Bobbin Work Tut

Bobbin Work is fun technique that allows you to use thicker decorative threads on your embroidery

machine. Using a specialty bobbin case, these designs are stitches upside down resulting in a beautiful

embroidery design on the underside of your embroidery hoop.

Once you have stitched the design, there are two fast and easy Projects to choose from; a pincushion or

fabric tray. The Fabric Tray is a clever design that can be used to hold notions, jewelry or even

potpourri. Using fabrics to coordinate with your decor, these trays are practical,

stylish and makes a great gift!

Bobbin Work

In Your Sewing Room: Embroidery Machine, power cord and foot pedal

Embroidery Hoop (make sure you bring the correct hoop size!)

PROJECTS CD

Bobbin work bobbinc ase (see your local dealer for machine specific information)

Sewing Machine Feet: Embroidery Foot, Regular Sewing Foot, Walking Foot

Notions: Scissors

Ruler

Rotary Cutter & Mat

Marking Pen or chalk

Spray Adhesive

Pins

Tape

Embroidery Needle, size 75/11

Universal Needle, size 80/12

Pin Cushion

5 x 7 hoop

fat quarter

fabric A

fat quarter

fabric B

fat quarter

fabric C

1/3 yd mus

lin

1/2 yd batt

ing

polyfill stu

ffing

no show m

esh for 2 hoop

ings

embroider

y thread to coo

rdinate

with design

1 spool all-

purpose sewin

g thread

monofilam

ent thread (opt

ional)

Fabric Tray

8x8 hoop

fat quarter f

abric A

fat quarter f

abric B

1/3 yd musl

in

1/4 yd batti

ng

64 of 1/4r

ibbon

no show me

sh for 2 hoopin

gs

embroidery

thread to coord

inate

with design

1 spool all-p

urpose sewing th

read

monofilame

nt thread (optio

nal)

Shopping List

This tutorial will show you how to make a Pincushion and Fabric Tray using a Bobbin

Work design. Use a variety of thicker bobbin threads to showcase these continuous

design then create a fast project to coordinated with your sewing room or decor.

We recommend a test sample to become familiar with the way your machine works,

as each machine brand a different. Note: Since these are stitched upside down, the designs

are mirror imaged or backwards.

Tips:

Turn your automatic cutter off, you do not want your machine to try

and cut the thicker bobbin thread.

Pull the decorative bobbin thread up, using your handwheel,

before beginning the embroidery design, then trim to 1.

Use a clear monofilament thread on top to showcase the decorative bobbin thread or use

thread that matches your fabric.

If your bobbin runs out half way through the design, you can stop, wind another bobbin

and continue stitching. Once you have re-threaded your bobbin, back up the stitches and

overlap 3 to 5 stitches to ensure there is no gap in the design.

**I found that a full bobbin will do about 2000 stitches,

depending on the thickness of your bobbin thread.

Threads we tried that worked:

YLI Corp: Candlelight Metallic Yarn, Designer 7, Pearl Crown Rayon, Success Serging

Yarn, Multis Embellishment yarn, 100% Silk Ribbon: 2mm (this must be silk ribbon, we

found that polyester ribbon did not work)

This samples uses Bold and Beautiful by Michele DAmore for Benartex fabric.

It is important to read through all of the direction before beginning the Project!

Approximate Finished Size: 5 x 5

Approximate Finished Size: 6.5 x 6.5

Bobbin Work

Pre-cut the Pieces:

1 - 6 x 6 Fabric A

1 - 6 x 6 Fabric B

2 - 4 3/4 x 4 3/4 Batting

**I used the D size of the design for this

Project.

Embroider the Bobbin Work Design:

Hoop a piece of muslin with a piece of no show mesh

stabilizer.

Since this is Bobbin work, we need to hoop upside

down, this means the stabilizer will be on top of the

muslin.

The first step is your squaring stitch. This line shows

the final shape and size of your block.

Spray your batting with adhesive to help it adhere to

the underside of your embroidery hoop.

I placed my batting inside a cardboard box to help

catch the over spray.

