I would like to know if you all have a preference as to which size bobbin thread you use. Like 40 or 50,60.

The dealer that I bought the machine had prewound bobbin thread. The dealer that I go to now, said that I can only use genuine Janome bobbins.. My Janome 350 works real well with prewound but my Janome 11000 does real well with only Janome bobbins..

1 comment

by alexgrandma 12 May 2012

I use Madeira 60 weight for my bobbin thread.

For those that have Brother machines you should check your manual to see what weight of Bobbin thread to use.
some Brother machines use 60 weight and some use 90 weight bobbin thread.
So make sure to use the correct weight of bobbin thread for embroidery!

My Babylock dealer told me never to use anything but finishing touch bobbin thread. I used the spool that came with the machine and never bought another one when I saw how much it cost. I use Thread Art bobbin thread. I have not purchased prewound ones yet but my Ellageo can with a special pin to use with those and the book says nothing about it voiding the warranty. I'm guessing that's dealer hype.

1 comment

by eastwitch2 13 May 2012

Finishing touch bobbin thread is 60 weight bobbin thread so you should be able to use any other Brand of bobbin thread that is 60 weight.

I have a huge cone I got when I first started and I went in (this was after I had found this site and discovered there was bobbin thread and that's what I should be using) and asked for bobbin thread - I believe it's 60wt. poly.

I use Brother 60wt £4.99 per 1100m I think a bit expensive keep saying I will try other.need to change the bobbin case with Brother machines...

I use mostly 60wt. or 90wt. bobbin thread. Depending \, on what weight of fabric I'm using. Grannieannnie

There are several different weights of Bobbin thread used for embroidery in diferent machines.
60, 70, 75,90 weight.
These are all light weight threads that are used in the bobbin so they don't add bulk to the embroidery designs.
Most machine manufacturers recommend a certain weight of bobbin thread for their brands of machines.
So it is best to check you machine manual for this information.
60 weight bobbin thread is used in many brands of machines but not all brands.

If using the lighter 70, or 75, or 90 weight bobbin thread you may have to adjust your bobbin tension to get a good stitch out of a design depending if your machine is set to use 60 weight bobbin thread.

Bobbin thread is used to prevent thread problems and also so the design doesn't become too heavy which can cause problems with the way the design stitches and turns out and how it affects the fabric it is stitched on.

So that is why it is best to check your manual or with your machine dealer.

The exception would be embroidering FSL designs witch would normally use the same 40 weight embroidery thread as top thread and bobbin thread.
EastWitch2

4 comments

by eastwitch2 12 May 2012

I should also add the Pre Wound bobbins can also come in different weights so that is something to check too.

EastWitch2

by eastwitch2 12 May 2012

One thing to remember is that our machines thread and bobbin tensions are set to use certain weight threads at the factory where they are made. So using a different weight top or bobbin thread may mean that you need to have the top and or bobbin thread tensions set differently when using different weights of thread.
This can be done by your machine dealer tech that fixes machines.
EastWitch2

by eastwitch2 12 May 2012

continued!
Using different weight thread may mean you have to have your top and/or bobbin or both thread tensions adjusted to give a good stitchout with that weight of thread A tech at your machine dealers can do this adjustment for you.

by highlandermom 12 May 2012

Thank you this is very good information. I knew alot of what you put here and learned hard way.I hate manuals, lol. so will double check and see if I can find it in book if not will call the dealer. I have be using rest of a 50 wt and really no problems but felt 60 might be better. I knew 40 on the fsl. Big XX's

Just to be different I use Brother's 90wt bobbin thread. :) xXx

I use 50 wt cotton for FSL and any apparel (I'm allergic to polyester). The weight has little meaning to me these days, For me it would be more appropriate to call them sewing(all purpose) , embroidery, quilting 3ply, quilting 2 ply, topstitching, buttonhole, and light. because the companies use differesnt standards! I read the articles listed below and I do not think they address this question. Personally I use thread by function. I am allergic to poly, so if I am doing apparel I use cotton. I love my 50 wt for FSL and most colorwork. I started using poly and rayon with the prewound bobbin thread, Poly works great on the husky,not the rayon(frays too much) and rayon on the brother with brother bobbin thread! Sewing thread(all purpose cotton wrapped poly core) is the stongest, whereas as the others are decorative. I heard that rayon is not suitable for embroidery and I say It is more touchable than polyester and beautiful for everything for embroidery! Live Laugh Download Stitch!

1 comment

by highlandermom 11 May 2012

This is size I have been using and was curious if 60 better. I have Pfaff Creative 4 now and like all embroidery machines it can have some thread it don't like to be feed certain ways. Seems to be fine with 50 in bobbins. Just curious on the 60 mostly.

I use prewound 60 wt. in my brothers.

Don't know what size mine is will half to go look lol hugs

Here are some interesting articles from Bob at superiorthreads.com. I've always used 6owt. Started with the finishing touch that came with the machine. Tried cotton, and don't like it-too stiff. Now, I mostly use prewound in all my machines. It's 60wt poly.

1 comment

by highlandermom 11 May 2012

Thank you so much I will check these links out. Bless you!

a short time ago I bought my first on-line purchase of thread & it came with sample prewound bobbins this past Wednesday I had a professional teacher over to assist me with my new program & machine & she said flat out that they are not reccommended by the manufacturer & if I use them reg it could limit my warranty

6 comments

by pldc 11 May 2012

just an fyi

by jofrog2000 11 May 2012

And she backed that up in writing? We have all heard the stories being told by various store owner/machine sellers, as they were hyping the thread they sell.

by janetedna 11 May 2012

That's nonsense isn't it! Jan

by eastwitch2 12 May 2012

Which make of machine do you have that the teacher made this comment about limiting your warranty?

by blueeyedblonde 12 May 2012

I have the same machine and my dealer has never mentioned anything of the kind!

by blueeyedblonde 12 May 2012

Also, if the manufacturer did not recommend, would that not be mentioned in the manual - along with the limiting of warranty.