Drop in Bobbin Case Removal and Refitting

You may need to remove your bobbin case from a drop in bobbin style sewing machine to do some cleaning and oiling. Other reasons may include freeing up a jam in the bobbin case area or to inspect or replace a damaged bobbin case.

Many sewing machines use the drop in bobbin system and this video covers many different types of make and model. The machine specifically used in this video is a Janome MyStyle 22.
The main difference between models may be the way the throat plate (needle plate) is attached to the bed of the machine. Most machines have one or two screws holding the plate on.

Make sure to unplug the machine when you're doing this sort of work. The last thing you want is to accidentally putting your foot on the controller and ruining your day.
Remove the presser foot, bobbin and remove the needle if you want to get sharp pointy bits out of the way.
Once the plate is removed you will be able to remove the bobbin case easily unless there is a jam you need to clear.
The bobbin case should lift away easily but inserting a finger into the area where the bobbin goes and lifting the bobbin case up and towards you. From there you can inspect the bobbin case for any damage. The main cause of damage is caused by a jam where the bobbin case gets dragged out of its position and rotated by the hook where the needle may perforate the case or gouge it as it goes.
Replacement bobbin cases are generally easy to find and easily fitted back into place.

While the plate is off, it's a good time to do some basic cleaning and oiling. Clean the bobbin case and note there sometimes may be a small patch of bristles attached to the case which should not be removed. Remove all lint from the area, paying special attention to the feed dogs where lint can compress between the feed dog columns.
The Janome machines have an oiling wick down the centre of the hook shaft so make sure you don't accidentally remove that. The wick can be oiled with a few drops of sewing machine oil.

With the cleaning and oiling done, you can replace the bobbin case. There's a cut out in the edge of the bobbin case that should be positioned to the rear and the little nub should rest against the left side of the little leaf spring. Quite often there are arrows on the case and the machine to line up to help with positioning.
You can put a small drop of oil where the case meets the hook. This helps quieten the machine down slightly. Turn the machine over by hand to make sure everything is in order.
Attach the throat plate and secure it with the screw(s). Install the bobbin and cover. Attach the presser foot and replace the needle. Thread up and test sew but turning the machine for a few stitches by hand first to check everything is in order and that nothing is jamming up. Then use the foot controller to do a test seam.

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