Should I wind my own bobbins, like in the good old days?

Winding Your Own Bobbins: A Stitch in Time or a Tangled Mess?

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Wind your own bobbin – Bobbin Thread – For Bobbin Winder – 24,000 yards

For many quilters and embroiderers, the humble bobbin is often an afterthought. We buy them pre-wound, pop them in our machines, and carry on with our creative endeavors. But what if I told you that winding your own bobbins could be a secret weapon in your sewing arsenal? A throwback to the “good old days,” perhaps, but with some very modern advantages – and a few potential pitfalls.

Let’s unravel the pros and cons of winding your own bobbins and see if it’s the right choice for you.

The Allure of DIY Bobbins: Why Go Old School?

1. The Sweet Sound of Savings: This is arguably the biggest draw. Pre-wound bobbins, while convenient, often come at a premium. Think about it: you’re paying for the thread and the labor of winding it. By purchasing larger spools of thread and winding your own, you’ll almost always see a significant cost reduction. This can be especially appealing if you use a lot of a particular color or type of thread.

2. Thread Match Made in Heaven: Ever struggled to find a pre-wound bobbin that perfectly matches your top thread? Winding your own eliminates this headache entirely. You can use the exact same thread on your bobbin as on your spool, ensuring a seamless and professional finish. This is particularly crucial for projects where the bobbin thread might show, or for achieving precise tension.

3. Control Over Your Thread Choices: Pre-wound bobbins are typically limited in the types and brands of thread available. Winding your own opens up a world of possibilities. Want to use a specific high-quality silk thread for a delicate embroidery project? Go for it! Need a heavy-duty upholstery thread for a sturdy bag? You’re in control.

4. Less Waste, More Sustainability: Those tiny plastic or cardboard bobbin cases from pre-wound bobbins can add up over time. Winding your own bobbins on reusable metal or plastic bobbins is a more environmentally friendly approach, reducing your overall waste.

The Tangled Truth: When DIY Bobbins Might Not Be So Great

1. The Tension Tango: Ah, tension. The bane of many a sewer’s existence. Winding your own bobbins requires a consistent and even tension during the winding process. If your tension is too loose, your bobbin thread can snag and create loops. Too tight, and it can cause puckering, breakage, and even damage to your machine. Achieving that perfect, consistent tension by hand can be a learning curve. This is often where pre-wound bobbins shine, as they are wound under precisely controlled conditions.

2. Time is Money (or Thread): Let’s be honest, winding bobbins takes time. If you’re on a tight deadline or have a massive project that requires dozens of bobbins, the time spent winding could outweigh the cost savings. It’s a trade-off between convenience and economy.

3. The Skill Factor: While winding a bobbin isn’t rocket science, there is a knack to it. A poorly wound bobbin, uneven or lumpy, can lead to skipped stitches, thread jams, and general frustration. It might take a few attempts to master the art of the perfectly wound bobbin.

4. Machine Compatibility: Some sewing machines are more forgiving of hand-wound bobbins than others. If your machine is particularly sensitive to bobbin tension, you might find yourself troubleshooting more frequently with DIY bobbins.

The Verdict: To Wind or Not to Wind?

There’s no single right answer, and it truly depends on your sewing style, your budget, and your priorities.

• If you’re a budget-conscious sewer, value thread matching, and enjoy having ultimate control over your materials, then winding your own bobbins is definitely worth exploring. Be prepared to practice your winding technique to achieve optimal tension.

• If convenience is your top priority, you frequently work on large projects, or you find tension issues frustrating, then sticking with pre-wound bobbins might be the best option for you.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Why not try winding a few bobbins yourself and see how you like it? You might just discover a new way to enhance your sewing experience and create even more beautiful projects. Happy sewing!