What bobbin thread do you use for free-motion?

User

13 years ago

I just read a blog where someone said they had to stop in the middle of a quilt because they were out of bobbin thread.

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Comments (13)

lindaoh_gw
13 years ago
I usually use the same thread in the bobbin that I use on top. I fill several bobbins before I start quilting so I don't have to rethread the machine every time I change the bobbin.
Linda OH
K8Orlando
13 years ago
I use the same thread in the bobbin as on the top, but I've run out and had to stop and wind another bobbin. Like Linda, I try to remember to do enough before I start so I don't have to do that. When I'm FMQ'ing I almost always start with a full bobbin so I don't have to break the rhythm of sewing just to add a new bobbin.

Kate
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The rule is 30% of the bobbin showing on the bottom. Once adjusted properly you should not have to make to many adjustments. Remember that the bobbin and the top thread pull on each other when the take up arm snaps up, so if your bobbin pulls all the way to the top you have a tension problem not a fabric problem. Your most likely going to experience missed stitches with that much tension mis-match. As the needle starts up the thread forms a loop that the rotary hook catches, forming the stitch. I say this because you have to think of thread tension in terms of both upper and lower thread. You can tighten the bobbin tension and pull the top thread down, but that may result in too much 'pull' between the top and bottom, resulting in poor loop formation, and so poor quality stitching. If you don't have a tension gauge, pull the bobbin out and try the old drop test. Hold the bobbin thread between your fingers and let the bobbin (in the case) dangle, jerk the thread just a bit and the bobbin & case should drop just an inch or two, if not adjust until it does. Once you happy with the bobbin tension sew out a test and adjust the top tension. One note, different threads can require different tensions, pick the brand/type you like and stick to it. If you have a combo machine and youÂre using cotton for sewing and switch to rayon or polyester for embroidery your going to have problems, same with the bobbin. Best to get a good quality bobbin thread and top thread and stay with it. Good Luck.
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No, they don't say. They just recommend a different thread for the bobbin if you are using the metallic. They do allude to the fact that the metallic may be brittle or more breakable. They tell you to sew slower, to use a larger eyed needle, etc. I didn't know any of that when I first played with it and sewed at my standard 'the house is on fire and I have to finish this quilt before leaving' speed. I didn't have any problems with breakage and I was using a double needle! I'm going to give this a try and see how it works.
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Comments (44)
I've had this problem as well...didn't even realize that the bobbin thread not rising up was the cause. After a bit of focused experimenting a few minutes ago I realized there is no inherent tension in the bobbin thread area (despite the design of the machine!). So with the bobbin cover removed and the presser foot UP if I set the bobbin as normal and held the end of the thread off to the side AND applied a bit of tension to it I could get the needle to pick it up perfectly. Tested it and sewing was normal! Maybe the needle needing to be changed contributes to jams but I have run that scenario of changing it and everything else in complete frustration over this problem until I saw what was really happening...which tends to occur out of the blue...knowing I can manually get the machine to pick up the thread allows me to continue using a needle that is still serviceable. Tip: I read that some people remove the presser foot to get access to the threads but I use a small plastic tool that is shaped like a crochet hook to grab the thread back after getting it- safer and time saving for when this happens. Hope it helps others to know.
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Comments (7)
I suggest that you take bits from both msmeow and my advice. Make sure you are taking the thread in the correct direction around/through the guides and keep your index finger ready to help guide if necessary. Also, if you start and stop while you are threading the bobbin, this can cause a backlash, which will loop the thread. One more thing - try winding at a lower speed, but keep it continuous. Oh, and I thought of one more thing. If these bobbins are new, are you sure you purchased the correct bobbins for your machine?
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toolgranny
13 years ago
My machine is fussy and it likes mainly King Tut on top (Superior Threads) and Bottomline on bottom, a fine poly that makes the bobbin take about twice as much thread it seems. I wind a bunch of bobbins ahead of time to cover a whole quilt or close to it. I'm currenty playing with a couple of others and might broaden my horizons if I can pin down the proper tension.
magothyrivergirl
13 years ago
toolgranny - have you seen the Towa gauge for bobbin tension?
I am thinking of getting one to help with the changes in bobbin threads. Superior threads has a good price on it.
You need to know if your bobbin is a size "M" of "L".

Here is a link that might be useful: Towa
teresa_nc7
13 years ago
Another one who uses the same on top as in the bobbin.

Teresa
grammyp
13 years ago
I must use King Tut or my machine really has a tantrum. I can get away with Bottom Line in the bobbin, but it really likes the King Tut top and bottom.

I bought a TOWA gauge, and still had trouble with my tension. The new representative for my machine told me to throw it over my left shoulder and hope it went out the window. I have used it to get the tension "close", but still have to fine tune before every quilt.

beverly
mary_c_gw
13 years ago
I usually use the same top and bottom.

I'm curious why someone would be startled or upset by running out...most quilts take several or many bobbins to complete the quilting.

On the full-size bed quilt I am quilting now, using prewound bobbins, I'm about half done and I've used 3 bobbins. I expect to use 5 more.

What is her expectation? Bobbins are the size they are - they only hold so much thread.
fran1523
13 years ago
I usually use bottom line because the bobbins last longer than regular cotton thread. Although I do expect to have to change the bobbin often, it is more annoying with a drop in bobbin like I have as opposed to one of the front loading bobbin style machines.
toolgranny
13 years ago
Have never see the Towa before. But, I have no trouble with bobbin tension at all. I never change it.

Upper tension is the only one I fiddle with and it is set differently for FMQ, FMQ with invisible thread, and for piecing. I still can't get an upper tension set right on my machine to take a 12 weight thread but someday I'll figure it out.
K8Orlando
13 years ago
I'm curious to know what kind of machine some of you have that you have to use King Tut thread. If you don't mind telling.

I almost never mess with the tension on my machine, except for when I'm FMQ or if I'm using a stitch the recommends a different tension setting. I don't believe I've ever adjusted the bobbin tension. Do some machines not require that or have I been living in a fog about this?

Kate
mary_c_gw
13 years ago
Kate, my dear, you aren't living in a fog - just a mist, LOL.

Most machines have enough top tension adjustment to cope with almost anything, so you wouldn't have to adjust the bobbin tension.

I sew everything from upholstery fabrics with heavy-duty nylon upholstery thread to delicate cotton lawn and batiste with a 60 weight thread. I piece with balanced tension, but embroider with far more tension on the bobbin (to pull the top thread to the back).
I keep two bobbin cases marked for embroidery and general sewing.
K8Orlando
13 years ago
Thanks Mary!
chickie1
13 years ago
I use the same thread for the top and the bottom too. I just forget to have the extra bobbins ready.
darlene

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What bobbin thread do you use for free-motion?

Comments (13)

lindaoh_gw

K8Orlando

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toolgranny

magothyrivergirl

teresa_nc7

grammyp

mary_c_gw

fran1523

toolgranny

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mary_c_gw

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chickie1

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