Machine Quilting - How and Why to Bring Bobbin Thread to Quilt Surface

Machine Quilting Tip

When machine quilting within the body of the quilt, it is important to always bring the bobbin thread to the top. 

Why should you bring the bobbin thread to the top of the quilt? By bring the bobbin thread to the quilt surface, you will avoid thread tangling and thread nesting on the back side of the quilt.  This simple tip will save you tons of time and avoid the tedious job of untangling messy thread on the back of the quilt.

Watch this video and continue reading for a photo tutorial with step-by-step instructions on how to bring the bobbin thread to the top of the quilt.

Are you interested in more quilting tutorials and tips?  Our quilting page has lots and lots of information along with over 200 free quilting patterns and projects.

STEP 2: 

Take hold of the needle thread.

STEP 3:

Turn the handwheel on the right side of the machine until the needle moves down into the quilt to its lowest position, then keep turning until the needle comes ALL the way up. This ensures that the needle thread has made a full rotation through the bobbin case.

STEP 4:

Tug on the needle thread and the bobbin thread will come to the top forming a little loop around the needle thread.  In the above picture, you can see the small bobbin thread loop appearing. 

While holding the needle thread, move the quilt top a few inches away from the presser foot and a larger loop will be formed.  Pull the bobbin thread up to the top of the quilt.  

STEP 5:

You're ready to start quilting.  Just reposition your needle where you want to begin quilting, hold onto both threads and start machine quilting.

For information and to learn how to machine quilt, we recommend the books which appear at the end of this article.

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