This is going to sound like a silly question but since I don't know whether its someething I should listen to or not..Ok, well, when I first started quilting, I took a class and she taught log cabins (still love them by the way), sorry I digress. The two things this instructor said we had to do was always use the same sewing machine for each top and we were to use bobbin thread. Was this just her quirk or is there a logical reason for this?

I understand the same machine. the seam allowance may be differen't from machine to machine. and the blocks may not end up the same size.

Bobbin thread is thinner then regular thread. It add less bulk to the seams so the 1/4" seam allowance is more accurate when press to one side. Using the same machine is a good idea.

I use same thread on top as on bottom unless doing machine embroidery then use 'bobbin thread' But I agree use same machine for all a quilt top seam allowances may not be exact 1/4 to a scant 1/4 on another machine-- same as using same rulers when cutting out pieces for the top. hope this helps:)

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

Thank you for responding so quickly!! I am going to stop purchasing bobin thread but will be sure to try to use same machine. You have made a lot of sense!

I can see the same machine except you could always do the 1/4 inch seam allowance test. Sometimes teachers come across as 'this is the only way' but if you change it, the quilt police will not be knocking at your door. Not sure what the need for 'bobbin thread' is but Joann's sells it on huge spools. I just might check that out and google it. does anyone else know?

I make sure I use the same FOOT through out. made that mistake once, don't want to do that again. i use the same thread top and bottom except when i use monofilament. only have one machine so i can't really address that issue.

I can vouch for the same machine. I have a couple of tops that I started on one machine and continued on another. One of those tops is a UFO that I recently dug out and ended up having to scale down from a queen to a twin because my blocks were WAYYYYY off. Another quilt I plowed through basically fitting two different size blocks together into one quilt. Made it work...but it was work. I have since sworn that I will start and complete a project on ONE machine. I have no idea about the bobbin thread. I use the same thread top and bottom.

From this comment I found on line, I wouldn't want to use bobbin thread in my quilting: "Bobbin thread is a fine thread intended only for use in the bobbin during embroidery. It is not a strong thread, so don’t use it for regular sewing. This very fine thread reduces the build-up of thread under your embroidery, reducing bulk, and making your design."
It was at this URL: softer.http://www.meissnersewing.com/Meisne...ksJune2008.pdf

I've tried to switch machines before finishing a quilt. My seams were slightly different on the other machine. I thought I had an accurate seam on both machines, though. I was able to finish but I had to concentrate on making everything match. Always use the same ruler when cutting out a top, too.

If you like thin thread (it does make the seam lie nice and flat), there are several types of thin cotton threads made especially for piecing. I like both Aurifil and Presencia. The spools seem a bit pricey but last a long time.

Does this apply to pre-wound bobbins? I purchased a large quantity of pre-wounds and would hate to have to stop using them, the thread does seem thinner than the top thread I use.

terryl: From the comment by salmonsweet it sounds like the thin threads help the seams to lie flatter. Does this seem to affect the use of the quilt? Is there any problem with the seams splitting? On your comment about pre-wound bobbins I'd just mention being careful about the age of the thread.

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!

I switch back and between two machines with no problem. Any variance in the seam allowance is operator error, not the machines in this house. I like Guterman's thread in one of my machine's bobbins. The vintage Singer doesn't hold a lot of thread and with the thin, strong poly thread, I can get more on.

I'd def recommend using the same machine to piece with - but bobbin thread is not something I'd use for quilt piecing, it's meant for fine embroidery use. I use cotton thread only, top & bottom. :)

I use prewound for embroidery mostly, I have used it on regular sewing, didn't find much of a difference, do a break test to see how strong it is, thread has come a long way since I started sewing. The advantage to using bobbin thread is that you can get a lot more on your bobbin as it is a finer thread, there usually isn't the lint on it as well that some other threads have.

Ideally it is good to stick with the same machine but due to some circumstances that isn't always possible, like other have said, check to see that you are using the same seam allowance as that will make a huge difference in the size of the blocks

In my opinion there are very few hard and fast rules to quilting. Though some instructors have the way they do it and want you to follow what they do, whether it makes sense to you or not, or works for you or not, a good instructor should be leading you to learn ways that best work for you.

many people take a smaller machine to classes and do the rest of their work on a bigger "home" machine. the trick is to know what you need to do to get the same seam allowance on each.

