Do you use that and and hope you have a color change when it is almost gone? I seem to be wasting a lot of bobbin thread and was just wondering how everyone dealt with partial full bobbins. How they used them up. Thanks!

Well, let's put it this way: I "mean" to start a new design with a full bobbin, but I usually forget. My Janome 300E doesn't have a bobbin sensor, so I usually change the bobbin right after I say "What the heck??!!!" when the stitches aren't catching and I think there's something wrong with the design, then I remember I didn't put in a new bobbin. I use the bobbins to the last millimeter, and haven't had a problem with backing up to catch the stitches that were missed. I put a sticky note "check the bobbin" on the machine, but the cats knock it off anyway. For the colored bobbins with embroidery thread for fsl, if I'm not going to do any more, I use it up as top thread as well. Hugs, Marji

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by mmgreyhounds 13 Oct 2009

Your house sounds just like mine! Thanks!

I use mine in my other machine for general sewing and mending.

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by mmgreyhounds 13 Oct 2009

That's a good idea too? Thanks!

I hate changing bobbins. I wish they had machines that rewind it while it's still in the case ;> I keep some rewind for the process. I only have a tip left so I throw it away ;D *2U

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by mmgreyhounds 13 Oct 2009

Me too! I wish there was an eaiser way! I like your idea of winding the bobbin in the machine.

by marjialexa 13 Oct 2009

Didn't someone make a regular sewing machine once that wound bobbins right in the case? That sounds really familiar, but maybe there were problems with the idea, because I don't see anything like that advertised now. Sure would be easier. Or, they could make the bobbins bigger! Would be interesting to know what commercial machines use. Hugs, M

by maryjo 21 Oct 2009

The 12 needle commercial machines I used at work used the exact same bobbin I use on my Pfaff 2170. Only difference was that the bobbin case has a little pigtail to run the thread through. I wish someone would figure out a way to use a full cone of thread for the bobbin. Like just put a little hole in back of the machine and run the thread thru the bobbin case. Wouldn't that be lovely?

My Babylock also warns me when the bobbin is running out; it's easy to back up a little and continue.
*4u!
Jacqueline

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by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

Thanks!

I run them to the end - then pop in a new bobbin - my machine runs within a couple inches of the end before the warning (Babylock Ellegante2)- I just backup about 10-15 stitches and start again. Of coarse - you can may not use the entire bobbin for your job - but use it on the next one - unless you don't want to be bothered with changing the bobbin - then save it for a smaller project. I do lots of FSL and I have colored thread in bobbins ready to be used for the next project and the only time that I throw out the reminder of a bobbin - is if there isn't enough to even worry about. Have fun and use up that pretty thread that you have bought or the bobbin thread that isn't cheap, either. *4U

1 images:[1]

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by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

I think I need a few more bobbins to compete with you! Do you mark them so you know what color they are?

Thanks for your help! I have to get over being afraid of running out of bobbin thread.

by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

I also need one of those trays!

my machine stops and tells me that the can is empty soon. I then changed the bobbin. With the remaining thread, I do small sewing.
Once, I calculated that I could do about 45000 points with a can (if I remember correctly, I must should have noted :o) !!!) ... but it depends if there are many breaks in the embroidery

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by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

That's true, it would change a little with color changes. Thanks!

by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

That's true, it would change a little with color changes. Thanks!

I end up taking the remainder & using it for my top thread(of course I would have to watch it very closely before I run out). I would have to end up winding another bobbin anyways. It has always worked for me that way. *4U

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by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

Thanks! Seems like a lot of people use it on the top. I would never have thought of that.

when I start a large design I prefer to start with a full bobbin,but i use the bobbin till it's empty and change during embroidering if it's neccesary

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by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

Thanks!

I don't care to start an embroidery with a half full bobbin. my machine (Pfaff Creative Vision)gives a signal when it is nearly empty. I slow down the speed of my machine and ignore the alarm that the machine gives. Empty the spool, go bakwards 10 till 15 stitches, replace a full bobbin in the machine and start the machine again. It works for me and I have never little bits and pieces of thread.

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by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

Thanks!

With my machine I can tie a knot & cut it off short to add more to the bobbin & it doesn't play up. Just make sure the cotton (bobbin thread) is very tightly knotted & only about 1/8" long past the knot. I usually wait until I have a few bobbins that need refilling & do them all together.
I have done this on the later, newer machines as the bobbin on mine (singers) lays on it's side into the machine.... not a seperate bobbin holder.
I hope that gives you an idea.
Reggie

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by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

Thank you! That's an interesting idea! I bet it won't work on my machine though. It is an old machine and it is very picky about bobbin thread. I'll store that away for a future date when I can afford a better machine!

Do you have a software program that can show you how much thread is needed for your design?

Some programs even show how much bobbin thread is required for a design, so there might be some way of estimating how much thread a full bobbin holds and then guestimating how much thread there is on a quarter filled bobbin.

