Embroidery Newsletter - StitchFun News

Bobbin Thread

When embroidering a filled design, you will want to use a thread made just for the embroidery bobbin. This is finer thread than you would use for ordinary sewing, which keeps the design from being too heavy. You can wind your own bobbins using lingerie or bobbin thread or you can use pre-wound bobbins. Jane Marzewski of Designed by Jane likes to wind her own bobbins. She uses Bottom Line thread, which is poly, comes in many colors, and is thin, fine and consistent. Winding her own saves money... and she don't mind the time, since the machine can wind while embroidering.

Pre-wound bobbins are certainly convenient and the thread is so compressed that they last a long, long time. If the pre-wound bobbin comes with cardboard sides, pop them off before inserting so your "low bobbin" sensor will be able to see the thread. If you are not sure what style to buy ("M" or "L"), ask the seller to recommend a type for your machine brand and model.

Pre-wound bobbins comes in polyester or cotton. Try both to see which performs better with your machine.. I like to change the bobbin whenever I change the embroidery thread color, so that the bobbin color is a close match to the top thread. If the bobbin thread is pulled to the top in a spot or two, it will blend right in. If you wind your own, you can select a thread color that will match the top thread.

With in-the-hoop designs, where the thread is actually sewing the item together, use regular sewing thread in the bobbin for more durable stitching. With quilting designs (the ones that stitch the layers together), use the same thread in the bobbin as on top. With freestanding lace designs, the bobbin thread needs to match the top thread color. Using the same thread top and bottom will give you prettier lace. For a softer, more delicate lace, use bobbin thread top and bottom. Bobbin thread can also be used to embroider delicate or subtle features on an embroidery design (i.e. facial features, shading, outlines).

Next issue: in-the-hoop designs

from Mary Jane Allen of Perfect Little Stitches

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