BMW Report post Posted February 17, 2016 Does anyone ver use a different size thread on the top and a smaller thread in the bobbin? I am working on purses and seem to see this on commercial made units. Thinking about 207 on top and 138 bobbin. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Troy I Report post Posted February 17, 2016 Many people use one size smaller in the bobbin, without any problems. I personally like the same size thread, top and bottom for my projects. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted February 17, 2016 (edited) Yep, I do. The smaller thread on the bobbin means it will hold more, and need filling less. Keep in mind that the breaking strength will be the lower number. So if 138 is STRONG enough for what you want to do, then using 207 in teh "top" is a cosmetic choice.. you'll end up with the 138 strength and the 207 "look", and you'll fill the bobbin a bit less often. I like to do it this way on layered belts. The inside and the outside NOT visible at the same time, so no issue there... and the top thread I sometimes want heavier than required just for the look of it. Edited February 17, 2016 by JLSleather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BMW Report post Posted February 17, 2016 Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback! Aesthetic is exactly what I am after. I have Juki 1508N (Not NH) and my understanding is the bobbin can only go up to 138 thread. I have been told the 1508N will handle 207 on the top. Will give it a try! Thanks again Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted February 20, 2016 (edited) Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback! Aesthetic is exactly what I am after. I have Juki 1508N (Not NH) and my understanding is the bobbin can only go up to 138 thread. I have been told the 1508N will handle 207 on the top. Will give it a try! Thanks again Slide open the plate over the bobbin and shuttle and watch the top thread as it is picked off the needle and dragged around the shuttle. If it binds anywhere in its travel, try to assess what is causing it. This may lead to your solution to get it to sew with #207. Sometimes all it needs is more top thread on the downstroke. This can be done by playing with your check spring travel. If the thread snaps on the way around the shuttle, try reducing the check spring travel so it stops sooner and allows more slack in the thread as the take-up lever moves down. BTW: When the take-up lever is at BDC, the thread should be wrapped 50% around the bobbin case/shuttle. In other words, the top thread would be at the farthest point away from the needle when the take-up lever is all the way down. The check spring adjustments can influence how loose or tight the thread is at this point. These matters are best discussed in the Leather Sewing Machines section of the forum. That is where machine gurus and tekkies hang out. Edited February 20, 2016 by Wizcrafts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
