EMBROIDERY BASICS
5
Bobbins
You have a choice of winding your own bobbins or buying pre-wound commercial bobbins in disposable car-
tridges. Self-wound bobbins tend to be inconsistent in the way the thread releases from the spool. A smooth,
consistent release of thread is required in high-speed commercial embroidery machines. Self-winding is not
recommended unless there is a unique color needed in small runs. Pre-wound bobbins are smooth running
and economical. Commercial bobbins are sided and sideless plus available in spun polyester, filament poly-
ester and nylon.
Sided bobbins have a disposable cardboard or plastic cartridge that looks like a conventional bobbin. Panto-
grams recommends using sided bobbins.
Sideless bobbins are without the sides and wound tightly with wax on the sides to hold the thread in place.
Sideless bobbins hold more thread but have a waxy build-up. The bobbin thread also has a tendency to drop
off the sides and can create problems with your machine.
Spun polyester is the most economical and popular type of thread. It is similar to cotton in texture and ap-
pearance but stronger.
Filament polyester is very smooth, like dental floss and coated with a fine wax. Slightly stronger than spun
polyester and runs smoother. Fifty percent more expensive but can be run at a higher tension on both top and
bottom depending on fabric.
Nylon is made of 100 percent filament nylon, is very strong but extremely slippery. Because of this, tension
can be difficult to maintain.
Different types of bobbins require different tensions. The rougher texture spun poly requires less plate pres-
sure then the smoother filament poly. The spun poly will leave a lint build-up in the bobbin case which needs
removal. The filament has a tendency to leave a waxy residue. Coats Astra Spun Polyester is recommended.
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