Thoughts on Quilting Feathers with Invisible Thread
#1
Thoughts on Quilting Feathers with Invisible Thread
I have read conflicting advice and information on using invisible thread for quilting. I have attempted feathers with cotton and poly and am debating using a poly-monofilament invisible for heirloom feathers on a domestic sewing machine. What are your thoughts? The only thing I'm not nuts about is the "shininess" that poly-mono sometimes has...do you use invisible thread for feathers or micro-quilting or do you prefer something that is very close to the fabric you are using?
What do you prefer? Pictures and examples welcome and much appreciated!!!
What do you prefer? Pictures and examples welcome and much appreciated!!!
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 934
I have an older Elan machine and find the invisible thread difficult to use. I also do not like to mess much with my tension,etc. for fear of messing up the good stitching it does now. So I am of no help!
#3
Sorry, I have no pictures, but I like using monofilament thread for feathers. Some quilters have trouble using it in their machines, but so long as you're confident about using it, then go ahead. The times I used it I didn't really worry about shininess, just that it did the job.
I've also used Superior Thread's Bottom Line, which is a thin polyester thread. And some day I'd like to try silk thread. However, since I'm a very dedicated hand quilter, a silk thread project will have to wait until I'm retired.
Janet
I've also used Superior Thread's Bottom Line, which is a thin polyester thread. And some day I'd like to try silk thread. However, since I'm a very dedicated hand quilter, a silk thread project will have to wait until I'm retired.
Janet
#4
I used it for stitch in the ditch and thought it was too shiny (this was about ten years ago - so don't know if they've improved the thread). I can't imagine a more obvious design using it. I'd suggest trying it on a decently sized sample sandwich to see how you like it. Good luck.
#5
Sounds interesting. Superior has an excellent invisible thread. They have 2 "reduced sheen" invisibles -- one is a clear thread and the other is a smoky. The price is great, too....2200 yards for $7.99 plus shipping.
I'm using invisible clear on a quilt right now. The one hint Superior has is to loosen your top tension. Normally I quilt with regular thread and have the tension at 7-9 (on their tension gauge).....but with the invisible threads I drop it down to 2!!!! SO don't be afraid to REALLY drop the tension on the top to REALLY loose.
I'm using invisible clear on a quilt right now. The one hint Superior has is to loosen your top tension. Normally I quilt with regular thread and have the tension at 7-9 (on their tension gauge).....but with the invisible threads I drop it down to 2!!!! SO don't be afraid to REALLY drop the tension on the top to REALLY loose.
#6
amandasgramma - thank you for the hint...any pictures of your current project? I actually HAVE that thread by Superior! Lol* That's what I was thinking about using...for my machine I generally have to drop the tension to a 1 and nearly 0 for traditional nylon invisible thread.
#8
Pumpkin -- (hee hee love your "name") --- I'll be finishing the quilt this weekend, then I'll post it --- it's a doozy! Has taken me all month!! I'm using the regular clear Superior ----- you CAN see some sheen but standing back, you can't see it. LOL you know, like fine art -- stand back away from it!!! What I like about Superior's invis. thread -- you can put it in the dryer and you can iron it without it melting!!! LOVE it --- it's like a very fine thread.....so use a very fine thread on the bottom (I used King Tut -- 40# on this one -- but normally I would have used Sew Fine)
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