old or bargain bin thread.

Remove the top thread from the machine.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning.
Check that the bobbin is turning the correct direction in the bobbin case and the bobbin case is properly threaded.
Set the top tension to the midway point.
Re-test your machine and tweak the top tension so the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

If the thread continues to hang up, take your machine for service and adjustment.

...

there should be a bobbin winder on the top of the machine, that when you move it into position stops the needle from going up and down, but instead when you use the pedal it turns to wind the bobbin thread on

I assume you mean when you wind a bobbin full of thread??

You take the end of thread from your spool through the tension device or an eyelet on top of the machine, then back to the bobbin on the bobbin winder and thread the loose end through a top hole on the bobbin. Click the bobbin in against the stop and press on the pressure foot to start to wind. Hold the top thread for a bit as the bobbin starts to fill and then once it has been covered by a row or two of thread, stop and cut of the loose end from top of the bobbin. Now continue to wind the bobbin until it cuts out as it fills against the stopper. Nudge the thread with a finger tip as it spools onto the bobbin to help get the bobbin filled top and bottom and not just in the middle. (bit like when you coil the garden hose onto the reel, it always wants to go in the middile only and then jams up LOL).

Also a really good idea to place your scissors handle into the top of the thread spool to slow/control it as the thread reels off it. This helps give an even tension on the thread going onto the bobbin which really helps with stitch quality later.

I had a problem with the thread balling up under the face plate, too.
I have a Kenmore 385 16528000. I don't know if with other brands that this will pertain to them, but this was my solution:
I had the needle in the wrong way! The top part of the needle that is inserted into the machine needs to go in with the FLAT SIDE AWAY from you. So I hope that helps somebody!!
Elayna

turn your thread 3 turns to the right, clockwise,
then pass theend of the thread, under the coming thread and give it another 3 turns to the right.
For better results, always remove old thread from bobbin before filling it up.