I wind my own, I use Superior So Fine in the bobbin and I like King Tutt on top. I did take classes, had a great instructor who said "call me if you have questions" I did and still do. Have a great dealer too. If I have problem with machine I call them, they hang up on me and call right back! It is a long distance call. The one time I had to take it into them. They met me at the back door before they opened, had it fixed and back to me by noon the next day. It is a 6 1/2 hour trip one way.