Thread Economies: King Spools vs Mini Spools and Pre-Wound Bobbins vs DIY Winding
Thread Economies: King Spools vs Mini Spools and Pre-Wound Bobbins vs DIY Winding
At Lori’s Quilting Shop, we believe that threads connect what hands create and hearts cherish.
Quilting is both an art form and a series of practical decisions. One of the most important? Choosing the right thread for your project—and your budget!
Whether you're debating between King Spools, Mini Spools, pre-wound bobbins, or winding your own, this guide will help you make an informed choice to get the best value from your Glide thread.
Here are the Glide Spool Costs per Meter:
Glide Spool Costs: King Spool vs. Mini Spool
Cost Comparison
- Glide King Spool: 5,000 meters (5,029m to be exact) at $19.90 CAD (available at Lori’s Quilting Shop).
- Glide Mini Spool: 1,000 meters at $6.99 CAD (available at other local shops).
Let’s break it down:
- King Spool Cost Per Meter: $19.90 ÷ 5,029m = $0.0036 per meter
- Mini Spool Cost Per Meter: $6.99 ÷ 1,000m = $0.0064 per meter
The Savings: King Spools are about 43% cheaper per meter than Mini Spools! If you frequently use a neutral or signature colour, investing in a King Spool will stretch your budget further.
Pro Tip: For domestic machines, use a cone spool holder to avoid thread twisting. You can find these, along with the Glide Thread Color Card, in the Quilting Essentials section at Lori’s Quilting Shop.
When Mini Spools Make Sense
Mini Spools are perfect for smaller projects, less frequently used colours, or matching specific fabric pieces. Personally, I’ve kept an assorted 30-pack of Mini Spools on hand for years, topping up as needed and upgrading to King Spools for my go-to colours.
At Lori’s Quilting Shop, you’ll find the 20 Mini Spool Quilting Through the Seasons kit, and other Glide sets can be special-ordered. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, just reach out!
DIY Winding vs. Pre-Wound Bobbins: Quantitative Analysis
Cost Breakdown: DIY Winding vs. Pre-Wound Bobbins
Winding your own bobbins from a King Spool is less expensive than purchasing pre-wound bobbins, but pre-wounds offer unmatched convenience and consistent tension.
The Savings:
Winding your own bobbins can save you 78% compared to 40wt pre-wound jars and 42% compared to 60wt pre-wound boxes. However, pre-wound bobbins are worth the investment if you value time and uninterrupted quilting sessions
Here’s a breakdown of the increased cost of pre-wound bobbins compared to winding your own from a King Spool (all prices in CAD):
All calculations are based on DIY winding from a King Spool in CAD funds
Magna-Glide Bobbins: Why They're Superior to Other Pre-Wound Bobbins
For quilters seeking consistent tension and effortless stitching, Magna-Glide pre-wound bobbins are a game-changer. Crafted with trusted Glide polyester thread, these bobbins feature Fil-Tec's patented magnetic-core technology. This innovation ensures consistent tension from start to finish, eliminating interruptions for tension adjustments as the bobbin empties. The magnetic core prevents backlash and over-spin, meaning you won’t need backlash springs in your bobbin case.
Magna-Glide Bobbins are available in 40wt (Magna-Glide Delights) and 60wt (Magna-Glide Classic), in the most popular Glide colours, ensuring a perfect match between your top and bottom thread for a flawless finish. Plus, the recyclable, stackable jars make storage a breeze.
Pro tip: Before using Magna-Glide Bobbins, be sure to remove the anti-backlash check spring from your metal bobbin case to avoid tension issues or thread breaks.
Matched Top Thread and Bobbins: The Qualitative Edge
Quilters love the polished, professional finish of perfectly matched top and bobbin thread. Using Glide spools with pre-wound bobbins ensures balanced tension and clean, seamless stitching.
Why Match Threads?
- Create a professional, cohesive look.
- Prevent thread show-through for cleaner results.
- Save time choosing and coordinating threads.
Whether you’re working on intricate free-motion designs or expansive longarm projects, the combination ensures smooth stitching, vibrant finishes, and reduced downtime. With consistent results and unmatched quality, Glide threads and Magna-Glide Bobbins make quilting as enjoyable as it is rewarding.
At Lori’s Quilting Shop, you’ll find the individual King Spools, individual bobbins as well as pre-matched bundles of 40wt Magna-Glide Delight and King Spools. There are an overwhelming number of combinations of M Bobbins (Jumbo) and L Bobbins (smaller) across 3 weights and colours, 207 in fact, that they are not all listed on our site. If you don’t see what you need, don't hesitate to contact me, and I’ll make it happen!
Need help identifying the correct bobbin size for your machine? Use our Bobbin Size Comparison Chart for guidance.
What are the Best Options for You?
Choosing between King or Mini Spools, pre-wound or DIY winding comes down to your priorities:
- Frequent Quilters: King Spools are the most cost-effective for high-volume use. Use a spool holder if using on a domestic machine.
- Small Projects or Unique Colours: Mini Spools are great for those less frequently used colours.
- Convenience Seekers: Pre-wound bobbins save time and ensure consistent tension, making them ideal for hassle-free quilting.
Before deciding, ask yourself:
- What is the value of your time?
- Is your bobbin winder reliable and efficient?
- Do you prefer matching thread weight, type, or colour for top and bottom threads?
Conclusion
Threads truly connect what hands create and hearts cherish. By making informed choices, you can quilt more efficiently and economically. Whether you opt for King Spools for their unbeatable value, pre-wound bobbins for their ease, or a combination of both, Glide Thread ensures professional-quality results.
Ready to stock up? Explore Lori’s Quilting Shop for King Spools, pre-wound bobbins, and thread bundles to keep your creativity flowing.
Shop Glide Thread Now: Lori’s Quilting Shop