**I used KK 2000 for my spray adhesive.

1

Bobbin Work

2

Place your batting so that it is inside the squaring

stitch on the backside of the hoop.

**Remember bobbin work is upside down, the under

neither is the right side.

Stitch the next step of the design. This is a tacking

stitch for the batting. It is slightly inside the square

so that it catches the batting.

Spray the wrong side of your base fabric with

adhesive to help it adhere to the underside of your

embroidery hoop.

I placed my fabric inside a cardboard box to help

catch the over spray.

**I used KK 2000 for my spray adhesive.

Place your fabric over this block making sure you

cover the placement line by at least 1/2 all the way

around.

The third step is the tack down line for your base

fabric, this is a double stitch and will secure your

fabric to the muslin.

BACK of Hoop

BACK of Hoop

Bobbin Work

3

Now we will prepare the bobbin and machine for the

bobbin work process.

On this machine, there is a seperate bobbin case for

bobbin work. I switched my bobbin case according

to the instructions. I also turned the thread

cutter off.

**Please refer to your manual and dealer for

machine specific instructions, this is an overview.

Start by winding your bobbin thread onto your

bobbin. You can do this by hand (as shown left) or

by placing the bobbin on the machine to hold it

stationary (as shown above left).

I placed the bobbin in the case according to my

instructions and then used the hand wheel to pull

the bobbin thread up through the throat plate.

**I used monofilament thread in the top.

Place the bobbin cover on your machine.

I then trimmed the bobbin thread to 1.

Embroider your design, remember the design is

upside down and mirror imaged.

**Please refer to your manual or dealer for any

problems or troubleshooting for your specific

machine.

Bobbin Work

4

Once your design as finished, flip your hoop over

and your design should look something like this.

** If you have any problems, refer to the Tips

section at the beginning of this Tutorial or see your

local dealer for additional information.

Once the embroidery has finished, remove the fabric

from the hoop and trim the block to 1/2 outside the

tack down line.

**We are going to leave the no show mesh behind

the entire design.

Once you have trimmed the block it should look like

this.

**This should measure approximately 5.5x 5.5

Embroider the Design:

Now are going to make the back side of the pin

cushion, this is a blank block using design

PRBW16D.

Hoop a piece of muslin with a piece of no show mesh

stabilizer, the stabilizer will be underneath the

muslin.

**This design is stitched the regular way on the top

side of your hoop.

The first step is your squaring stitch. This line shows

the final shape and size of your block.

Bobbin Work

5

Place you batting so that it is inside the squaring

stitch.

Stitch the next step of the design. This is a tacking

stitch for the batting. It is slightly inside the square

so that it catches the batting.

Place your fabric over this block making sure you

cover the placement line by at least 1/2 all the way

around.

The third step is the tack down line for your base

fabric, this is a double stitch and will secure your

fabric to the muslin.

Your blank block is finished.

Remove the fabric from the hoop and trim the block

to 1/2 outside the tack down line.

**We are going to leave the no show mesh behind

the entire design.

Once you have trimmed the block it should look like

this.

**This should measure approximately 5.5x 5.5

Pre-cut the Remaining Pieces:

Fabric A & B: Embroidered blocks ~ 5.5 x 5.5

Fabric C: 1 - 3 x 19 piece

Bobbin Work

6

With the right side facing up, we are going to make

1/2 snips along both edges of the fabric C piece.

The first snip should be 5 from the edge and the

next two snips are 4 1/2 apart.

You will have 3 slits along each side, 1/2 deep and 4

1/2 apart.

These slits will allow the fabric to turn at the corners.

Starting with pieces of Fabric A and C, place fabric C

along the 19 edge, right sides together. Place a pin

at the corner.

Align the edges and place a pin at the end, about

1/4 before your slit.

Turn the fabric to align the raw edge with the right

side and place another pin.

5 54 1/24 1/2

Bobbin Work

7

This is a close up of the corner. The slit you created

allows the fabric to turn the corner easily.

** If your slit is not quite 1/2 you may need to make

it a little bigger. Try not to make it more than 1/2

or you will have a hole in the corner.

Continue to pin along the edge, align the raw edges

and matching the slits at the corners.