This has been an interesting discussion since I didn't know about "bobbin thread", but I will definitely look into it since I enoy doing machine embroidery. Again, I learn a lot from all you great quilters....thank you!

You all have so much information to share! I didn't realize bobbin thread was thinner, but it makes sense. I will stick with it for embroidering but not for piecing. I will also be sure to check my guidelines to ensure the accuracy before piecing on more than one machine!! Once again, I so appreciate you! Thanks!

I've only used "bobbin thread" for embroidery. I would not use it for regular sewing for the reason listed here.

I've never heard of bobbin thread, I always use the same thread for the bobbin as I'm using for the top. I agree on the same machine and the ruler. Of course I know nothing about embroidery machines and threads.

I wasn't familiar with bobbin thread as I use the same on top & bottom........thank you for this important info.

I wouldn't think you would want to use bobbin thread for embroidery either if it isn't that strong. I WOULD use bobbin thread for piecing if that was what I had handy. I like to use 60 wt cotton silk finish embroidery thread (Mettler) for both my spool and bobbin when piecing. Lots of people use all kinds of threads, that is why there are so many threads available.

huh.. well I learned something new today.. :thumbup:

I like using the same machine for each top because each machine has a slightly different stitch, but it is certainly NOT a rule. I do not like to use bobbin thread for piecing or quilting because it is thinner. I only use it in the bobbin when doing machine embroidery. There is less bulk to the design and it lays better.....in my opinion.

Never ever knew there was such a thing as bobbin thread. This board is great, however have been perfectly content with my cotton thread so prob will not buy it, haha.

My only issue with using bobbin thread is that it isn't as strong as regular thread. Don't know how it would hold up over time. I use it on machine embroidery, but it isn't getting any stress and is so dense there won't be a problem there. The amount of bulk regular thread adds to a seam would be so minimal that there shouldn't be a problem there. Our grandmothers didn't use bobbin thread and look what we have to remember them by.

I don't use a different thread for the bobbin and as I have a newer machine and an old 1960 Singer, I never use both machines on the same quilt, I just know I would mess it up somehow. LOL

I know that I would use the same machine for a top from start to finish but it sounds like she was saying you had todo it her way or you were wrong. The seas may be different on machines. As for bobbin thread, I did not even know there was such a thing and I have been sewing for 50 years.

It DOES make a difference. Even the 1/4" foot on the same TYPE of machine (i.e. Pfaff 2170) will be different enough to make your seams a bit off. You don't have to specifically use bobbin thread, but don't change the type of thread throught the project. If you're making a block that you need to trim to size, this isn't so much of an issue. But better to be safe!

I have never heard of "bobbin thread" until now. I've always used the same on top and bobbin.

I agree about the ruler. I am one that no matter what I do my seams aren't perfect but if I use the same ruler and measure my 1/4" seam on each machine it doesn't matter what machine I use. The seams are the same mess on either machine lol..

I use bobbin thread all the time and have never had a problem. My favorite is Superior's Bottom Line in natural color. It is strong and well-made. The owner of Superior Threads gave a presentation at a LQS and he said it is good as the TOP thread, too, so I have been doing that and LOVE it! Since it comes on big spools as well as smaller ones, I sit and fill 10-12 bobbins at a time and then I'm ready to go! very economical.

Bobbin thread and prewond bobbins are usually polyester like serger thread, tex 25, but are lots stronger than cotton.Some prewond bobbins are also cotton, but are usually size 60. so is Coats & Clark dual duty cotton that we have used for years on both top and bottom for clothing, quilts, mending, etc.
The only thing we have to watch when using poly is not to iron the thread as it will melt, so iron, press on the right side only.
Bottom weight is made for bobbins for embroidery and prewond bobbins. I would not use it for top quilting.
Phyllis 81 yrs in Oregon

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 use Anton-Robison bobbin thread all the time and it is very tough even tho' it is thin. I have never had any problems with it and it sure goes a long way. Don't have to stop and wind so often!

I have never heard of bobbin thread either.

I like to use the same machine for all my piecing. Latley I've been doing my piecing on my FeatherWeight. I am not real picky with my thread except for garments. It's interesting to read other opinions.