Anael

I'm trying trapunto for the very first time using Madeira watersoluble thread but it keeps breaking. I tried different needles, adjusted the toptension from almost none to the normal tension (5) but nothing works. I use my Bernina Aurora 440 QE.
What am I doing wrong? This is no fun

KalamaQuilts

It may be the moisture from your fingers, use thin gloves when handling and threading.
sometimes really high humidity can affect it. It keeps better when stored in a ziplock bag.

Anael

It was stored in the original package till this afternoon when I used it for the first time. It's quite hot here and that might be the problem (me, that is LOL). I didn't use gloves when threading. It breaks after about 10-20 stitches.
So I should try again in winter?

dunster

I haven't used the Madeira brand, but I use Superior's Vanish water soluble thread in the longarm. I did notice that the last time I used it I had more breakage than usual, and I thought it might be because the weather was warmer and more humid. I slowed down and got my basting done. Superior also sells a heavier duty water soluble, and I think I may try that for the longarm next time. I wonder if it would help to put the thread (in a plastic bag) into the refrigerator for a little while before using? I don't know if that would keep it from absorbing moisture from the air so quickly or not. It is aggravating when it breaks, but I seldom had that problem in the cooler weather.

Anael

Thanks Kalama and dunster. I know I put embroidery thread in the freezer because of breaking a lot and that helped. I could try putting it in the refrigerator in a zip bag and see what happens. I put it back in the original package for now. Won't try it again today!

thimblebug6000

Water soluble thread absorbs moisture from the air, not sure the freezer is the best place for it. I did a quick search and Leah Day mentions many needle changes until you find the right one & also working with your tension. Do a google search for "how to use water soluble thread" to get a few more ideas, and good luck!

Tartan

I think it would be best to store it with the little keep dry packages that you get when you buy shoes and purses. I read a funny story about Mark Lapinski having trouble threading it through the machine needle. He finally figured out that he was moistening the tip to put it through the eye like regular thread.