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Elevate Your Sewing: Reverse Bobbin Topstitching

3/25/2019

4 Comments

 
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I'm happy to share with you a topstitching technique I use quite often in my sewing. I used it here on my Coffeehouse Pants both on the pocket and on the hem (see below).  This is one of those sewing tricks that I've shared in my sewing classes and people don't believe that it actually works because it sounds too easy!  Although reverse bobbin work is something we often see in quilting or "art to wear", I think it's perfect for everyday garment sewing and it's a whole lot of fun for something so quick and easy.
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Reverse bobbin topstitching is stitched from the wrong side of the fabric so when you look from the front you are actually looking at the bobbin thread.  If you load some chunky or interesting thread that might normally be too thick as an upper thread, you can load it in the bobbin and use it.  It can be a thread for hand embroidery or machine...I've used different types.  Here's how to do it:
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  1. Hand wind embroidery floss on a machine bobbin (I used all 6 strands of DMC hand embroidery floss but you can choose your own).
  2. Load bobbin into machine just as you would for regular sewing.
  3. Load needle thread with normal machine thread (the needle thread will show through to the front as a "couching" effect so matching or contrasting thread works.  I used white as a contrast here).
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  1. Adjust stitch length (longer stitch length gives you a thicker look and shorter stitch looks more delicate).
  2. Stitch from wrong side of garment.
  3. Turn over and marvel!
Here are some more examples of bobbin work:
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Enjoy my friends.  And I'd love to see examples of your stitching!

​Happy Sewing!

​Diane
4 Comments
Kristi
12/17/2019 03:54:35 am

I love this tip and will definitely give it a try. Thank you!

Reply
Susan Kroeger
7/27/2020 09:03:27 am

Do we need to use a different thread on top? I did this for the first time yesterday on Coffee House pants like you show in your example, and it came out beautiful! I purchased the specialty thread bobbin case like you recommended which was very helpful! Thank you Diane!
Susan Kroeger

Reply
Diane
8/4/2020 02:54:56 pm

I use regular thread in the top of the machine in a color that I like. Super easy!

Reply
Suzanne
1/25/2021 05:39:51 pm

Thank you for this idea! Not sure how or when I will use it but I am filing it away for some decorative touches on pockets, hems and yokes!

Reply



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    About Me

    Hi!  I'm Diane, a wife, mom, sewing teacher and pattern designer from sunny Southern California.  I share my sewing adventures here on the Blue Dot Blog formerly Gatorbunnysews.  For more info click here.

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