Bobbin Work

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!

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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

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.

Bobbin Work
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.

BACK of Hoop
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

Bobbin Work
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
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
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
With the right side facing up, we are going to make
1/2 snips along both edges of the fabric C piece.
These slits will allow the fabric to turn at the corners.
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.

4 1/2

4 1/2

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.

Bobbin Work
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
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
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
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!!

10

Bobbin Work
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.

11

Bobbin Work
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
12

Bobbin Work
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.

13

Bobbin Work
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!!

14

Bobbin Work - Designs

Design - PRBTR1A
Stitches - 3345
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR1B
Stitches - 2952
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR1C
Stitches - 2585
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR1D
Stitches - 2188
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR2B
Stitches - 2387
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR2C
Stitches - 2074
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR2D
Stitches - 1725
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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 Success Serging Yarn in the bobbin.

Bobbin Work - Designs

Design - PRBTR3A
Stitches - 2960
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR3B
Stitches - 2989
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR3C
Stitches - 2235
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR3D
Stitches - 1872
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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 Candlelight Metallic Yarn in the
bobbin.

Design - PRBTR4A
Stitches - 2814
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR4B
Stitches - 2484
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR4C
Stitches - 2133
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR4D
Stitches - 1792
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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.

Bobbin Work - Designs

Design - PRBTR5A
Stitches - 2345
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR5B
Stitches - 2047
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR5C
Stitches - 1774
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR5D
Stitches - 1479
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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 100% Silk Ribbon 2mm Ribbon in the
bobbin.

Design - PRBTR6A
Stitches - 2913
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR6B
Stitches - 2558
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR6C
Stitches - 2245
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR6D
Stitches - 1872
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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 Candlelight Metallic Yarn in the
bobbin.

Bobbin Work - Designs

Design - PRBTR7A
Stitches - 2566
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR7B
Stitches - 2234
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR7C
Stitches - 1931
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR7D
Stitches - 1621
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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 - PRBTR8A
Stitches - 2264
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR8B
Stitches - 1984
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR8C
Stitches - 1718
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR8D
Stitches - 1427
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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 100% Silk Ribbon 2mm Ribbon in the
bobbin.

Bobbin Work - Designs

Design - PRBTR9A
Stitches - 2996
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR9B
Stitches - 2615
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR9C
Stitches - 2273
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR9D
Stitches - 1896
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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 Candlelight Metallic Yarn in the
bobbin.

Design - PRBTR10A
Stitches - 2489
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR10B
Stitches - 2184
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR10C
Stitches - 1890
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR10D
Stitches - 1569
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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.

Bobbin Work - Designs

Design - PRBTR11A
Stitches - 2814
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR11B
Stitches - 2480
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR11C
Stitches - 2146
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR11D
Stitches - 1806
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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 Success Serging Yarn in the bobbin

Design - PRBTR12A
Stitches - 2639
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR12B
Stitches - 2312
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR15C
Stitches - 2004
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR15D
Stitches - 1674
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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 Pearl Crown Rayon in the bobbin.

Bobbin Work - Designs

Design - PRBTR13A
Stitches - 2464
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR13B
Stitches - 2151
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR13C
Stitches - 1891
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR13D
Stitches - 1575
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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 Candlelight Metallic Yarn in the
bobbin.

Design - PRBTR14A
Stitches - 3043
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR14B
Stitches - 2675
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR14C
Stitches - 2325
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR14D
Stitches - 1942
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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.

Bobbin Work - Designs

Design - PRBTR15A
Stitches - 2879
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR15B
Stitches - 2530
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR15C
Stitches - 2185
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR15D
Stitches - 1836
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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 Pearl Crown Rayon in the bobbin.

Design - PRBTR16A
Stitches - 1392
Size - 7.72 wide - 7.72 high
Design - PRBTR16B
Stitches - 1209
Size - 6.72 wide - 6.72 high
Design - PRBTR16C
Stitches - 1038
Size - 5.78 wide - 5.78 high
Design - PRBTR16D
Stitches - 861
Size - 4.74 wide - 4.74 high
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.