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Can you really use different thread weights in your bobbin and spool?

by Paul Leger

Welcome back! Yesterday, I highlighted some of the many benefits of WonderFil DecoBob Prewound Bobbins.

Today, I‘ll show you some of this thread’s benefits in action by using it to sew a quilt block with different thread weights in the bobbin and spool.

Packs of WonderFil DecoBob Prewound Bobbins in neutral colors

Packs of WonderFil DecoBob Prewound Bobbins in neutral colors

One of the features I love about DecoBob thread is its ability to blend with the fabric when sewn.

I’ll be the first to admit that I prefer to match my threads to the fabric, unless there are many shades or different colors. With the 36 colors available in this collection, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a color to match your fabric. You can view the colors available on the DecoBob Color Chart.

DecoBob 36 colors

DecoBob 36 colors

Naturally, if I don’t have the color I need, I use a neutral-colored thread. The seams in the next photo were sewn using DecoBob Antique White 112. Notice how nicely the color blends with the fabric.

WonderFil DecoBob threads blend beautifully with fabrics

WonderFil DecoBob threads blend beautifully with fabrics

Here’s another comment that often comes up when discussing using two different thread weights together. Some say it affects tension. While this can be the case, the adjustment needed is so minor that your machine shouldn’t need to be totally readjusted.

When I use WonderFil Konfetti 50wt cotton thread together with the WonderFil DecoBob 80wt polyester thread, I barely turn the tension dial ⅛”, if at all. But then, I also always do a test seam before adjusting the tension as the fabrics used can also affect the tension.

The tension on both the top and bottom of the seam are perfect with very little adjustment needed.

The tension on both the top and bottom of the seam are perfect with very little adjustment needed.

So, where was I? Oh yeah, today I’m making a simple nine patch 6” finished block.

This is an easy and quick block to assemble. You need five 2½” precut squares of one color, and four 2½” precut squares. Simply sew the nine 2½” precut squares together in a checkerboard pattern as shown in the next photo!

After all seams are sewn, press the seams flat and the block is complete.

Completed quilt block with nice flat seams

Completed quilt block with nice flat seams

I certainly hope you enjoyed learning about WonderFil’s DecoBob Prewound Bobbin thread and how you can create flat seams while using different thread weights in your bobbin and spool.

Come back tomorrow to learn more fun facts about this time and labor-saving thread!

This is part 2 of 5 in this series.
Go back to part 1: What to know about using prewound bobbins with lightweight thread

Go to part 3: Durable foundation piecing with WonderFil’s DecoBob thread

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3 comments

Laura March 29, 2017 - 12:04 pm

Thank you for all this interesting information about pre filled bobbins. I appreciated the link to which machines take which type of bobbin in a previous post. Sometimes my Pfaff has been fussy about working with other brands of prefilled bobbins. I look forward to trying these out with my machine.

Reply
Paul Leger
Paul Leger March 31, 2017 - 10:24 am

HI Laure, you have nothing to loose to give it a try. I’ve had a lot of success.

Reply
Paul Leger
Paul Leger March 31, 2017 - 10:26 am

HI LAura, Give them a try, you have nothing to loose.

Reply

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