FMQ with Sulky Blendable

I tried free motion quilting with Sulky Blendables - which is 30 weight. The bobbin was Mettler Metrosene, I don't know what the weight of that is.

The thread broke every 4 inches or so, shredded at the needle. I am using the special fmq foot and bobbin case for the Janome 6600, and a

90/14 needle. Tried different needles, (100) and that made no difference.

I changed the top thread to a 40-wt sulky rayon, and had no problem.

I had no problem doing the straight quilting with the Blendable and this bobbin thread.

Has anyone used this thread for FMQ? If so, what did you use in the bobbin? I usually use regular bobbin thread, have not tried that yet but am going to today.

Reply to
TinaR
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Reply to
Roberta

Try to have 'at hand' some topstitch needles. They handle awkward threads very well, as they have a larger eye and a groove as well, so shredding is minimised.

I think Leslie has used the thicker thread? . In message , TinaR writes

Reply to
Patti

I usually use a 90/14 embroidery needle. It has a slightly larger eye, therefore less wear on the thread. I have use the sulky blendables many times, without problems.

Reply to
Susan Torrens

I've used it and I love it... have gone through several spools already, on three different Viking machines, and have not had any problems at all using either 'regular' weight thread, bobbin thread, or the NEB on pre wounds.

I have a couple of different feet for FMing on my Viking D1, and the Rose and 1+ machines both have a spring action foot.

I use a Schmetz quilting needle - maybe try that or a microtex needle? I haven't had any problems with the thread - one of the reasons I like it so much, that and how pretty it looks.

-Irene

Reply to
IMS

I did try a top stitch needle, that was my first thought. I will try MORE different needles.

I still haven't heard what you guys are using for bobbin thread.....

Reply to
TinaR

I have used the 15 wt. Sulky with an 18 needle as well as the 30 wt. with a smaller needle. I also endorse the size 14-16 topstitching needles for the heavier threads- but your needle can be too large, as well- so try different needle sizes as well as types. My 6600 has never refused any thread- as long as I use the proper needle.

Try a 50 wt. cotton for the bobbin and vary your speed to movement of the sandwich ratio- sometimes sewing too fast can make the thread shred, too. That's why we always quilt practice pieces for warm ups! VBG It checks the needle/thread/bobbin/tension combination for us. And there's always the old stand-bys..... re-thread top and bobbin and clean the machine carefully. If that doesn't help, put the presser foot down and loosen the top tension just a bit- altho I seldom mess with my tensions except for invisible thread. If that doesn't do it then try tightening the top tension- if your top tension is too loose, then the thicker 30 wt. thread would have to travel all the way thru the quilt sandwich instead of meeting the bobbin thread halfway and that could make it more difficult for the machine to form your stitches.... and cause the shredding. But I try to always use the different needles and use tension adjustments as a last resort- I know how but why mess with the tension if a different needle will do the trick? ;-)Good luck!

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Reply to
Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

You might also try running a fine bead of that silicone stuff that Dritz makes. Just put a tiny bit on your spool of thread as often as needed; works a charm for me. Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

Or try a topstitching needle. Much larger eye and groove in the front of the needle to protect the thread. Topstitching needles are also sharps, not universals (unless labeled as a ball point/knit one).

Another thing to try when using a heavier thread-- loosen the tension a bit. BTW, Mettler Metrosene is an "all purpose" polyester thread, generally about a 50 weight.

Good luck with it, Pati, > Haven't tried that thread, but what kind of needle was it? Sometimes

Reply to
Pati C.

I use large eyed needles--metallic or top stitching. That always helps too.

Let us know what works.

Reply to
Lenore L

I just finished a quilt with that and absolutely loved it. For a change it did not break, fray etc. I used the lightweight aurofil on the bottom. One thing I did have to do is adjust my top tension back to 5. I had been using heavier threads and with the new special bobbin case it did need to go back down.

I would try the bobbin thread. That might do the trick. Since it is a new bobbin case it shouldn't have a nick in it - have you used it successfully before??

Try that and see if it works. I was having trouble for a bit with different threads but that one was great and looked great too.

Reply to
kelly

The sulky blendable that I was using was a really really fine thread. This sounds like a heavier one. Sorry - lost me.

Reply to
kelly

I would also try leaving the thread out of the last guide before the needle - that was a solution that has worked for me on the Janome before (especially with nylon thread.

Kelly

Reply to
kelly

Since I found them I love Topstich needles (have a big groove for the thread to sit in so it doesn't shred. This is what the thread expert on the Alex Anderson/Ricky Tims 'The Quilt Show' recommended. He had a giant needle to illustrate the groove.

Sally at the Seaside~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~uk

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T> I tried free motion quilting with Sulky Blendables - which is 30

Reply to
Sally Swindells

Guess I didn't make it clear that for the bobbin I've used either 'regular' weight thread, bobbin thread, or the NEB on pre wounds.

-Irene

Reply to
IMS

I almost drove myself crazy trying to FM with a variable thread -- not the same type but still a quality thread -- and it kept breaking and shredding and making me scream in frustration. Switched needles, bobbin thread, the whole bit. Finally I went into my thread box and sure enough, there was another spool of the same thread. Just on a whim I took off the "demon" thread and put on the other spool. Sewed like a dream. No problems. Just to torment myself, I changed back to the original needle and bobbin thread. No problems.

I have come to suspect that some spools of thread are just bad. I don't know why or how, but I know it happens with every other item on earth, so why not the occasional faulty spool of thread? Maybe it happens more with the variegated because they are more.... um, processed?

Sunny

Reply to
Sunny

Sunny, you may just be right. I gave up, and started all over again with silk thread on the top. Of course, I don't have that much of that on hand either, so I had to place a thread order on Sunday and now am stuck again until it arrives.

Sometimes I really hate living in the boonies.....

Reply to
TinaR

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