bbwalkup

Does anyone know how to use invisible thread??? I've used it once and the top of the quilt looked great, but the back was a huge nasty mess.

I had heard that you need to adjust the tension, so I tried that but just wasn't getting it. I used the invisible thread for the top thread and just Isacord thread for the bobbin. I did not adjust my bobbin tension. I was using the machine with the horizontal bobbin and have no clue how to adjust the tension on that one. Sorry 'bout the spellling....my mind is shot for the night. Thanks!!

RUTH CLARKE

Hi - I'm not an expert but on my new Bernina I reduce all the tension out of the top and leave the bobbin as normal with normal thread in and this seems to work ok.

I believe however that there are various types of invisible thread and some are not soo good. My invisible thread is very very fine, the not so good I believe is thicker.

Hope this helps

Ruth

Boo

You need to reduce the top tension, because the invisible thread is stretchy and will pull up your bobbin thread. Harriet Hargrave recommends Sew Art. This is the type I use and have since thrown away the look alikes. It made a great difference for me.

raksmum

Sulky also has a nice one.

Becky

Boo

I need some more info-on the invisble thread. I've had problems in the past, Mainly the birds nest syndrome. On the backside of the quilt. So please advise me. Should I use invisible thread in the bobbin, or should I use basic thread? Can I use invisible thread in the bobbin. Do I adjust tension,If I adjust, Do I adjust top and bottom.?I hope I'm not being a pain, But I'm starting a quilt, with LOTS, of appliques and the invisible thread would come in real handy. Could you please advise me? OOH OOOO, Sorry Alex came on with some good info. Please help me

BECKY

Boo

Becky, there are a few things I can suggest. I do not recommend using invisible thread in the bobbin. I usually use a thread that matches the backing fabric. Winding invisible thread on a bobbin will create tension and I actually had a plastic bobbin break under the tension. Even if the bobbin doesn't break, the tension of the bobbin would be impossible to adjust.
First and foremost, before beginning any machine quilting project, I do a sample. I make a quilt sandwich of similar weight fabric and batting. If I plan on outlining, then I draw some similar shapes, if stitch in ditch then some straight lines. I clean my machine thoroughly, getting all the thread and fabric dust out of bobbin area, also open the side and make sure dust is out of the thread guides. Put in new needle. I use a universal 80/12 but some swear by the quilting needles. Once this is done, I start my practice. This allows me to check thread tensions, my speed and rhythm. Invisible thread usually needs the top tension lessened slightly. If the top tension too tight, the elasticity will cause the bobbin thread to be pulled up and show on your work.
There are two major problems I see often when quilters complain about problems with the back of their work. One is caused by putting the bobbin in backwards. While facing your machine, the bobbin thread needs to feed off the bottom and to the right. Then fed thru the tension feed to the left. Very often this minor difference will create problems. The second biggest mistake I see is when you move faster than the machine can keep up. Keep your machine at an even speed and slow down your movements of the fabric. It is normal to believe you can rush, but you are not giving the bobbin assembly time to do it's job. You will see this when doing a curve. The bobbin thread will appear tight.
Give these tips a try and I am confident you will be more successful. Let me know if I can be of further help. :D

Becky

Boo

I have book marked your advice, I will use the invisible thread on my present appliques that I'm starting on now, But I won't be using the inv-thread for the quilting untill a later date. But I'll let you know how both turn out. Thanks-so-much for your wisdom and time, I really appreciate it. And such a speedy reply as usual. Have a Blessed Christmas.

Thanks Becky

Boo

Becky, I may have missed the part about the machine applique, so let me give you another tip. If you are using a blind hem stitch, put a piece of paper under your work to act as a tear away stabilizer. I just use my copy paper. It is much cheaper than tear away stabilizer, yet gives you the same smooth finish. Tie your thread knots then just rip. I discovered this when doing a sunbonnet sue quilt.
Good luck with your project! You have a safe and pieceful Christmas! Happy stitching :D

Kim

Hi! Invisible thread is the most abrasive thread you can use. I don't recommend it because is can eventually wear out the tension discs on your machine. If your machine has a "mock" hand quilting stitch it can be used in the top thread. You should put your tension as high as it will go. By doing this the bobbin thread will be pulled up to the top and look like a hand quilting stitch. I have a Pfaff machine and many of the Pfaff's have this "mock" hand quilting stitch.