When I start a design, I like to use a full bobbin so that I don't have to stop to replace it in the middle of stitching. I just hate having to replace a bobbin. This leaves me with bobbins that are a third or less full, not enough to do a new design, but too much to throw out. I end up using it and when I come to a convenient place and when I think the bobbin must be low, I just replace the bobbin with a new one and throw out the remaining thread. Or, I actually do unwind the bobbin and refill it so it is full for the next project. Does anyone have any use for leftover bobbin thread besides throwing it out?

I thread hand sewing needles with the leftover, this way I always have a threaded needle when I need one & it also helps me "SEE" where the needles are in the pin cushion! LOL I also saw on another site where someone took their their leftover bits & put them inside a clear glass ornament is was very pretty.

1 comment

by almag 07 Jan 2013

I do this with all my little off-cuts of knitting yarn. My large pretty coffee jar is now stuffed full of wonderful memories and very attractive on the shelf.
AlmaG.

I keep left overs bobbins for small monograms on scarfs, and baby appliques and designs.

I keep all mine for regular sewing. I never throw out unfinished ones.

1 comment

by jerrib 04 Jan 2013

I should have said the pre-wound bobbins. I only use prewound for embroidery.

Grrrrr...I did it again. Thought I could finish a design and use up the thread on a bobbin without starting with a full one. Wrong. Probably my fault. I left the machine for a moment...how do these machines know when you leave them?...the bobbin ran out of thread, the top thread somehow got caught in a knot with the tail end, the top thread made a nest underneath and shredded...etc. This machine is suppose to stop when the bobbin runs out of thread, but it only stops when it feels like it.

I collect the thread that is left on the bobbin in bags, sometimes sorted by colors. There are some designs out there that you can use that unused thread to make up that design. There is even a book available (unfortunately I forgot the name of it) that has lots of uses for those left over threads. Here are some links from our own dear cuties.

1 comment

by pennyhal 01 Jan 2013

Yes, I saved those great designs for my colored threads. However, I only use white or black bobbin thread. Maybe turn them into placemats?

I use the partially filled bobbin for the test stitch. Then it is easier to change the bobbin.

Oh, my! People actually throw out bobbin thread? Must have a lot more money than I do! I was taught to sew by my Mom in the early 60's, and she always just tied a good knot, clipped really close, and wound more thread onto the bobbin. It's a tiny knot, and since the bobbin can take thread of much heavier weight than the needle, in all these years I've never had a problem with it. I have a Janome 300E embroidery-only machine, and do this all the time. I do use the 70 weight bobbin thread, and that knot is so fine it just slips right thru the bobbin tension. I've done this for many years with my regular sewing machine and regular sewing thread, too, though, so I'd sincerely urge you to try it. I just can't imagine throwing out a half bobbin of perfectly good thread. Good luck, Marji

4 comments

by spendlove 01 Jan 2013

My Janome doesn't like the knot! Actually it is very finnicky about bobbin thread full stop. Anything thinner than the (very expensive) Janome thread just will not work.

by jofrog2000 01 Jan 2013

I also tie on more thread, whether bobbin for embroidery, or poly or rayon for fsl. No problem with the Ellegante , singer, or Brother 270. Your Janome must have a very tightly set bobbin.

by pennyhal 01 Jan 2013

Good idea, but my machine doesn't like the knot either. Actually, it doesn't like any thread, top or bobbin, that isn't really smooth.

by bethelb 04 Jan 2013

This is my way of doing it too. I learned to sew in same era as you . Works everytime.

I have several bobbins that I fill and then when I do a design I only start with a full one if it is a larger design - I just guess how far it will go and I've done OK so far.

I save them. When doing just a small project/design I place the used bobbin in.

A few years ago I learned this trick from another cutie, I think it was danababes(?). Anyway, tie the bobbin threads together and rewind them.Cut as close to the knot as you can get. Make sure they are going in the same direction so they wind onto the bobbin Hopefully that makes sense.. I have never had a problem and I had the Janome 11000SE and now the Horizon 12000. Hugs..Carol

1 comment

by blueeyedblonde 31 Dec 2012

I haven't tried this - will have to give it a shot. Thanks.

With some machines, you can tie new thread onto the left over and wind a full bobbin. The knot will go through as it stitches. Unfortunately my Janome machine doesn't agree that it is a good idea!

I use them in regular sewing - I have a blitz on using them up so I can start fresh. I HATE throwing good thread away.