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Originally Posted by limabean  Okay, I have more newbie questions since you guys are being so helpful:
1) Do you guys just keep a close eye on the amount of thread left on the bobbin and spool? What happens if you don't notice that one of them runs out of thread? I've been starting each project with a completely full spool/bobbin because I'm freaked out about running out mid-stream. 
2) I'm embroidering a dress for DD. It's made from a pillowcase, so it's nice sturdy cotton fabric so I'm not using any ... I think it's called fusible interfacing or something? To provide stability? I've noticed that some embroidered clothes I buy have interfacing (or whatever it's called) applied over the stitches on the inside, not with stitches poking through it like it was used during the embroidery but all in one solid piece like it was applied over the area after the embroidery was done. Is that something I'm supposed to do, and why? |
1) I keep a moderately close eye on the bobbin and spool while sewing. I usually start a small project (like sewing patches on my DD's brownie vest) with the smallest spools I have in colors that go with the project (patch in my example). I prefer to use bobbins that are full or mostly full, but I do not unwind a bobbin or anything. After awhile, you get to be a good judge of how much thread is required for a specific project. Running out of the spool thread is very obvious and is an easy switch. I just remove the empty spool and replace with another spool in the same or similar color and keep on stitching. I don't remove the project. Running out of the bobbin is less obvious. If I'm working on a big project where the bobbin is likely to run out, I glance at the bobbin before each major sewing stretch to gauge how long it will last. I use it up completely and then switch bobbins or create a new one. If I only have one partial spool left of the perfect color and I need a new bobbin, then I decide if a different spool will work for the bobbin and/or top thread. Most of the time, the exact color match is not really necessary. Topstitching is the main critical thread color match situation. If it is a critical color, then I only wind a partial bobbin. Partial bobbins are less ideal from a tension standpoint, but they work for most projects just fine.
2) The reason commercially made garments have that extra layer is to prevent skin irritation and to keep the threads from getting caught. It is an extra step that adds a finishing touch, but isn't necessary.
FWIW...
I purchased a box of bobbins years ago (12 bobbins? 16? 20?) and I've never needed to buy another bobbin since. That box holds them all individually and is very convenient for traveling (classes and such) and storing (home). These all work in my sewing machine. I attend classes frequently (free in my city) and those machines require a special bobbin. We students split packages and just paid for one bobbin each and keep it full of a neutral thread color. I usually bring my own machine to class, so it isn't an issue. However, sometimes I want to use the Bernina for a specific stitch. If my light-medium taupe color isn't appropriate, I ask around class to see if someone has a better option. In seven years of classes, I've only done this once or twice. I take mostly quilting classes and thread color just isn't as important in quilting. The TYPE of thread is far more important, but that's a different topic....
