Superior Threads

Bobbin Threads Part 2 | Top And Bottom Thread Compatibility

Sewing machines are factory preset to have the top and bottom thread form even stitches. If the top and bottom threads are identical in fiber and weight, adjustments should not be necessary. However, if we use cotton on top and poly underneath, or metallic on top and poly underneath, or a heavy thread on top and a thin thread underneath, it is necessary to adjust the tension settings. It is fine to use different thread types and weights on the top and bottom.

Think of the top and bottom thread as having a tug of war. If the threads are identical and you are sewing on a single layer of fabric, both sides have equal strength and the result will be a draw. The sewing should therefore produce perfectly even stitches with no top thread showing underneath and no bobbin thread showing on top. However, in the real world, the teams are rarely equal. One team will be stronger or bigger or faster than the other. We use decorative threads on top. We often use different fibers for the top and bottom threads. We also add stabilizer or batting. Sometimes we might use a cotton bobbin thread and other times we use a polyester bobbin thread. All these factors make it necessary to adjust the tension for each project. By adjusting the top tension either up or down, we are able to add or take away strength on the top thread team to equalize the tug of war battle.
Following is a list of things that affect stitch results:

1. Batting. This adds drag on top thread. Cotton batting tends to grab the thread more than poly batting, adding more friction on the thread.

2. Fabric type. Dense fabric puts more stress on the thread.

3. Top thread thickness and type. Metallic is less flexible than cotton or poly. Poly is stronger than either cotton or rayon.

4. Bobbin thread type. Cotton bobbin thread tends to grab more than a smooth poly. Sometimes grabbing is preferred and sometimes it causes problems. A smooth poly thread (not spun poly) in the bobbin will work better with metallic or a heavier cotton and spun poly thread because it's silk-like finish acts almost like a lubricant, sliding nicely with the thread.

Prewounds
Approximately 70 percent of the home machines on the market are compatible with the standard L size prewound bobbin. The debate continues but the prewound users are winning. Although some machine dealers warn against using prewound bobbins, it is a fact that many of the educators on their staff do use them. The risk of prewounds is in the thread quality. Make sure you use a good quality thread and clean the bobbin area regularly. The advantage is in saving time and not having to wind your own bobbins.  Prewound bobbins hold up to three times more thread than self-wound bobbins. Many prewound bobbins have cardboard sides which are removable. Some machines work best with the sides on, others work best with one or both sides removed.

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