misseva

I have just completed a double bed hexie quilt that I've been working on for ? years. I needed some hand work so I picked up an embroidery kit called STATE BIRD QUILT that was gifted to me. (I would have NEVER bought this but it came from a friend's estate after she passed) All the blocks (50) are already stamped and about 13 completed. Many of the blocks call for red and/or black embroidery thread which always gives me grief because they seem to tangle more than any other color.
My dilema is - I have Thread Heaven and bees wax but don't especially like either. I have somewhere in my house a bottle of liquid thread conditioner but can't find it. Does anyone know a DIY formula for liquid thread conditioner? I can order more from Amazon but don't want to pay $9 for 1/2 oz if I can help it.

Rhonda K

I love using beeswax. Why don't you like those products?

Tips here.

https://sew4home.com/prevent-thread-...ucts-top-tips/

It may be the way you are threading the needle. There is a difference. I let the needle/thread untwist as I stitch along.

Onebyone

The 1/2 oz will last for many thread kits. I have been using the same bottle for years. I use it on my spools of thread for my machine. A few drops on the spool. Also it's great for zippers. DH keeps a bottle in his camping/hunting supplies. It's pure silicone so no homemade version possible. And it's the same thing as the expensive hair defrizz serum.

Iceblossom

I've been told that black thread causes problems because it's typically over-dyed on something that didn't pass the color checks and so the thread has been worked and reworked and spooled and respooled...

I find that I get better results by going the direction of the thread, that is, the needle goes on the cut end. One of my Tuesday ladies insists she gets better results by using the spool end as her starter. Maybe it just matters on how many times the thread was reworked...

I'm not very good at handwork. The biggest thing I've learned is a long thread gives you more problems, even if a short thread gives you more knots.

Rhonda K

Thank you Iceblossom for explaining about thread direction.

juliasb

I have used beeswax for 30 years when hand stitching. Using a short length of thread insures the beeswax will coat the tread for how long your thread is. I don't know of any other product than what you have mentioned. I will be watching this post to see if anyone can come up with something else. I still do a lot of hand stitching and like the look of hand quilting.

misseva

Update on liquid thread conditioner: In desperation, I used some of my Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine anti-frizz serum. Has the same feel as the liquid conditioner, and it only takes one tiny drop each time I thread my needle.

Stitchnripper

that is too cool. I love the scent of that product. I’ll keep it in mind!!!!