Ricoma CHT2 - Types of Bobbin Sides; Bobbin Fiber Choices

Ricoma Quick Start Guide60
Some bobbins have sides that are designed to support the bobbin as it rotates.
Paper-sided: These are the most common.
Side-less: These bobbins consist entirely of thread and do not have sides for support.
Plastic-sided: Some embroiderers say plastic-sided bobbins rotate more easily in the bobbin case and
run smoother.
Magnetic bobbins: Magnetic bobbins do not have sides but have magnets for support. Magna Glide
bobbins have a magnet in the center, which helps maintain the consistency of the bobbin thread
tension. This can help the bobbin run smoother and prevent birdnesting. When using magnetic bobbins,
you may need to take out the gunmetal-colored piece on the bobbin case, known as the brake.
Types of bobbin sides
Bobbin fiber choices
This ber isn’t exactly a popular choice, but it denitely has its followers. Although not as strong
as its synthetic counterparts, cotton is valued for its friendly texture, which allows a wider range of
adjustments for bobbin tension settings. One of its downfalls is that it produces too much lint, which
has a tendency to collect under the bobbin tension plate. Lint build-up can lead to “springing” the
tension plate, causing it to fail to hold any tension on the bobbin thread.
Nylon bobbin thread exhibits almost exactly the opposite characteristics from cotton. One advantage
of using nylon thread is that very ne nylon is still quite strong, so a bobbin can hold many yards of
thin nylon thread. The cons of using nylon thread: Its small diameter and slick texture make it tricky
to keep consistent tension on bobbin cases. It is also extremely slippery, which makes it dicult to
maintain tension.
This ber is the most popular among U.S. embroiderers. It is strong, thin, reliable, and does not produce
lint. It is known its consistency and high quality. It also allows 127 yards to be held on a standard size
“L” bobbin. For this reason, American embroiderers use this bobbin ber more than any other. Fewer
bobbin changes or breaks maintain eciency because it allows for less machine downtime.
COTTON
NYLON
CONTINUOUS FILAMENT POLYESTER