OptimTex multilingual glossary of terms

This Glossary is meant to offer the students support for learning key textile terms of the 6 educational modules in all the languages of the project.

LANGUAGE

TERM

Bobbin thread / Top thread

DEFINITION

Any stitch made on a sewing machine is formed by the looping and interlocking of two threads - a top thread and bobbin thread. A top thread is inserted from above the layers of fabric, and the bobbin thread goes up from below. A bobbin thread originates from the bobbin fitted in a chamber below the needle. The bobbin thread is usually much thinner and lighter in weight than regular threads (which can be used for the top thread). However, many sewers will use the same thread as both the top thread and the bobbin thread. The use of thin bobbin thread makes the final embroidery soft and more flexible. A top thread begins from a spool inserted in the spool pin either at the top (vertically) or the side (horizontally) of the machine and is stretched out and around several parts all the way and is fed through the needle eye. The choice of the top thread determines the colour of the embroidery pattern or other optical effects. By choosing its tension, length and density of stitches, the optical plasticity of the pattern can also be achieved.

PICTURE (optional)

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