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Quote:

Originally Posted by VaNella

I do lots of swaps and those blocks are most certainly not done on the same machine! I have never heard of bobbin thread.

I have sewn most of my life & never heard of bobbin thread either, lol...

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaciqltznok

as long as you measure your seam allowance and set the machine for that, or use a guide, you can use different machines!
It is more important to use the same ruler to cut out the entire quilt so that it always accurate.

and yes, 50wt or 60 wt known as bobbin thread does lie flatter...BUT so would use thinner fabric...which is NOT something I am going to do...unless you are making a block with many points going to together in one spot like a mariner compass, then it is not really necessary to worry about thread adding thickness to your seams...the thinner thread is important in paper pieces, as it allows the paper to be removed easier and in most pp'ing projects you do have many points/seams coming together so the thinner thread would be best!

Hope all that made sense!

Excellent response, except, I do use different rulers without any problem. But just to check, I just laid a couple on top of each other, and the edges line up and markings are identical, so that's why there isn't any problem.

And, I just use regular thread in paper-piecing, as well as regular copy paper. Even with little bitsy pieces or stars or Mariners Compass, I haven't had any problems. So, I guess this is another one of those topics where you will get a dozen different answers depending on the person! LOL

I'll use 60 wt thread in the Bobbin only when I quilt, not when I piece. When piecing I use the same thread in the bobbin that I used in the top.

I have to use the same machine from start to finish when I'm piecing otherwise the seam allowance may not be the same. I'll also use the same machine from start to finish while quilting. But it may not be the same machine I used to piece.

Never really thought about the machine thing as long as your seam is accurate. I do use a thin thread to piece, same in top and bobbin. I really like Superior Threads Masterpiece or Mettler 60wt cotton embroidery thread.

I've also been told to always use the same ruler to cut the fabric.

Halleluya, I must be a quilter, it all made sense!! :P

I also use bobbin thread all the time and never had a problem.

I am listening to Charleen DiSante's comments. I bought my machine from Meisner's in Sacramento, and they have had some excellent classes, on thread, needles, etc. I would go by that without worry

Last week I just checked my machines' 1/4 inch foot with the perkins dry goods perfect scant 1/4"ruler and they were actually very different so i can see why she said this

Quote:

Originally Posted by judykay

I have used bobbin thread only in one quilt and will never use it again, the seams did not hold up well. I am not trying to speak badly against a product but this was the experience I had.

I took a class on heirloom machine quilting, and I took a class on precision piecing. Both classes were taught by the master quilter, Harriet Hargrave, from Wheatridge, Colorado. She is totally convinced that cotton fabrics deserve the strength of cotton threads only -- no rayons or poly threads which will eventually cut the fabric of the quilt in the seams. Thinner embroidery threads do not hold up to the weight of a quilt and eventually the seams will come apart. She recommends Presencia 3-ply 60 weight for piecing a quilt. This thread is manufactured in Spain by a family owned company known for quality and it is relatively new to the United States, but has been in Europe for 80 years or more. For machine quilting, you can use almost any thread on the top, and almost any thread in the bobbin, including silk threads and nylon threads. A wonderful book dealing with all of this is Harriet Hargraves Heirloom Machine Quilting book.

Yea what she said was correct.

Like others I do see the advantages of using the same machine through out a project but as for the bobbin thread well that's another story.

I have an embroidery machine that you use the bobbin thread for the embroideries but I would NEVER use bobbin thread in any type of real sewing other then embroidery. It just will not hold up for any length of time. It's sold purpose is to lessen the bulk of embroidery and that is all. The reason it works so well and holds so well in embroidery is that it is being sewed over several times during the process which adds the strength it needs to last. Without the extra sewing over top of each other it to would fell apart as well.

I hope this helps you to understand just how flimsy this thread is.

I use the prewound bobbins by Superior. I love them. Somehow I feel they make a nicer stitch than self wound bobbins. Maybe because they are wound a little tighter and more consistent...and they do seem to last longer. I just purchase the neutral colors and fine they work very well with most colors.

I love how I have learned so much on this QB from you all, questions often send me to the internet to check on things and I sometimes send them on to you and often get clarification or suggestions on whether they work for you or not. Thanks so much for all your experience.

I have been quilting for ... al really long time. I have never been able to switch machines mid project. Just a small fraction of an inch change can really throw off some blocks.
As for bobbin thread I prefer a thin thread as in comparison to using a quilting weight thread. But I really look for strenght and the least amount of LINT!