grandma7

I am making a quilt for my granddaughter's graduation. I want to use whie thread to quilt on the machine, but the backing is navy with tiny bits of color throughout. I want to use navy thread on the bobbin, as I don't want so much wihte stitching on the navy backing. I've tried to adjust my tension, but I CANNOT get it so there is no white on back or navy on top. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm thinking perhaps the white "dots" on the navy backing will be better than navy 'donts" on the top, which has a lot of white on it. I almost have to use white on the top. Thank you, as you have already helped me on this quilt by my reading posts from many of you.

bigsister63

I have had the same problem. I would suggest that you try verigated thread on the bottom or adjust tension so " white dots" are on backing and perhaps they will blend in with the other dots. My solution was to use a bottom thread that blended in with the top and contrasted with backing. In my case it was gold thread on black backing. Moral to this story is that maybe you should not use dark fabric for backing!! Good Luck!!!!!!!

dunster

Pokies can certainly be a problem when you have different colors of thread, but it's possible that you are actually seeing the thread from the other side through the needle holes. These holes will probably close up when the quilt is washed. I would try making a small quilt sandwich with the same fabrics, thread, and batting. Quilt it and then spray it with water, rub your fingers over the holes, and see if you can still see pokies. If not, you may have the tension adjusted sufficiently to quilt with white on top and navy on bottom.

Dolphyngyrl

Navy sharpie for white dots on back

grandma7

LOL, bigsister! GREAT lesson. I like the varigated thread idea, too. Thanks, dunster. On the top, it really DOES look like needle holes. I even changed needles to try to change that, without success. I will try your suggestions. I am always amazed at the wide variety of experience and expertise there is on this board!

grandma7

Thanks, dolphyngyrl, but that would be a lot of coloring, lol.

Tartan

Can you switch to a med. grey thread for the back? I would have the white come to the back also but with a med. grey thread meeting it, the white spots will blend better? You could also use a varigated thread on the back and it would hide the white spots better.

grandma7

Thanks, Tartan, I'll lok at a med grey to see if it works better.

tjradj

I thought I was the only one who used Sharpies for that !! I repaired a tear in a friend's quilt (a lonestar!!) that she had damaged by putting a suitcase onto the bed. The slice was about an inch long in a Forest Green diamond. After slipping the fusible web into the hole and fusing it in place, there were still white threads showing from where it tore. Sharpie to the rescue. And you'd be hardpressed to find it!

grandma7

WOW! Good suggestion from both of you!