Trouble machine quilting with nylon thread

Try changing your needle to a different type and size. Try sewing slower so the thread doesn't stretch and break. Some sewing machines just don't like some brand names of thread, so you could try a different brand name. I assume you are using the invisible thread on top and not the bobbin? If you are using it in both that is rather a no-no. For bobbin work, you need to wind the invisible thread onto the bobbin very slowly to prevent it from stretching as you wind. One trick you could try is one of the very fine poly theads in a grey or beige neutral color in both the bobbin and on top. The thread is skinny so it hardly shows- it is suggested by Karen McTavish of McTavishing fame- she uses The Bottom Line by Superior threads. And, yes, the smoke color does not show on medium to dark fabrics like the clear thread will, but I find it still has a bit of a sparkle to it. I don't mind that, but some folks might. The machine quilting books I have on hand all state that the "big name" quilters use the invisible thread in multi colored areas and most suggest a good quality of invisible thread that is soft as hair and fine in dimension. The older invisible threads were like heavy duty, stiff fishing line (shudder!)

Good luck- hope someone posts a miracle solution. Please don't give up... if on way doesn't work, then try something else!

Leslie (who cannot spell or keyboard today) & The Furbabies in MO.

On Apr 1, 1:16 pm, snipped-for-privacy@verizon.net wrote:

How about using a varigated thread that goes with most of the colors? I hate fooling with the nylon thread. I've used Sulky Blendables - it comes in many colors & really like it.

I like the blendables too...but you could try Sulky's POLYESTER Invisible,it is easier to deal with.my other favorite was YLI but it is hard to come by near me.....good luck keep trying often it is a matter of rethreading the machine, or changing the needle.... Mauvice in WI

Where was the thread spool? Mine works best on a separate spool holder behind the machine, so the thread comes off the top of the spool. Also try a different needle. The Pfaff seems to like nylon thread in a small (size 70) green-band Schmetz. YMMD! There's also matte nylon, although I haven't tried it yet. Roberta in D

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Roberta is sooooo right! Thread can- often!- fall off the spool and wrap/tangle around the spool holder which causes it to break. Is that happening to you??? A very frustrating thing! And I have found that those meshy thread holders don't feed well for me, either.

Leslie & The Furbabies > Where was the thread spool? Mine works best on a separate spool holder

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Some threads like to come off the spool with the spool up and down, and some like to come with the spool parallel to the table. Try placing your spool in the other direction. My Pfaff only had the horizontal spool holders, so I found some vertical spool holders that attach to the ones on my machine. I also use a cone holder next to my machine, and use the spool holders on it as well.

Thanks to all of you who wrote such encouraging messages. I'm encouraged to keep trying. Yes, I tried the nylon thread only on top, not in the bobbin. I was using a size 11 needle, which is smaller than I usually use, and the thread wasn't tangling, as far as I could tell. I'll try again, with other needles, and I guess I'd better get a spool holder. The brand I tried was Wonder thread, made by YLI, which was the only thing available in my quilting shop. It's supposed to be good, no? Even if I do something else with this quilt, I'd like to get it to work and see what it's like using nylon. Thanks all.

Here's a cheap trick. Get a mayonaise jar or fruit jar - something that your cone of invisible thread will fit down inside. Find the masking tape and tape a safety pin to the rim of the jar. You put the pin vertically with the loop end poking up above the rim. Thread the invisible thread from the cone up through the safety pin loop and onward through your regular SM system. My older Berninas had a nice thread carrier loop thing over on the side of the carrier handle but I see that the new Berninas do not. Nothing to stop you from adding another safety pin loop with masking tape if you think you might need additional traveling guidance for the thread. This whole notion looks ridiculous but does the deed. As we well know, something impossible only takes a little more time. If you have a participating kitty and a hard sewing room floor, do not try this. Polly

i've got a safety pin stuck on the post that holds regular thread spool on top of the machine. the big cone of thread sits behind the machine on its own. threaded like you thru the loop in the safety pin. works a treat as the size of the pin fits snugly on the post so isnt moving at all. tho cant keep other spool on post when using the big cone. if that makes sense, lol. jeanne

Are you using a walking foot?

-Irene

There is an extra accessory for the new Berninas that slide over the horizontal spool holder that have an extra thread guide on it. My machine is never without it. Seems like it should be included with every machine, but of course, that's another $10 they can charge!

There is a matte finish invisible thread. It is made by SewArt Int. and is available at some quilt shops. Check and see if yours carries it. It is the one at the top of the list by Harriet Hargrave. Very soft, and it is usable on most quilts. (even baby quilts because it breaks about like cotton does.) Use a slightly larger needle, loosen the upper tension, and sew slowly. Make sure the thread isn't slipping down and catching under the spool, too. Hope this helps. You might also try the invisible polyester threads, Sulky is one that I know of and works well too.

Pati, >