Glide Thread vs Bottom Line Thread — Which Goes in the Bobbin?

Glide Thread vs Bottom Line Thread — Which Should Go in Your Bobbin?

Glide is a 40wt trilobal polyester designed for top-thread use. Bottom Line is a 60wt ultra-fine polyester engineered for bobbin use. Both are excellent threads — but using them in the wrong position creates tension problems. Here’s the complete guide.

Linda’s Electric Quilters Expert Comparison
Glide 40wt Polyester Thread

Fil-Tec Glide 40wt

SKU: 450.10000
$14.96 / 5,500 yd spool
40wt trilobal polyester • 5,500 yds • High sheen • Top thread primary • Works in bobbin

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Bottom Line 60wt Thread

Superior Threads Bottom Line 60wt

SKU: BL-628
$13.59 / 3,000 yd cone
60wt polyester • 3,000 yds • Ultra-fine • Bobbin-optimized • Lint-free • Nearly invisible

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature Glide 40wt Bottom Line 60wt
Primary use Top thread Glide Bobbin thread Bottom Line
Weight 40wt (heavier) 60wt (ultra-fine) Bottom Line
Bobbin performance Works but creates more bulk Engineered for bobbin — perfect tension Bottom Line
Sheen High trilobal sheen Glide Matte — nearly invisible
Cost per yard (bobbin) $0.0027/yd $0.0045/yd Glide
Tension issues May need adjustment when used in bobbin Minimal — designed for bobbin Bottom Line
Color matching Wide color range — match top thread 50+ colors — usually neutral/blending Bottom Line
▶ Our VerdictUse Glide on top, Bottom Line in the bobbin. This is the professional standard combination for most longarm work: Glide’s high sheen and trilobal fiber shows beautifully on the quilt top; Bottom Line’s ultra-fine weight creates balanced tension without bulk on the back. It’s not about which is better — they’re made for different positions.

Who Should Choose Which?

Glide on top if you…

  • Want high sheen on the quilt surface
  • Do pantographs and allover patterns
  • Want the quilting design to show clearly
  • Use it alongside Bottom Line in the bobbin

Bottom Line in the bobbin if you…

  • Want minimal bulk and perfect tension on the back
  • Use any 40wt thread on top
  • Want consistent bobbin tension regardless of top thread color
  • Want the back of the quilt to be smooth and clean

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Glide in the bobbin?

Yes — Glide works in the bobbin, but it’s 40wt and will create slightly more bulk than the 60wt Bottom Line. Many quilters use Glide both top and bobbin successfully, but for the cleanest results, Bottom Line in the bobbin with Glide on top is the professional recommendation.

Can I use Bottom Line as a top thread?

Yes — Bottom Line works as a top thread, especially for micro-stippling or when you want stitching to be nearly invisible. Its 60wt fineness sinks into the fabric surface rather than sitting on top.

Should my bobbin thread match my top thread color?

For most longarm quilting, you don’t need an exact match — a neutral Bottom Line color (cream, light gray, or tan) blends with almost any quilt back. Only color-match the bobbin when the quilt back is a solid dark fabric where any color variation would show.

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