Abstract: To control thread pull-off, particularly in high-speed industrial sewing machines, a rotatable element such as a roller pin is engaged with the bobbin, typically with the outside flange of the bobbin. The pin is rotated, upon spinning of the bobbin, and restrained from free rotation by a spring bearing against the pin. Preferably, the pin is formed with drum or bell-shaped ends, the spring being similar to a bobbin case retaining spring and bearing against a reduced diameter thereof, to provide for different diameters of engaging rotating surfaces between flange and pin, as well as between the flange engaging surface and the spring engaging pin.