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Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews
Posted on: 10/14/15 2:18 PM ET
So far, I've only used the SA156 Brother bobbins in my Brother sewing machine, but I can get the SABOBBIN Brother bobbins cheaper at Walmart. (Both of these are genuine Brother accessories, with different part numbers.)
I seem to be reading varying opinions on the internet whether or not they were truly interchangeable.
My machine doesn't give me one speck of trouble, and I don't want to start now.
So I wanted to come here to find out if any PR members had interchanged their use successfully. That's the litmus test: What does PR say?
I seem to be reading varying opinions on the internet whether or not they were truly interchangeable.
My machine doesn't give me one speck of trouble, and I don't want to start now.

So I wanted to come here to find out if any PR members had interchanged their use successfully. That's the litmus test: What does PR say?
Posted on: 10/14/15 4:52 PM ET
Not sure which machine you have, this manual - hopefully the link will appear - Brother Manual re Bobbins
indicates that the SA156 are available in USA/Canada while the others are USA only - they're both listed as the requisite bobbins so it seems they are the same.
That said, you can get them and compare to what you have - they should be the exact same height, curve or flatness on top. While, based on that manual these appear to be the same, never assume because both are (brand) that they're interchangeable, Brother (and others) make different ones for different machines and I've taken in too many machines for repair/adjustment/service while working for dealers either because they assumed the brand meant it fit any of that brand, someone at Joann's or such told them it would fit bc the package mentions that brand (with NO reference to what models it fits), or they've just bought one that "looks" the same or one of the above but it really is a completely different size (that they always see on comparison when I show them!) or just ever so slightly different enough - to make you think something's wrong with your machine!
-- Edited on 10/14/15 at 4:53 PM --
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indicates that the SA156 are available in USA/Canada while the others are USA only - they're both listed as the requisite bobbins so it seems they are the same.
That said, you can get them and compare to what you have - they should be the exact same height, curve or flatness on top. While, based on that manual these appear to be the same, never assume because both are (brand) that they're interchangeable, Brother (and others) make different ones for different machines and I've taken in too many machines for repair/adjustment/service while working for dealers either because they assumed the brand meant it fit any of that brand, someone at Joann's or such told them it would fit bc the package mentions that brand (with NO reference to what models it fits), or they've just bought one that "looks" the same or one of the above but it really is a completely different size (that they always see on comparison when I show them!) or just ever so slightly different enough - to make you think something's wrong with your machine!
-- Edited on 10/14/15 at 4:53 PM --
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Posted on: 10/14/15 7:23 PM ET
In reply to ShantiSeamstressing
In my Brother manual it says to use bobbin part # SA156 and bobbin part # XA5539-151.
That said,I bought several # SA156 bobbins when I bought my Brother brand new at a Pfaff dealer. At home I noticed my Janome MC bobbins are the same size,(I measured the bobbins with a metric caliper),as the part # SA156 Brother bobbins.
That said,I bought several # SA156 bobbins when I bought my Brother brand new at a Pfaff dealer. At home I noticed my Janome MC bobbins are the same size,(I measured the bobbins with a metric caliper),as the part # SA156 Brother bobbins.
Posted on: 10/14/15 10:30 PM ET
Thank you both! I've got the LX2500. I think I may just buy a package of the SABOBBIN part number Brother bobbins at Walmart, and compare them meticulously. They're inexpensive, and if they are slightly different, it will be easy-peasey to return them.
Posted on: 10/15/15 5:16 AM ET
No idea if they're the same...however - bobbins are one thing I don't mess with. The difference can be subtle. :-)
Posted on: 10/15/15 7:41 AM ET
In reply to cocosloft
Quote: cocosloft
No idea if they're the same...however - bobbins are one thing I don't mess with. The difference can be subtle. :-)
No idea if they're the same...however - bobbins are one thing I don't mess with. The difference can be subtle. :-)
Agree. And the tiniest almost unnoticeable difference - can show up in your stitch quality and machine behavior. I know so many people who have the latest tol machine, typically more than one $$$ machine, but want to get the cheapest supplies they can. I understand having spent a bundle you want opportunities to save but otoh you have spent a bundle plus your time now, why risk bad results (there are enough mistakes I can make on my own to create bad results!)
Posted on: 10/15/15 9:12 AM ET
In reply to cocosloft
I agree ! 
When I compared and measured different bobbins with a metric caliper I looked at the shape of the bobbins too.The shape of bobbins is important,not just the size.
I always buy the bobbins recommended in the sewing machine manual.I bought lousy generic bobbins at a fabric store once. Never again !
That said,I noticed Walmart sells the Brother model the OP has.I assume Walmart sells the proper bobbins for sewing machines they sell.

When I compared and measured different bobbins with a metric caliper I looked at the shape of the bobbins too.The shape of bobbins is important,not just the size.
I always buy the bobbins recommended in the sewing machine manual.I bought lousy generic bobbins at a fabric store once. Never again !
That said,I noticed Walmart sells the Brother model the OP has.I assume Walmart sells the proper bobbins for sewing machines they sell.
Posted on: 10/15/15 9:49 AM ET
In reply to TeeGee
The Janome bobbins and the Brother bobbins are not the same. I had a Brother machine before I had a Janome machine and tried the Brother bobbins. They look the same but my Janome did not like them at all. I only use genuine bobbins for my machines now. The Brother machine I had seemed to be less picky than my Janomes.
Posted on: 10/15/15 10:01 AM ET
In reply to Marie367
There is more than one "Brother bobbin." The SA156 are like Janome bobbins and the other sizes are not, just as the "Class 15" bobbins have a few different models. Buy the bobbins for your machine - right on about that Marie!
Marie, I totally agree with you - this has been discussed at infinitum on these boards, and a search will get you a ton of hits on bobbin intricacies. It comes down to this: Buy the bobbins for your machine. Like needles, bobbins are cheap - for goodness sake get the ones made for your machine which has been an investment.
-- Edited on 10/15/15 at 10:02 AM --
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Marie, I totally agree with you - this has been discussed at infinitum on these boards, and a search will get you a ton of hits on bobbin intricacies. It comes down to this: Buy the bobbins for your machine. Like needles, bobbins are cheap - for goodness sake get the ones made for your machine which has been an investment.
-- Edited on 10/15/15 at 10:02 AM --
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com
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https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com
Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
Posted on: 10/15/15 5:08 PM ET
In reply to Mufffet
Quote: Mufffet
It comes down to this: Buy the bobbins for your machine. Like needles, bobbins are cheap - for goodness sake get the ones made for your machine which has been an investment.
-- Edited on 10/15/15 at 10:02 AM --
It comes down to this: Buy the bobbins for your machine. Like needles, bobbins are cheap - for goodness sake get the ones made for your machine which has been an investment.
-- Edited on 10/15/15 at 10:02 AM --
I agree with you 100% Mufffet.
Before this, I never would have given it a second glance, because my Walmart, though carrying Singer and Brother sewing machines, only had Singer bobbins. I knew for sure those wouldn't work and I wouldn't even try them. But recently, they had actual Brother-brand bobbins. I was very curious then, not primarily because of any lower cost, but because of convenience. (I can pick them up right inside the store, rather than placing an order and waiting for it to arrive.) I did a little reading on the internet to try to determine if they could be used interchangeably, and also read on Brother's own site. I didn't really get a solid answer either way. So I figured the best place to ask would be PR. 
My machine didn't cost me 100's or 1000's, but I take care of it as if it did.
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