Do Bobbins Fit All Sewing Machines?
Sewing machine bobbins come in different sizes, can be made of metal or plastic, and may be empty or pre-wound with thread.
The vast majority of sewing machines can only use one bobbin size and, thankfully, most use the same size, making them interchangeable.
Most sewing machines will use either a Class 15J or Class 66 bobbin, and these bobbins are often interchangeable within a brand.
For example, a Singer sewing machine will typically use a Class 15J bobbin, and a Brother sewing machine will typically use a Class 66 bobbin.
Overlock sewing thread (info and benefits)
Overlocking thread is a fine, smooth and relatively strong sewing thread designed to be used for sewing at high speeds. It can be used on the overlocker needle or looper, it’s interchangeable.
All-purpose overlock thread is most widely available for 250 m and 1000 m bobbins as well as 7500 m thread cones.
How to thread your sewing machine needle
- Place a spool of sewing thread on your machine
- Pull the thread out and wind it around your bobbin
- Put the bobbin on your machine’s bobbin pin
- Engage the bobbin winder by pressing the pedal
- Cut and wrap the spool thread around the guide
- Pull the thread down around the catch
- Wrap the thread around the take-up lever
- Lastly, thread the needle and drop in your bobbin
Sewing thread size, fabric and needle chart
This sewing thread size chart quickly suggests the best thread size to use with different fabric weights.
It also suggests the best needle size to use with the thread.
| Thread Weight (Size) | Fabric Type | Needle Size |
|---|---|---|
| 80-50 wt. | Light Fabric | 60/8, 65/9, 70/10, 75/11 |
| 50-40 wt. | Medium Fabric | 75/11, 80/12, 90/14 |
| 40-20 wt. | Heavy Fabric | 100/16, 110/18, 120/19 |
Thread Colors are (almost) universal
Ordering thread of a specific color from a color card that fails to match your fabric can be frustrating.
Thankfully, thread manufacturers pay attention to the fabric colors of competitors more now than ever.
As a result, most thread colors are universal between brands and, most often, what you see on a color card is exactly what you get.
Amount of thread needed to make a quilt (chart)
The quilting fabric chart below represents the average amount of thread needed to make a good quality quilt.
| Quilt Size | Light Quilting | Heavy Quilting |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Size | 400 yds. | 1,200 yds. |
| Queen Size | 600 yds. | 1,600 yds. |
| King Size | 750 yds. | 2,000 yds. |
The best all-purpose sewing thread
Before the invention of polyester thread, it was common for natural sewing thread to break frequently and inconveniently.
Today, most sewing machine thread has a polyester core that prevents thread breakage by making it slightly stretchy.
As a result, the best all-purpose thread has a polyester core or is entirely made of polyester.
How to spot good bobbin thread
Good bobbin thread is as strong as any sewing machine top thread.
Go ahead and compare their tensile strength by seeing how easily they break. Pull the bobbin thread tight and scratch it lightly to see if it frays.
Good bobbin thread should not be any more breakable than standard high quality thread.
Bobbin thread does not need to be the same color
When your top thread tension is properly set on your sewing machine, the bobbin thread will not be visible in the finished product.
For that reason, your bobbin thread does not need to be the same color as your top thread.
To be safe, avoid using high contrast color combinations, however, typically any bobbin thread color will work.
You can use any thread in a bobbin
Quality of thread makes a difference, however, any thread can be used to fill a bobbin.
I highly recommend using only the best quality bobbin thread you have available, but in a pinch you can use any thread in your sewing machine bobbin with good results.
