Tips for invisible thread?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 4
Tips for invisible thread?
Beginner here. I'm working on my first queen-size quilt, using a bunch of different shades and patterns of blue. I figured it would be easiest to use invisible thread so I don't take away from how nice all the colors already look together.
But this stuff is giving me fits!
First I tried Dritz "quilting thrrad"." It was nylon, .004. It was constantly breaking and tangling. I could barely touch it without a bunch of thread popping off the spool and tangling. All the extra thread would wrap around the machine, get stuck somewhere, and snap. Finally it got so tangled I couldn't use it anymore, so I threw it away and bought something new.
Now I'm using Sulky brand polyester, .004. This is the stuff my quilting book recommends. It is marginally better than the Dritz, but still driving me crazy. It's so fine. I guess that's good in terms of invisibility, but it's like my machine can't hang on to it. Half the time I start stitching to find it's pulled itself out of the needle on the first stitch, even if I hang onto it. It also doesn't like to feed itself. No matter which way I set the thread, it has a hard time pulling it off the spool. It's also driving my tension crazy. I've played with tension every which way and the only thing I can do to keep the tension balanced is to manually unwind the spool with my hand every few stitches. Otherwise it'll either start pulling the bobbin thread up top or it'll just stop feeding thread. I have tried using this thread in the bobbin but it will not wind, so I am using white cotton thread on the bottom.
I know there's got to be a way to do this, or people wouldn't use this thread in the first place. What am I missing? What's the trick?
But this stuff is giving me fits!
First I tried Dritz "quilting thrrad"." It was nylon, .004. It was constantly breaking and tangling. I could barely touch it without a bunch of thread popping off the spool and tangling. All the extra thread would wrap around the machine, get stuck somewhere, and snap. Finally it got so tangled I couldn't use it anymore, so I threw it away and bought something new.
Now I'm using Sulky brand polyester, .004. This is the stuff my quilting book recommends. It is marginally better than the Dritz, but still driving me crazy. It's so fine. I guess that's good in terms of invisibility, but it's like my machine can't hang on to it. Half the time I start stitching to find it's pulled itself out of the needle on the first stitch, even if I hang onto it. It also doesn't like to feed itself. No matter which way I set the thread, it has a hard time pulling it off the spool. It's also driving my tension crazy. I've played with tension every which way and the only thing I can do to keep the tension balanced is to manually unwind the spool with my hand every few stitches. Otherwise it'll either start pulling the bobbin thread up top or it'll just stop feeding thread. I have tried using this thread in the bobbin but it will not wind, so I am using white cotton thread on the bottom.
I know there's got to be a way to do this, or people wouldn't use this thread in the first place. What am I missing? What's the trick?
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 4,394
I've had my share of go-rounds with monofilament thread also. The primary reason I don't use it for more of my quilts and other projects, though, is because of the feel. It just doesn't have the soft hand feel that other threads have. I don't seem to have quite the problems with it that you are experiencing, however. I find that I need to slow my machine speed way down when using it. Also when cutting the thread at the end of stitching, I need to have the thread with no tension on it or it will snap back. It does often come unthreaded or wound around the thread spool holder and then, of course, won't feed properly.
Truthfully, you should probably find a neutral color thread to use. Gray often works quite well.
Sorry I can't be of more help. Will watch for other advice you may get.
Truthfully, you should probably find a neutral color thread to use. Gray often works quite well.
Sorry I can't be of more help. Will watch for other advice you may get.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: North Idaho
Posts: 1,703
I am no needle/thread expert, as i typically just use whatever is accessible at the time. however, I just looked at my spool of monofilament (Sulky .004) and it says to use 75-90 top stitch needle. I use mine without a problem with just the standard/universal needle, but maybe your machine would cooperate better with the "right" needle?
#6
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: St. Louis area
Posts: 212
I have never used the brands you are using but I have used it on DM and a longarm and on both the tension needs to be very
loose. And when you pull the thread though the needle the thread should not curl at all when you release it.. If it does, loosen the tension some more. I will say I did not quilt on the DM, I did applique; but on the longarm the main key was very very loose tension. As I said, I did not use the same brands as you, but it might help.
And go slow!!!
loose. And when you pull the thread though the needle the thread should not curl at all when you release it.. If it does, loosen the tension some more. I will say I did not quilt on the DM, I did applique; but on the longarm the main key was very very loose tension. As I said, I did not use the same brands as you, but it might help.
And go slow!!!
Last edited by QuiltnNan; 04-23-2020 at 03:41 AM. Reason: remove excessive blank lines
#7
Super Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sunny Florida
Posts: 4,431
That thread can be an adventure for sure. I admire that you want to quilt a whole quit with it. Nylon thread will melt so you want to use a mono-poly for invisible. A thread stand will help prevent kinks and twists which cause breakage.
You may want to try a variegated thread in blue or something that blends with the fabrics. Good luck!
You may want to try a variegated thread in blue or something that blends with the fabrics. Good luck!