Happy Linda

Is Silky Thread really that bad? I've tried to quilt with it twice and it breaks or just doesn't stitch nicely, (loops on the bottom). I know the loops are a tension problem but if I tighten it that's when breaks it . Of course it's a big spool, verigated and costly

ckcowl

are you trying to use Sulky embroidery thread?
or is Silky another brand- that one i havent' heard of
if it is Sulky embroidery thread what are you using in your bobbin? and what needle are you using?
the correct needle for the chosen thread is important- and some embroidery threads don't work so well for quilting- depending on the machine being used- going to fast they stretch & break--but using the correct needle for the thread and matching thread weights in the bobbin with the weight of the top thread will help with the tension issues.
visit Superior Threads website- they have free charts that tell you what needle to use with what thread & what the best use of that thread is.
i have spent thousands of dollars on Sulky embroidery threads and they work very nicely- used to have problems with some of the metallics until i learned to use the correct needle for the thread.

Tartan

What kind of fiber is the thread? Is it cotton, polyester, mixed,silk, or rayon? If it's rayon, I really have trouble using it to FMQ. I perservered because like you, I loved the varigated colour but it wasn't fun. Visit the superior thread site to see if changing the needle size will help. You may want to try different bobbin thread as well. I just did FMQ with Aurufil cotton in the bobbin and I really like it.

Candace

If you're using Sulky rayon as quilting thread, I'd stop using it. Rayon is a weak thread and it won't hold up to use and washings.

Tartan

I used it to quilt a wallhanging so I wasn't worried about it holding up to washing. Would I use it for a quilt? No because as you said it really isn't tough enough to last in a quilt in my opinion also.

barri1

I must have lucked out.. I bought the Sulky embroidery thread, and fell in love with it. It works better than the cotton.

CoyoteQuilts

Happy Linda, the tension problem is probably because you forgot to put your pressure foot down. I have used the embroidery thread to quilt with when I wanted shiny and fancy quilting. Have not had a problem with it after many washings...

Happy Linda

This is 100% cotton, 30 wt. I'm sewing on my long arm, APQS system. This is not an embroidery thread. I do like Sulky for embroidery and use it all the time.I should have explained myself better. I was so frustrated. THANK YOU for responding.

Tartan

I've used a 40 wt. varigated YLI machine quilting thread on the spool to FMQ on my Bernina. I had a hard time getting the thread to not pull to the back. I made a loooot of sandwich samples before I got it right. I did find that it also made a little thread ball at the needle so I changed to a slightly bigger eye and managed to finish. I will not use that brand again. On a longarm can you adjust the bobbin tension a little looser so that there is less pull on the top thread? Other then changing your needle and fiddling with the tension, I don't know what else to try other than changing thread. Bummer!

vickimc

Have you trie to wrap the thread around the tension disk twice??? I have a gammill and it helps with slick thread.