Monofilament thread help
04-12-2013, 03:36 PM
#1
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Monofilament thread help
Good day all! I am planning on quilting my baby quilt with monofilament thread and have never done it before. Do I use regular thread in the bobbin? Any tips for using this thread? Thank you in advance as you are all so helpful!
04-12-2013, 03:44 PM
#2
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QuiltsRock ... I've only used monofilament in classes, and there they have said to use regular thread for the bobbin. I don't particularly care for it, as when using it in a class, it got all wrapped around the spindles and I had quite a mess. I could not see it to solve the problem! Thankfully it was the dealer's class for learning how to use my new machine. She patiently got it all off my machine and thus started my not so much love for the stuff! 
And no doubt, there'll be a day when I know I "need" to use it, and will then tackle the stuff!
How's the ice in the far east?
And no doubt, there'll be a day when I know I "need" to use it, and will then tackle the stuff! How's the ice in the far east?
04-12-2013, 03:50 PM
#4
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I have used it successfully, but only in situations where I could not use regular thread. I found that it is by far the best to use a top quality monofilament, not one that's like fine fishing line. I used regular thread in the bobbin.
04-12-2013, 03:50 PM
#5
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Another tidbit that I picked up here on the QB ... many do not use monofilament on baby quilts, for fear that the child chews and then ultimately swallows it or wraps it around themselves. Although I think the same could happen with other threads too, but I guess with this being plastic (or whatever it is!) it could be more of a concern. Don't really know ... though it does make sense to me.
04-12-2013, 03:52 PM
#6
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I use monofilament a lot and the BIGGEST tip I can give you is make sure you get a polyester monofilament and avoid nylon. Superior Threads sells a good and inexpensive mono-poly on their website and they have low shipping. I have found that the poly is catching on and you might be able to find it in one of the big box stores but you'll have to look at the label.
The next tip is to use a size 10 needle - it's the size I use whenever I use any kind of polyester thread. It's a thinner more delicate thread so you need a smaller needle. Most people have better results with a different thread in the bobbin, I would suggest a polyester that feels and looks like a cotton. It will still be thin and strong like the monopoly, but it will also have a little grip. A slippery shiny polyester might be a little more tricky to work with, but it's doable.
Just a little note, something to think about. I really don't recommend any kind of invisible monofilament threads in a baby quilt. All you need is one little loop to catch on the baby and it could become a very dangerous situation. Because it's such a tricky stretchy slippery thread it's very easy to conceive that a loop could happen, and I just find it unsafe for little ones.
Good luck whatever you choose, and we of course want to see pictures when you're done!
The next tip is to use a size 10 needle - it's the size I use whenever I use any kind of polyester thread. It's a thinner more delicate thread so you need a smaller needle. Most people have better results with a different thread in the bobbin, I would suggest a polyester that feels and looks like a cotton. It will still be thin and strong like the monopoly, but it will also have a little grip. A slippery shiny polyester might be a little more tricky to work with, but it's doable.
Just a little note, something to think about. I really don't recommend any kind of invisible monofilament threads in a baby quilt. All you need is one little loop to catch on the baby and it could become a very dangerous situation. Because it's such a tricky stretchy slippery thread it's very easy to conceive that a loop could happen, and I just find it unsafe for little ones.
Good luck whatever you choose, and we of course want to see pictures when you're done!
04-12-2013, 04:03 PM
#7
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Just remember ... the info did not come from any pro on the matter. I'm sure there are others who have a lot more knowledge, experience and know-how to share!
Another tidbit that I picked up here on the QB ... many do not use monofilament on baby quilts, for fear that the child chews and then ultimately swallows it or wraps it around themselves. Although I think the same could happen with other threads too, but I guess with this being plastic (or whatever it is!) it could be more of a concern. Don't really know ... though it does make sense to me.
Another tidbit that I picked up here on the QB ... many do not use monofilament on baby quilts, for fear that the child chews and then ultimately swallows it or wraps it around themselves. Although I think the same could happen with other threads too, but I guess with this being plastic (or whatever it is!) it could be more of a concern. Don't really know ... though it does make sense to me.
04-12-2013, 04:07 PM
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04-12-2013, 04:16 PM
#10
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I wouldn't use mono for a baby quilt. Just in case stitching comes out and kiddo tries to eat it. But that is just me.
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