Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Why not use the same thread in the bobbin? >

Why not use the same thread in the bobbin?

Why not use the same thread in the bobbin?

Old 01-25-2011, 07:46 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
CompulsiveQuilter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 733
Default

I don't understand something. When FMQ, the main problem is tension, right? So why wouldn't I use the same exact thread (heavier weight/vareigated, etc.) in the bobbin to help make tension more "the same." Also I want the back to look just as pronounced as the front -- why not? I like the quilting to pop (though I'm a newbie to FMQ) so I'm planning to use 28 weight variegated cotton. Is that too thick for the bobbin or something?
CompulsiveQuilter is offline  
Old 01-25-2011, 07:48 PM
  #2  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Idaho
Posts: 11,375
Default

I use the same thread, because honestly I don't have the money to purchase more than one thread. I do know that it is nice to use a lighter weight in the bobbin because the bobbin will hold more thread and then last longer.
Sadiemae is offline  
Old 01-25-2011, 07:53 PM
  #3  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
Default

It's your quilt. You can do what you want. If that thickness works for you AND you can afford it - hey, go for it. I generally use the same (or similar) thread type in both top and bobbin, but not necessarily the same color.

When I do something special on top, I do a test piece and see which tension setting is best.
MadQuilter is offline  
Old 01-25-2011, 07:57 PM
  #4  
Super Member
 
tjradj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,326
Default

Using the same thread in the bobbin is fine!
I use thinner in the bobbin mainly because it goes further so there are less bobbin changes - important with quilting on a frame, as bobbin changes can be a pain in the you know what. I also like the thinner thread because it tends to 'disappear' into the fabric after washing. That way if I have a wobble or two, or three.... it doesn't really show.
tjradj is offline  
Old 01-25-2011, 08:02 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: west allis, wisconsin
Posts: 407
Default

i always use machine quilt thread on top and bobbin then someone told me it works better to use a lighter weight for the bobbin. so i tried that, just to see the difference, and there certainly was. i believe it depends on what your machine can handle. mine can handle heavy bobbin thread so i will continue to use that. practice with each and see what works for you.
happyscrappy is offline  
Old 01-25-2011, 08:04 PM
  #6  
Power Poster
 
dunster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
Posts: 15,133
Default

Whether you use the same or a different thread is entirely up to you. If you have tension problems that are alleviated by using the same, then it makes sense to do that. If you don't have tension problems, you may make a design decision to use different colors or weights. There are reasons for going both directions.

Hand quilters ALWAYS use the same thread top and bottom. LOL
dunster is offline  
Old 01-25-2011, 08:29 PM
  #7  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
Default

I don't have tension issues. That being said, I always use the same weight top and bottom. If I pick a 40 wt. thread to quilt with, I use the same in the bobbin. I only use cotton thread. I think the recommendations you've been listening to are for a thinner poly thread in the bobbin. Which I wouldn't do because I don't quilt with polyester typically.
Candace is offline  
Old 01-25-2011, 08:33 PM
  #8  
Banned
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Enid, OK
Posts: 8,273
Default

[quote=dunster
Hand quilters ALWAYS use the same thread top and bottom. LOL[/quote]

you made a funny...ehhehehe :lol:
jaciqltznok is offline  
Old 01-25-2011, 08:34 PM
  #9  
rb.
Junior Member
 
rb.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: northern Ontario, Canada
Posts: 233
Default

I use the same cotton thread top, bottom, AND piecing. Same colour, too.
rb. is offline  
Old 01-25-2011, 08:41 PM
  #10  
Power Poster
 
nativetexan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: home again, after 27 yrs!
Posts: 19,388
Default

I just used coats and clark in my bobbin and Essential thread on top for FMQ. worked fine.
nativetexan is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
LavenderBlue
Main
5
09-02-2013 04:49 AM
MissJMac
Main
7
06-15-2011 08:58 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter