nmtonimarie

I just did my first practice FMQ piece - very exciting! I am using the little genie bobbin washers and there is one thing I do not get.

When I look at the bobbin washer, one side is slightly curved, the other side is flatter. So which side goes against the bobbin case? I understand they go under the bobbin but I just thought if the sides are different is there a reason for that? I have a Janome and the bobbins also have a slight curve so am I matching the washer curve to my bobbin or what? Or does is there no difference, don't worry about it, just drop it in and sew? I'll try flipping the washer over and seeing if there's any difference but I just thought someone here might have a quick answer.

Thanks!

sewbeadit

I don't have the answer but I think it is a great question! Hope you find out.

romanojg

Go to Leah Days website and ask her. If you contact her they will contact you back. She uses and sells them there. She may even have some info on them on her site.

BellaBoo

It's how they are made. The washers are stamped/punched out so that puts a slight curve in them. It makes no difference in the placement.

barny

What are the washers for?

omaluvs2quilt

funny, I had the same question. I've tried them both ways and don't see a difference...hmmmmm.

nmtonimarie

Thank you all!

BellaBoo - I did wonder if it was just the way they get punched out but then wondered if I was making a bad assumption :-)
Barny - the washers are silicone disks and they fit in the bottom of your machine's bobbin case under the bobbin. They are used for free motion quilting and are supposed to make your bobbin turn more smoothly in the case avoiding broken threads and nasty little nests and knots of thread on the back of your free motion piece. Some people swear by them and won't be without them, including the fabulous Leah Day (love her!) But l did ask this question at the quilt store today. The lady there teaches free motion and has never used them so I guess different strokes for different folks. I'm totally new to FMQ so I thought I'd try the bobbin washers since they were not expensive.

hopetoquilt

I think that different machines function differently. Just as some machines are picky about what threads will work well in them, some machines work better with the bobbin genies.