I will often choose a totally different colour for the bobbin Sue, that way the FSL becomes reversible.
It all depends on which colour combination the variegated thread is, ie: if it was bright colours I might choose a single colour that matches one of those in the variegated thread. Pastels I might choose a contrast or else use the same thread for the bobbin. I like to experiment. :-)
hugs n roses, Meganne

I do it as Meganne does, and with the same in both and with a solid matching. It depends on what is handy I think - or strikes my pleasure.

If the design has more than one colour I try to match the bobbin so it looks good both side, otherwise it's what takes my fancy at the time. Marian

Interesting question Sue. I have never really tried variegated thread -think that I must try it sometime.

I use a matching thread for the bobbin; it gets rather messy when I tried using the same colour, they never start at the same point in the colour sequence unless you throw away a lot of thread from either of the top or bobbin.

Good question and interesting answers - thanks everyone for sharing your ideas; have never tried FSL, let alone with variegated thread, but am now inspired to experiment.

I have not been pleased with the results of using variegated thread for FSL. Any tips? Or is one brand better than others? Hugs. Nan W

For me there are a couple of things I have noticed on variegated threads and FSL, is the size and shape of the designs. Variegated Threads have a repeating pattern every 6-12 inches, (they really aren't variegated at all but rather color blend shadings of the same families) so one can get stripping. That being said if you are doing a series of small leaf patterns, with shades of greens it may work well for you. If you are doing any irregular shape like a snowflake or a 3D it adds depth and texture, it's random enough that one doesn't notice the stripping. It's the individual's taste and what they are trying to convey for me that is also a determining factor. I also have only used white in the bobbin thread as I never thought about matching. My decorations at Christmas were first time attempts. Since these were for me and my first time...I'm still learning and this thread has been helpful. Will have to try some of these ideas out. Thanks.

Thanks for the question and answers.

I chose a color in the variegated thread and use that for the bobbin. I have had very good results with this method. The results when I use the variegated in both have been not as pleasing to look at.

Had been picking a color in the thread - now I tend to pick the darkest color in the variation - light looks like a "back" where the darker seems to give it more of a finished look (for instance in earrings that you see both sides of where folks move). No absolute rule though, for some designs I use variegated in the bobbin and am happy with it.

Nice lot of information here in the Posts. I am not experienced in the FSL field having only made a few items. Think that I used the same in top and bottom, but now would change that to a colour match, or like Meganne, contrasting thread.

Thanks to you all for these answers. This has proved to be an interesting discussion point. Isn't it great that we can all learn from each other?

I tried a bookmark with one of the colours in the variegated thread beneath and was disappointed - there were enough flecks of the other colours showing through on the back to make it look untidy. However, another piece with a darker mixture of colours looked great with black in the bobbin.

I think the jury will be out forever as there is not one answer!

I have never used variegated thread for FSL and it's interesting to know what the other Cuties say about it. Thank you!
Hugs, Lidia