Community / Embroidery /
11860
by parkermom 20 Jun 2015 ( edited Jun 22'15 08:02 )
+40

I have a Brother Innovis sewing/embroidery machine, and was told by the dealer several years ago that it was ok to use the same thread in the bobbin as the top, instead of using special bobbin thread. But yesterday, I took my machine in to a different dealer, and was told that I should have been using the other bobbin case anytime I use thread in the bobbin that isn't Brother bobbin thread. Have any of you heard the same thing? I had thought that the other bobbin case was for prewound bobbins.

Comments (12)
148938
by zoefzoef 20 Jun 2015
+10
I have too a brother innovis and use 2 different bobin cases. One if I use the original thread, the other if I use a different brand. And I do think it is necessary. Some time back I was very unhappy with the result of some stiching, due to the mal use of the wronge case. It is also explained in the manual.
1 comment
by parkermom 20 Jun 2015
thanks. I had thought that I had read that manual cover to cover, but I'm gonna have to go back and re-read. Thank you.
255054
by airyfairy 20 Jun 2015
+8
I am afraid that I cannot really help. I do know that people do use embroidery thread in the bobbins when embroidering Free Standing Lace, so it looks the same from either side. I have a Bernina machine and I only use pre wound bobbins. I am sure that someone will be able to answer your post.
1 comment
by parkermom 20 Jun 2015
thank you. I learn more and more about this machine all the time
33641
by pennyhal2 20 Jun 2015
+10
My Bernina has different bobbin cases for embroidery and sewing thread. Your manual should help.
1 comment
by parkermom 20 Jun 2015
thanks. I'll re-read it. Again. always learning
25510
by rsehorse 20 Jun 2015
+11
Never heard of this. Have to get my owner's manual out now and start reading again. I did break 2 needles yesterday, but I thought it was because of the bobbin. I through the bobbin away.
1 comment
by parkermom 21 Jun 2015
seems like when one thing goes wrong, more things go wrong with me. Hope yours is working better now.
2822
by marianamin2003 21 Jun 2015
+7
I also have an Innovis. I will have to read up on the bobbins. Thanks for the information.
1 comment
by parkermom 21 Jun 2015
I'm feeling a little less competent than I did before, that's for sure.
85867
by katydid 21 Jun 2015
+6
Sorry, I am a Bernina girl and can not help. I have 2 older models and the embroidery bobbin has a pigtail and the sewing does not. Kay
1 comment
by parkermom 21 Jun 2015
thanks for responding anyway.
140717
by spendlove 21 Jun 2015
+5
My (Janome) machine has two bobbin cases, one of which is for non Janome bobbin thread. They need to be set up at a different tension as the Janome thread is a heavier weight than the other makes.
1 comment
by parkermom 21 Jun 2015
thank you I need to study my manual again. Again.
11927
by mrskiki 21 Jun 2015
+6
Your regular bobbin case should work fine with either regular sewing thread or bobbin weight thread. Prewounds are bobbin weight. The second bobbin case if for specialty/usually thicker threads where you would need to adjust the bobbin tension. When sewing, you do use the same thread in the bobbin, but for embroidery most digitizers recommend bobbin weight thread. Hugs. Nan W
1 comment
by parkermom 21 Jun 2015
thank you
6079
by gwillmann 21 Jun 2015
+5
For Brother and BabyLock, it is not the brand of bobbin thread that determines which case to use, it is the thread weight. I try the standard case (green screw) for everything. If I need more or less tension on the bobbin thread, I switch to the alternate case. You are not supposed to adjust the tension on your standard case but you can adjust the tension on your alternate case. Your 'new' dealer may have been trying to sell you more thread.
1 comment
by parkermom 21 Jun 2015
I'm waiting to hear back from the dealer when my machine is repaired, and try to see if I'm just getting a sales pitch.
11271
by pcteddyb 21 Jun 2015
+6
The bobbin case with the little green screw on the side is for "regular" thread (not the fine bobbin thread - this would include thread matching the top) and the bobbin case with the purple dot in the bottom is for the bobbin thread (like prewounds). I personally ALWAYS use the green screw version and I use either matching thread or bobbin thread in it with no issues (this is true of both of my brother machines - one with over 10 million stitches). Some dealers try to tell you ONLY Brother threads - this is not true - you can use whatever thread you want to use (I do recommend a quality thread) - even cottons. Using a thread other than a Brother tread does not void your warranty (as some dealers will try to tell you).
1 comment
by parkermom 21 Jun 2015
I've never used the purple dot case at all. It's difficult when dealers for the same brand say different things.
29237
by bowlds 21 Jun 2015
+4
I have a babylock and always use the regular bobbin case, never have changed to the other once. And I don't use their bobbin thread either as it is so expensive and I've not had an issue in all the years I've had my Ellageo.
1 comment
by parkermom 21 Jun 2015
thank you. I've never changed to the other case, as I've never used the prewound, and didn't think I needed to use it for anything else. Always learning, I guess.
1993
by annie23 22 Jun 2015
+5
I have used the same thread in the bobbin as on top and not had any trouble. I have been embroidering for over 25 years
1 comment
by parkermom 22 Jun 2015
that's so good to know. I just found out from the repairman that there was a burr in the bobbin case (that he replaced in January) so hopefully that solves my problem.