BJayne, I always use the same thread on the top and bottom. I've tried the bobbin thread and don't care for it. If I'm doing FSL or my bottom thread will show on the top then I use the same color but if it doesn't show then I don't worry about the color. There are many ways to do it and if you go to classes with different teachers they all have what works for them and that's what you need to do. I just try to make sure the thread weight and type match, not necessarily the brand name.