As I am new to machine embroidery, I'd like to know what everyone uses in their bobbings - the same thread or monofiliment thread?

Not only should you use bobbin thread, which is much finer than embroidery thread to avoid bulk on the back of your design, you should ensure it is good quality thread. It should not be hairy which will cause huge lint build up in your bobbin case and it should have an even feel as you slide it through your fingers, no thicker and thinner bumps which will through your tension off. Monofilament will harden and break over time with washing and drying and it will be scratchy against the skin. Also monofilament is a stiff and wiry compared to the soft draping bobbin thread and will adversely affect the quality of your stitch out. Most bobbin threads are 60 weight compared to the thicker 40 weight embroidery threads. You can even purchase matching coloured bobbin threads from some thread lines. I use white, black, cream, grey and a grey blue depending on the colour of the item I am embroidering on. Do not use cheep thread the quality of your work will suffer. Good luck.

I have some big cones of bobbinthread called Brildor and I wind my own bobbins. Never used prewinded bobbins.

Pre-wound bobbin thread from MetroEmb.com and then same thread as top to finish off projects where parts will show from the back (like bookmarks, etc.).

I wind my own bobbins with my sidewinder and I use Embroidery Bobbin Thread from Jo-Ann Fabrics

Also, I was told that "bobbin thread" is more dense so you don't get bulk on the back like you do on the front design.

I use prewound bobbins or bobbin thread for my sewing/embroidery machine and only prewound bobbins for my multineedle machine. My manuals are very specific to only use the above.

Wow after reading the respose dare i write i use clear 100% polyester ( i call fish line)thread for bottom of everything & just lately i have been trying the same thread top & bottom!!Thats my story Carolyn

I wind my own bobbins with bobbin thread. It's a very fine thread. I use the same thread as the top if I am doing something that I want to look good from the back, like a kitchen towel. I don't think monofiliment would work very well, but I could be wrong on that.
Welcome to Cute! You are going to love it here. Nancy

1 comment

by blueeyedblonde 06 Jun 2010

Thanks. I didn't realize their was actual bobbin thread.

I wind my own, with emb thread for FSL & Applique and with bobbin thread for other emb designs

I wind my bobbins on my machine but when you shop for your thread they carry "bobbin thread", usually only in white and black. Pre wound are wound tighter and I plan to go to them soon, they also have more wound on them than my machine will wind so you don't need to change the bobbin as often.

I buy the large cones of bobbin thread. my embroidery machine will wind bobbins while it stitches. When I do applique, I wind a bobbin in the same thread that the last satin stitch is especially if it shows like coasters. Kay

The same for me. I use pre wound Bobbins unless I am doing FSL (Free Standing Lace) than I use Polyester Embroidery Thread matching the color of the top thread. You would want them to be the same on both sides.

I like pre wound bobbin thread,I like the fact that once the bobbins thread is empty You do not have to waste time in windding threads, beside i tink the tension is better, eventhough I have a windding machine and a cone of bobbin thread too. I use the same embroidery thread when I do FSL. I have never used monofilament thread.

Pre wound bobbins

Pre wound bobbins