Community / Embroidery /
29801
by mi30kaja 18 Jan 2012 ( edited Jan 20'12 17:01 )
+40

I have just bought some thread from another source. Most of the time I have stuck to the same thread company, but now I am wondering how you identify the thread in your bobbins. I have so many bobbins and they are full, but have no idea the number of the colour in the bobbin. Also how do you use these bobbins

up when you don't know the corresponding reel?? Luckily I have bought only one colour from the new supplier and have put the bobbin and the reel of thread in the same plastic packet.

Comments (10)
64451
by michemb 18 Jan 2012
+10
I buy different colored bobbins for different types of thread, i.e maderia on green, sulky on yellow etc, and then I try to keep them in separate trays,
Hugs
Michelle
2 comments
by sewmom 19 Jan 2012
I have different trays too. Regular sewing and embroidery.
by mi30kaja 19 Jan 2012
I wondered about the different coloured bobbins. Where do you buy them?
463429
by sewmom 19 Jan 2012
+6
I use a sharpie pen and write on the bobbin.
1 comment
by mi30kaja 19 Jan 2012
Must do this now that I know others do it. Thanks.
6574
by joann13100 19 Jan 2012
+5
I bought these little bobbin keepers that fit on top of the spool to keep them together. I think Nancy's Notions sells them. Writing on the bobbin is a good idea too.
2 comments
by mi30kaja 19 Jan 2012
I might try writing on the bobbin with a Sharpie.
by olds 20 Jan 2012
I tried using a Sharpie once and it just wore off in no time at all.
16302
by justonlyme 19 Jan 2012
+5
When I fill a bobbin with embroidery thread, I drop the thread and the bobbin in to an empty pharmacy bottle, so I can keep them together. That way, they fit back in my drawers and I can find their mates easily.
1 comment
by mi30kaja 19 Jan 2012
Sounds like a great idea but then where to store them.
122864
by meganne 19 Jan 2012
+6
I use a texta colour to write the number on the bobbin, if you need to use it for a different colour the texta should come off with Gumption.

I keep Rayon, Poly and cotton bobbins in separate containers.

When doing FSL I will often just choose a bobbin filled with a colour (Rayon only) that closely matches the top thread, though it may not be identical. It makes for some very interesting reverse sides and most of them are as pretty as the colours I chose for the top stitching.
Hope this helps. Hugs n roses, Meganne
1 comment
by mi30kaja 19 Jan 2012
Meganne, I wondered about putting the number on the bobbin but worried about the Texta or whatever coming off as dust and going into the machine. I always use same colour top and bottom in FSL.
11860
by parkermom 19 Jan 2012
+4
I've realized that I'm nowhere near as organized as the others posting here! I only have about 15 bobbins, so I just end up keeping a couple off to the side for regular sewing, and the rest are in a jumble. I think I have a looooot to learn from this site!
2 comments
by mi30kaja 19 Jan 2012
I have about 14 cases of bobbins all with thread in them. One day I will stitch something to empty some.
by olds 20 Jan 2012
I have a lot of bobbins. Some from previous machines. I only buy bobbins for
my machine when they are on sale. I use the old bobins to transfer the little bit
of thread on my good bobbins to. I just
can't throw it away!
89895
by capoodle 19 Jan 2012
+2
For my embroidery thread I put the bobbin on the spool holder and put the spool of thread over top and for the regular thread it is just in a big bead container. Also slip a tiny elastic used for hair around the bobbin and thread to keep them from unraveling.
1 comment
by mi30kaja 19 Jan 2012
I can imagine having spools of thread on the wall. This way you could also put the corresponding colour bobbin with it
4309
by danababes 19 Jan 2012
+1
I write the number on a tiny bit of masking tape and then use that tape to stick the end of the bobbin thread to the outside of the bobbin. Two birds with one stone & all :) xXx
1 comment
by mi30kaja 19 Jan 2012
Thank You for this hint.
17214
by almag 19 Jan 2012
+2
Well, actually, it's never been a worry to me.
If the colour on the bobbin is a close match to the top thread then that suits me.
However, when I do special FSL, such as doileys, I always wind new thread on the bobbin from the thread spool. Then I use what's left for ordinary designs where the backs might show but a solid colour looks better than white bobbin thread sandwiched between two coloured lines.
I don't think I could ever get organised enough to record the number of the thread. I think there's a little devil inside me that enjoys the constant disarray of my threads and bobbins.
AlmaG.
1 comment
by mi30kaja 20 Jan 2012
Think one ofthe solutions would be is not to have so many different colours. Just stick to the basic Colours. --- How Boring.
11271
by pcteddyb 20 Jan 2012
+1
I use bobbin pins that stick in the top of the thread spool to keep them together. I also use a sharpie to write the number on them.
1 comment
by mi30kaja 21 Jan 2012
I am going to try the sharpie.