What is Bobbin Work

Welcome to our 125 years celebration of the BERNINA company! We’re celebrating by bringing you lots of inspiration and today we’re taking a closer look at bobbin work! And just what is bobbin work? Read on to find out all about this technique! As a bonus we’re giving you the chance to win an incredible set of 28 spools of thread in all the colors of the rainbow, scroll to the bottom of the post to find our anniversary giveaway!

What do you do with beautiful decorative threads, thin ribbon, or cording that is too thick to fit through the needle of a sewing machine? Turn it upside down, of course! Wind decorative threads, thin ribbon or cording around the bobbin and sew your project upside down. The top thread will stitch the over-sized threads right to the bottom of the fabric.

Bobbin Work Wind Bobbin

You can use the technique of bobbin work with virtually any kind of stitching your sewing machine can do, straight or zigzag stitching, open decorative stitching, free-motion stitching, and even machine embroidery (with the right designs). Try using bobbin work with decorative threads, pearl cotton, yarn, ribbon floss, or similar weighted cords and trims.

checking bobbin work

Bobbin Work Machine Settings

There are a few general tips to setting up your machine for bobbin work. You can read more about the technique of bobbin work with the BERNINA Hook System and Jumbo Bobbin here.

  • Check with your BERNINA store for a specially configured bobbin work bobbin available for your model. If not, it’s a good idea to purchase a second bobbin case for bobbin work to avoid having to re-set the bobbin tension for normal sewing (and to mark it so you don’t get them mixed up, use permanent marker or nail polish). Adjust the tension of the bobbin case so the cord flows smoothly from the bobbin.
  • Wind the bobbin at a slow speed to make sure the thick thread or cording is wound evenly around the bobbin.
  • Use an open toed foot such as the Open embroidery foot #20 to help you see exactly where you are stitching.
  • Always test-stitch first and fine-tune your machine settings.
  • Start with a 4mm stitch width and fine-tune from there. Avoid stitches that are too close together that may bunch-up the larger thread or cord.
  • Adjust top tension if needed, the bobbin thread should be laying against the fabric without being squeezed too tight or drooping too loosely.
  • Always bring the bobbin thread tail up through the top thread before starting to stitch to avoid thread nests and machine jams.
  • Look for decorative stitches with wide, open looking designs. Avoid decorative stitches with too much back-and-forth stitching or elements that are very close together.

Bobbin work feather

Did you know you can even quilt with bobbin work? Read tips for quilting with this technique here on WeAllSew!

October 125 Years Golden Anniversary Giveaway!

Metrosene Thread Kit Giveaway at WeAllSew

One lucky WeAllSew reader will win this fantastic set of 28 spool Mettler Metrosene threads! The perfect sew anything thread, Metrosene is a strong, high tensile strength polyester with a smooth finish that won’t easily fray or cause extra lint in your sewing machine. The perfect colors to add to your stash with a value of $40.00.

What is bobbin work

All you have to do is post a comment below and answer the question, “How would you use bobbin work in a sewing or quilting project?” The the giveaway is open through Friday, October 19th.

The giveaway is open to residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. One comment per fan. Comment must be submitted to the WeAllSew.com blog by October 19, 2018 at 11:59 PM Central Time. Winner will be chosen randomly. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to contact to claim the prize.

Good luck!

This giveaways is closed.

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