Approximately 60 percent of the machines on the market are compatible with the standard L size prewound bobbin. The debate continues but the prewound users are winning.
Although some machine manufactures warn against using prewound bobbins, it is a fact that many of the educators on their staff do use them. The risk of prewounds is in the thread quality. Make sure a good quality thread is selected and the bobbin area is cleaned out regularly.
The advantage is in saving time and not having to wind your own bobbins. Prewound bobbins hold up to three times more thread than self-wound bobbins. Most prewound bobbins have cardboard sides which are removable so bobbin sensors can still operate. It is recommended to leave at least one cardboard side intact to prevent the bobbin from jumping around as it runs low. Some sewing machines with bobbin sensors will not properly alarm when a pre-wound bobbin is getting low or is empty.
Heirloom Creations, and Steve, our resident thread expert, recommends the Superior Threads pre-wound bobbins. These bobbins have approximately 100 yards of pre-wound The Bottom Line thread and are available in 25 colors and variety packs.
Machines that are capable of using the prewound bobbins are:
- Bernina Artista 180, 185, 200, 640, 730
- All Bernette Decos
- Brothers with drop in bobbins
- Husqvarna Viking machines that use green Viking bobbins
- Pfaff (all models)
- Babylocks
- Elnas with drop in bobbins
- Singers with drop in bobbins
- All Janome/New Home home sewing models