thread

Hi Patti and Sally, What machines do you have? My machine is a Bernina. Are yours front or top bobbin loaders? Does the bobbin case have a little hole in the arm thingy?. (no idea what it's called) if so after putting the bobbin in the bobbin case, as you would normally, you can thread the tail end through this hole and it will tighten the bottom thread a bit without you having to adjust the tension on the bottom (which you shouldn't do). It will even up the tensions a little with the top thread but you'll still most likely have to alter the top a little to the left to loosen. When working on a project, keep a little book and write in it the tension settings you are using for your thread and particular project.

Elly

I'll start at 2 then!

We are both Janome 6500. I do make notes sometimes, but can never understand them! I also have various tensions, etc. written on the front of the machine, but they never seem to work twice!

Thanks for the tips Elly. I can't get at my machine at the moment, but I'll have a look when I get it 'unearthed'! Sally and I both have a Janome 6500 - bobbin goes in from the top of the 'bed'. I always think I'll be sure to remember what I do, as regards needle, thread, tension etc. But, I think I'm going to have to invest in a whole case of 'little books' for all around the house, for different topics. I don't know where my mind is going; but, wherever it is, it sure wants to 'get there in a hurry'. >g< . In message , Elly writes

On Sep 2, 7:42 am, Patti wrote: I don't know where my mind is going; but, wherever it is, it

These days mine spends it's time spinning in cyberspace and wondering what happened to our summer this year! :( You've had quite a bit on yours this week. Hope wee Spice is doing okay.

Elly

That is a useful trick for almost any form of needlework. I learned it when doing needlepoint because kits often are so skimpy on yarn that one is often left with yarn ends so short you can't leave the needle threaded while you bury the end.

It is also possible to skip the thread loop if you have a long crewel needle and the thread is an inch or more long. You insert the needle beside the broken thread pointed in the direction you want it to go, slide needle in until the eye is near the surface of the quilt, thread the eye (it's a big eye so is easily threaded), then pull the needle on through. Debra in VA See my quilts at

Thanks Gen. I sure wish I knew where I got the other info, probably from a library book. To use it, do I really need an embroidery needle for satin, blind hem, and other applique stitches? Debra in VA See my quilts at

Regular old Coats All Purpose sewing (cotton-poly) thread wears out about as fast as good quilting fabric. We had lots of quilt tents when growing up, and all the (often washed) quilts were sewn with plain sewing thread. The seams always went first. Might have something to do with tiny hands often having tiny sharp fingernails though. :-) Debra in VA See my quilts at

No to the needle question. Actually I'm very bad about needles. I'll often be sewing along and forget to change to a "proper" needle. If the thread frays, go to a larger eye needle. I've had professional machine embroidery people tell me they never use anything but a universal needle for all types of embroidery. Gen

Ok, I'll see if my current needles will work then. Debra in VA See my quilts at

I still just adore Guterman. No ifs buts or maybes.

Anne, go to

and you'll find the aulifil thread in egyptian cotton. Another great 100% cotton thread that's very affordable is now available at I think it's their brand. Coats & Clark is nasty thread, especially for piecing and most higher quality machines don't care much for it. Hope this helps.