Or, if your machine shows the number of stitches in designs, you can put a quarter filled bobbin into machine, then note the number of stitches it takes before the bobbin runs out. Write this number down and keep it for the next time you are stuck with a quarter filled bobbin.

hugs n roses, Meganne

PS, I just googled the question and came up with a great resource page>

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by marietta 12 Oct 2009

Lovely site, thank you.

by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

Thanks! I don't think I can tell how much thread I need. But I can see how many stitches there are. That's a good idea to watch the stitch count. Thanks!

I use half empty bobbins for small embroideries, for redwork designs, anything I know that doesn't have too many stitches in them at my Brother that does not warn me the bobbin's empty; let them run out on my Designer that does.

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by marietta 12 Oct 2009

I tend to do the same. I also wind all the bobbins full at the same time again.

by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

Thanks, I could save them for smaller things.

I use them till they are empty. If you back up and do a few stitches over where it left off there isn't a problem. My Ellageo tells me too soon that the bobbin is low so I just keep stitching. Never had a problem with it. I usually start with a full one for FSL but even then if I run out I just do the back up stitching and start again.

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by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

It must be a problem with Babylock machines. My Babylock tells me too soon also and then just runs out. Thanks!

by lflanders 12 Oct 2009

MY Esante and My Ellageo both tell me too soon that the bobbin is low. I use it foe a few more rounds and then change bobbins if I don't give out first. It is easy to just back up a few stitches and get going again. It is a Babylock problem but I do not let it be a problem for me. It is rare for me to leave the machine unattended. All my machines are side by side and the computer is in the same room along with the iron and ironing board, cell phone and house phone. My coffee pot is just around the corner on the counter.The only thing I have to leave for when I get started is to go potty. None of my other art/supplies have been put up since the move. I my other house,I had everything in the same room. If I stay here long enough to get my son to set up everything, then, I may have a problem. All the other stuff will have to go into the spare bedroom. Of course, in my old age, I am not fast enough nor do I have it together enough to do several things at one time. It has been a long time since I have done any of my painting or wood-working. My last year in the craft store, I sold the heck out of my yard signs. I even have one in California somewhere. They were visiting someone in town and saw my signs, made a special order, and I shipped it to them. Since the move, I have not seen my saws, sander,or router or the tables that they were bolted onto. I had a big sears tool box sitting on the carport and it is gone. It was one of those with the sections with the different size drawers, the smallest being on the top. It is gone. I had moved my tools when I had to have surgery and go into the nursing for 8 months but my sander, saw, oh, and drill supplies were still in it. I had some smaller pieces of wood that I had cut in it also. I think my days of doing anything but sewing and embroidery are over. I can not afford to replace any of the other stuff!

by marjialexa 13 Oct 2009

Linda, I see you're all set up with everything you need for your sewing in one room! Ever consider a porta-potty in the corner, hee hee hee? My master bath is so huge, I've considered putting the machines in there, honestly, would solve that problem, anyway, hee hee hee. Hugs, Marji

I make lots of doll clothes, so I use the extra bobbin thread for sewing on snaps, bows, and other small embellishments.

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by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

Thanks!

I just save them and use them up in regular sewing.

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by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

Thanks!

I use what is on the bobbin'till machine tells me I am running out. I then lift out hoop insert another bobbin & I'm up & running again.There's never more than a few inches of thread left on the bobbin. I use to start every project with a fresh full bobbin because I was afraid to stop & change. Not anymore. I just use up the bobbin & put another in. *

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by mmgreyhounds 12 Oct 2009

Thanks! I guess I need to get over being afraid of running out. It sounds like it is ok to just back up a little and start again.

In case of FSLs, that use the same color on bobbins too, I rewind another bobbin, and use those partial full bobbins to sew on top. I read another day, someone uses a mirror to see how much thread is left on bobbins...have never tried that yet.

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by mmgreyhounds 11 Oct 2009

That's a good idea. Use it on top. Thanks.

I run my bobbins empty. My 2170 stops when the bobbin is low and flashes me a warning message. From that point I will continue to stitch by using my foot pedal instead of the start button. That way I can go slow and watch for the bobbin to run out. When it does I back up about 10 stitches, put in a fresh bobbin and hit the start button. Much easier than trying to use those itty bits of bobbin and more economical than throwing them away.

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by mmgreyhounds 11 Oct 2009

I could do that. Thanks!

My machine stops and tells me the bobbin is running out of thread, and it does not have any more than maybe 6 inches, if that much on it. Maybe you need to see how far the machine will go before it tells you that you are running out of thread. I just lift off the hoop (DO NOT REMOVE THE DESIGN FROM THE HOOP) change the bobbin, put the hoop back on and here I go!

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by mmgreyhounds 11 Oct 2009

It tells me when there is quite a bit left and then when it runs out it just keeps stitching without bobbin thread. I don't know if I can change the settings. It is an older machine so maybe not. Thanks!

by lenamae 11 Oct 2009

you can usualey hear when it is out of thread and I change it and back up about 15 stiches and start up again works fine.I can not afford to wast the thread,

I save them for a small project but they often wait a long time. I hope someone has a better idea.

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by mmgreyhounds 11 Oct 2009

Thanks!