Friday, February 27, 2009

Prewound Bobbins

There is a great debate going on. Should we use prewound bobbins or should we not? Today we will discuss some of the truths and myths surrounding bobbins.

Truth: Prewound bobbins hold up to 3 times more thread than self wound bobbins, saving you TIME. These bobbins are wound by high tech machines which provide a smooth uniform wind.
Myth: Using prewound bobbins will void the warranty on my machine. Not true! Bob personally checked with many machine companies, and most sell prewound bobbins. The only risk is that you need to make sure you are using a good quality thread (like Superior Threads SuperBobs) and clean your bobbin area regularly.
Truth: Approximately 70% of the machines on the market are compatible with the standard "L" size prewound bobbins.

What does "L" and "M" style mean?
Answer: Two of the most common sizes of prewound bobbins are "L" and "M". With home machines, 75% use "L". Most Long Arm machines use "M" although some use "L". To read which machine is better suited to a bobbin type Superior Threads has a list on their web site.
Look under HERE.
Most prewounds have cardboard sides. Do I need to remove them?
Answer: It depends on your machine. Either none, one or both sides can be removed. Experiment with your machine. If the bobbin fit is too snug to accommodate free motion, take it off. If the machine has an automatic bobbin sensor, leaving the cardboard sides on will make the sensor think the bobbin is always full. Solution: tear sides off or sew until bobbin thread runs out.
Reminder: There are 3 days left to be eligible for our $100.00 Give Away! Be sure to leave a comment to have an opportunity to win!

34 comments:

  1. It was great to see you guys at Sew Expo yesterday. I just love looking at all the pretty thread laid out on the tables. And yes, I stocked up on my Super Bobs.

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  2. I really like the prewound bobbins. They save time and lots of thread.

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  3. Thanks for the info on pre-wound bobbins. I'll be checking your blog often and by the way, Pat Sloan, our Sloanie fearless leader, told me to visit you. And I am glad I did.
    Denny Shaw in PA

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  4. Thanks for all the great info at your blog! Pat Sloan sent her "Sloanies" over to take a peek around your blog and website. Love all the info and I'm a major fan of your threads.
    Margi

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  5. Will definitely have to try prewound bobbins. I've purchased your threads at quilt shows, and love it. Pat Sloan sent me here, and I'm adding your blog to one of my favs.

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  6. Another one from Pat Sloan here! I'm so glad to see a blog from Superior Threads. Looking forward to lots of great info!

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  7. "To read which machine is better suited to a bobbin type Superior Threads has a list on their web site.
    Look under HERE." I can't seem to find this list on either of the links above. Can you repost the link please? I'm very interested in learning more about the bobbins!

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  8. I love the prewound bobins! Thanks for you additional information. Brenda

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  9. Glad to find your site, came here from Pat Sloan's.
    I love your thread.
    Suzanne

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  10. My Bernina 180 and 145 love the Super Bobs. Need to order more. Great product and yes, they do last longer than regular bobbins wound on a home machine.

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  11. It is great to know I can use the pre-wound in my Bernina. Pat Sloan let us know about your blog. Thanks for all you do! Superior threads definitely work the best for me.

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  12. Aloha Bob and Heather,
    i am still enjoying my superior threads from Quilt Hawaii 08 bingo spoils! hope to see ya ll next year around the pool. aloha sonja painter quilter teachers.

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  13. Pat Sloan sent me! :-) I have never heard of prewound bobbins! I will definitely have to try them. I hate winding bobbins and they always seem to run out quickly! Thanks for the chance to enter your contest.

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  14. Thanks for the information. I will definitely have to give it a try!

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  15. Another one sent by Pat! i'll have to check these out!

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  16. Pre-wound bobbins are a wonderful, time saving idea! I came on Pat Sloan's suggestion and have added you to my blog list - great blog!
    Karen H

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  17. I've never tried the pre wound bobbins and I have a Bernia. I love the blog! Keeps me updated on what's new, what's old (not BOB!) and what I should or shouldn't be doing! Thanks so much!

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  18. Thank you for the clarification on pre-wound bobbins - I now know what to use with my machine.

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  19. It seemed to me that the pre-wound bobbins had more thread. Now I know it's true. I just found your blog and it is very informative. Thanks.

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  20. Thanks for the info on the bobbins. I have been hesitant to try them because I didn't know much about them.

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  21. Just found your Blog. Thanks for the info. Looking forward to checking in again to see what else I can soak in! ;-)
    <3 judi

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  22. Every time I come to your blog or website I learn something new...and I'm an old dog!

    Bert in Rice, WA

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  23. I was directed from another blog to yours. I have used your threads before. Francis Moore in Indiana

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  24. i am pretty sure that my Elna Quilter's Dream takes an M - but I'm not sure. I sent for a big box of L's, and they seem too "short" -- does anyone else know?
    thanks

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  25. I love King Tut thread! I buy it at Hopscotch Quilt Shop in Coaldale, AB.CA. It is yummy, especially the variegated ones! I also like to use prewound bobbins as they do last a lot longer than regular ones. Pat Sloan sent me here as I have been following her blog for a while now, and I am very happy to find yours too!

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  26. Another visitor from Pat Sloan...I love the prewound bobbins on my Bernina 830, but my viking d-I doesn't appreciate them. Any hints to keep them from tangling?

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  27. I love the prewound bobbins.

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  28. This weekend I had an opportunity to use a Masterpiece prewound bobbin in my Husqvarna Sapphire. It was the best stitching my sewing machine has ever done! My machine is extremely particular about how the bobbin is wound. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'll be stocking up on the bobbins.

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  29. This weekend I finally had a chance to try a prewound with my new HQ I appreciate all the info listed to help me order for my future use.
    Thank you
    thank you.......

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  30. I love superior threads especially bottom line. I hope to purchase the prewound super bobs for my longarm soon. Thank you Carolyn

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  31. I can't pull up anything under 'Look Here' either. I have a Janome 11000, which bobbin would I use? Are you aware that #167, 168, 169, for 3,000 yards gives you an error message? kathapierce@suddenlink.net

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  32. Today was my first visit to your Web page. Easy to get around and I placed any order. Thank you Diane

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  33. Yvonne - Beez Neez QuiltingMay 1, 2009 at 7:12 PM

    Have not been brave enough to attempt to order and use your prewound bobbins as yet however I am
    very interested to read your comments as being in
    New Zealand any information from the source of our threads as really important.

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  34. I wish I had found this site BEFORE I ordered the Superior pre-wound bobbins. They are too large for my Janome MC6600P. :(

    Rosemary - MainLine Quilter
    http://stores.shop.ebay.com/MainLine-Quilter__W0QQ_armrsZ1

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