With the first three sides pinned, it should look

something like this.

We are going to sew the first three sides before

continuing with the last side.

Starting 1/2 from the edge, carefully sew around

the outside, using a 1/2 seam allowance.

Bobbin Work

8

When you get to the first corner, make sure your

needle is in the down position, lift your presser foot

and pivot the corner. Continue stitching around the

first three sides.

**Your needle should be right in the corner of your

slit.

Your three sewn sides should look like this.

Remove the pins and continue to turn your fabric,

aligning the remaining fourth edge.

**You may need to pin the first edge out of the way.

Stitch using 1/2 seam allowance.

Your pincushion should now look like this.

**You will have an opening along the side, this is

where we will stuff the pincushion later.

Bobbin Work

9

We are going to repeat these steps to attach the

bottom square to side piece.

Start along the open edge and pin the first two sides,

pivoting your fabric along the corner.

** I found it easier to sew two sides at a time.

Sew the first two sides using a 1/2 seam allowance.

When you get to the first corner, make sure your

needle is in the down position, lift your presser foot

and pivot the corner.

**Your needle should be right in the corner of your

slit.

The first two sides stitched should look like this.

Repeat these steps and sew the remaining two sides.

Bobbin Work

10

Once both squares are sewn to the side piece, we are

almost finished.

You will have an opening along one of the sides, turn

the pincushion right sides out through this opening.

Push the corners out using your finger or point tool.

Stuff the pincushion with polyfill or whichever

stuffing you choose.

Using a hand sewing needle and stitch the opening

closed.

Your finished pincushion should look like this!

Enjoy!!

Bobbin Work

11

Pre-cut your Pieces:

Fabric A: 9 x 9

Fabric B: 9 x 9

Batting: 7 3/4 x 7 3/4

1/4 Ribbon: 8 - 9 pieces

Embroider your Design:

Follow the directions under Embroider the

Bobbin Work Design on page 1 and stitch a

design on Fabric A and the batting.

**I used the A size of this design.

We will now draw the folding guidelines

Using a ruler and marking pen or chalk, draw a line 1

1/2 from the edge along each side of the BACK

piece.

Your guideline should look like this.

Bobbin Work

12

Align one piece of ribbon with each of your

guideline. Make sure the ribbon is facing in and

place a pin to hold in place.

Once all of your ribbons are in place, it should look

something like this.

Make sure all of the tails of your ribbon are to the

inside, use a piece of tape to hold in place if

necessary.

Place the back piece on top of the front piece, right

sides together.

**Make sure the ends of your ribbons are tucked

inside.

**If your fabric is larger, trim as necessary.

Place pins all the way around, leave an opening on

the bottom for turning later.

GAP

Bobbin Work

13

Carefully sew around the outside, using a 1/2 seam

allowance.

**Use a walking foot to help stitch

the layers together.

**Remember to leave an opening in the bottom.

Once sewn together, clip the corners to reduce the

bulk.

Carefully turn right sides out through the opening.

use a point turner or knitting needle to poke your

corners out. DO NOT use scissors.

Carefully press from the right side. Gently tug on

the ribbons and press to ensure a clean edge.

Bobbin Work

14

Tuck the raw edges into the opening.

Handstitch the opening closed or you an use a

narrow zig-zag stitch on your machine.

Topstitch along the guidelines. This creates the fold

lines for the bottom and sides of your fabric tray.

Your finished project should look like this from the

back side.

Flip over and tie the coordinating ribbons together,

creating your fabric tray! Fill with jewelry, candy or

your sewing notions. Enjoy!!

Bobbin Work - Designs

Design - PRBTR1A

Stitches - 3345

Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high

Design -

Stitches - 2952


Design -

Stitches - 2585


Design -

Stitches - 2188


PRBTR1B

PRBTR1C

PRBTR1D

All thread is Floriani Polyester

Steps

1. Squaring Stitch - place batting after this step.

2. Batting Tacking Stitch - place the base fabric after this

stitch.

3. Tacking stitch - base fabric, match fabric.

4. Image stitches - monofilament thread.

**This sample uses YLI Multis Embellishment Yarn in the

bobbin.

