I have a Brother Innovis sewing/embroidery machine, and was told by the dealer several years ago that it was ok to use the same thread in the bobbin as the top, instead of using special bobbin thread. But yesterday, I took my machine in to a different dealer, and was told that I should have been using the other bobbin case anytime I use thread in the bobbin that isn't Brother bobbin thread. Have any of you heard the same thing? I had thought that the other bobbin case was for prewound bobbins.

I have used the same thread in the bobbin as on top and not had any trouble. I have been embroidering for over 25 years

1 comment

by parkermom 22 Jun 2015

that's so good to know. I just found out from the repairman that there was a burr in the bobbin case (that he replaced in January) so hopefully that solves my problem.

I have a babylock and always use the regular bobbin case, never have changed to the other once. And I don't use their bobbin thread either as it is so expensive and I've not had an issue in all the years I've had my Ellageo.

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by parkermom 21 Jun 2015

thank you. I've never changed to the other case, as I've never used the prewound, and didn't think I needed to use it for anything else. Always learning, I guess.

The bobbin case with the little green screw on the side is for "regular" thread (not the fine bobbin thread - this would include thread matching the top) and the bobbin case with the purple dot in the bottom is for the bobbin thread (like prewounds). I personally ALWAYS use the green screw version and I use either matching thread or bobbin thread in it with no issues (this is true of both of my brother machines - one with over 10 million stitches). Some dealers try to tell you ONLY Brother threads - this is not true - you can use whatever thread you want to use (I do recommend a quality thread) - even cottons. Using a thread other than a Brother tread does not void your warranty (as some dealers will try to tell you).

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by parkermom 21 Jun 2015

I've never used the purple dot case at all. It's difficult when dealers for the same brand say different things.

For Brother and BabyLock, it is not the brand of bobbin thread that determines which case to use, it is the thread weight. I try the standard case (green screw) for everything. If I need more or less tension on the bobbin thread, I switch to the alternate case. You are not supposed to adjust the tension on your standard case but you can adjust the tension on your alternate case. Your 'new' dealer may have been trying to sell you more thread.

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by parkermom 21 Jun 2015

I'm waiting to hear back from the dealer when my machine is repaired, and try to see if I'm just getting a sales pitch.

Your regular bobbin case should work fine with either regular sewing thread or bobbin weight thread. Prewounds are bobbin weight. The second bobbin case if for specialty/usually thicker threads where you would need to adjust the bobbin tension. When sewing, you do use the same thread in the bobbin, but for embroidery most digitizers recommend bobbin weight thread. Hugs. Nan W

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by parkermom 21 Jun 2015

thank you

My (Janome) machine has two bobbin cases, one of which is for non Janome bobbin thread. They need to be set up at a different tension as the Janome thread is a heavier weight than the other makes.

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by parkermom 21 Jun 2015

thank you I need to study my manual again. Again.

Sorry, I am a Bernina girl and can not help. I have 2 older models and the embroidery bobbin has a pigtail and the sewing does not. Kay

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by parkermom 21 Jun 2015

thanks for responding anyway.

I also have an Innovis. I will have to read up on the bobbins. Thanks for the information.

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by parkermom 21 Jun 2015

I'm feeling a little less competent than I did before, that's for sure.

Never heard of this. Have to get my owner's manual out now and start reading again. I did break 2 needles yesterday, but I thought it was because of the bobbin. I through the bobbin away.

1 comment

by parkermom 21 Jun 2015

seems like when one thing goes wrong, more things go wrong with me. Hope yours is working better now.

My Bernina has different bobbin cases for embroidery and sewing thread. Your manual should help.

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by parkermom 20 Jun 2015

thanks. I'll re-read it. Again. always learning

I am afraid that I cannot really help. I do know that people do use embroidery thread in the bobbins when embroidering Free Standing Lace, so it looks the same from either side. I have a Bernina machine and I only use pre wound bobbins. I am sure that someone will be able to answer your post.

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by parkermom 20 Jun 2015

thank you. I learn more and more about this machine all the time

I have too a brother innovis and use 2 different bobin cases. One if I use the original thread, the other if I use a different brand. And I do think it is necessary. Some time back I was very unhappy with the result of some stiching, due to the mal use of the wronge case. It is also explained in the manual.

1 comment

by parkermom 20 Jun 2015

thanks. I had thought that I had read that manual cover to cover, but I'm gonna have to go back and re-read. Thank you.