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Bobbin Threads | Pros And Cons Of Various Bobbin Threads

The pros and cons of various types of bobbin thread Bobbin thread is not always considered a factor when troubleshooting problems. Because the bobbin thread does not go through a needle, there are fewer problems with bobbin threads than with top threads.  Common bobbin threads are cotton, spun poly, cotton-wrapped poly, and filament poly.

• Cotton. Quilters love it. It keeps the fiber content consistent with the fabric, batting, and top thread. For embroidery, it is OK, but on dense fill designs, cotton bobbin thread will result in a stiff design. Beware that lower quality cottons produce more lint which in turn requires more frequent machine cleaning. Choose a good quality bobbin thread.
• Spun poly and cotton-wrapped poly. Stronger than cotton. Many machine quilters like this thread due to its strength. Like cotton, it does not have a slick surface and sometimes tends to grab the top thread too tightly creating uneven stitches and top thread breakage.
• Filament poly. This thread has a shiny appearance and is virtually lint free. It can be thin and lightweight, yet strong. Embroiderers love this thread because it creates a soft backing, even on dense designs. Many machine quilters like using a filament poly thread in the bobbin. Due to its smooth surface, it works well with metallic threads and heavy cotton threads. The smoothness of the filament poly thread does not snag or grab the top thread. If you've had trouble using metallics or heavy cotton threads, a smooth bobbin thread may solve some problems. Examples of lint-free, smooth bobbin threads are The Bottom Line and So Fine.

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