Design - PRBTR2A

Stitches - 2718


Design - PRBTR2B

Stitches - 2387


Design - PRBTR2C

Stitches - 2074


Design - PRBTR2D

Stitches - 1725



Steps



stitch.



**This sample uses YLI Success Serging Yarn in the bobbin.


Design - PRBTR3A

Stitches - 2960


Design -

Stitches - 2989


Design -

Stitches - 2235


Design -

Stitches - 1872


PRBTR3B

PRBTR3C

PRBTR3D


Steps



stitch.



**This sample uses YLI Candlelight Metallic Yarn in the

bobbin.

Design - PRBTR4A

Stitches - 2814


Design - PRBTR4B

Stitches - 2484


Design - PRBTR4C

Stitches - 2133


Design - PRBTR4D

Stitches - 1792



Steps



stitch.




bobbin.


Design - PRBTR5A

Stitches - 2345


Design -

Stitches - 2047


Design -

Stitches - 1774


Design -

Stitches - 1479


PRBTR5B

PRBTR5C

PRBTR5D


Steps



stitch.



**This sample uses 100% Silk Ribbon 2mm Ribbon in the

bobbin.

Design - PRBTR6A

Stitches - 2913


Design - PRBTR6B

Stitches - 2558


Design - PRBTR6C

Stitches - 2245


Design - PRBTR6D

Stitches - 1872



Steps



stitch.




bobbin.


Design - PRBTR7A

Stitches - 2566


Design -

Stitches - 2234


Design -

Stitches - 1931


Design -

Stitches - 1621


PRBTR7B

PRBTR7C

PRBTR7D


Steps



stitch.




bobbin.

Design - PRBTR8A

Stitches - 2264


Design - PRBTR8B

Stitches - 1984


Design - PRBTR8C

Stitches - 1718


Design - PRBTR8D

Stitches - 1427



Steps



stitch.



**This sample uses 100% Silk Ribbon 2mm Ribbon in the

bobbin.


Design - PRBTR9A

Stitches - 2996


Design -

Stitches - 2615


Design -

Stitches - 2273


Design -

Stitches - 1896


PRBTR9B

PRBTR9C

PRBTR9D


Steps



stitch.




bobbin.

Design - PRBTR10A

Stitches - 2489


Design - PRBTR10B

Stitches - 2184


Design - PRBTR10C

Stitches - 1890


Design - PRBTR10D

Stitches - 1569



Steps



stitch.




bobbin.


Design - PRBTR11A

Stitches - 2814


Design -

Stitches - 2480


Design -

Stitches - 2146


Design -

Stitches - 1806


PRBTR11B

PRBTR11C

PRBTR11D


Steps



stitch.



**This sample uses YLI Success Serging Yarn in the bobbin

Design - PRBTR12A

Stitches - 2639


Design - PRBTR12B

Stitches - 2312


Design - PRBTR15C

Stitches - 2004


Design - PRBTR15D

Stitches - 1674



Steps



stitch.



**This sample uses YLI Pearl Crown Rayon in the bobbin.


Design - PRBTR13A

Stitches - 2464


Design -

Stitches - 2151


Design -

Stitches - 1891


Design -

Stitches - 1575


PRBTR13B

PRBTR13C

PRBTR13D


Steps



stitch.




bobbin.

Design - PRBTR14A

Stitches - 3043


Design - PRBTR14B

Stitches - 2675


Design - PRBTR14C

Stitches - 2325


Design - PRBTR14D

Stitches - 1942



Steps



stitch.




bobbin.


Design - PRBTR15A

Stitches - 2879


Design -

Stitches - 2530


Design -

Stitches - 2185


Design -

Stitches - 1836


PRBTR15B

PRBTR15C

PRBTR15D


Steps



stitch.



**This sample uses YLI Pearl Crown Rayon in the bobbin.

Design - PRBTR16A

Stitches - 1392


Design - PRBTR16B

Stitches - 1209


Design - PRBTR16C

Stitches - 1038


Design - PRBTR16D

Stitches - 861



Steps



stitch.


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