Managing my needle's thread question

[dray965]

As I'm working on my needle-turn applique, my thread constantly tangles. I have to stop a lot and untangle the mess. Any ideas on what to do to stop that problem?

Thanks in advance,
Dray

[sewingitalltogether]

I use thread heaven. You run your thread through it a couple of times. I also end up dropping the needle and let the thread unwind.

[tessagin]

This is usually what I do. And if it start's to look like it's going to knot or loop oddly, I turn it upside down. It basicall is just twisting with all the movement it's going through.

I use thread heaven. You run your thread through it a couple of times. I also end up dropping the needle and let the thread unwind.

[mojo11]

I use thread heaven. You run your thread through it a couple of times. I also end up dropping the needle and let the thread unwind.

This is what I do also.

[PaperPrincess]

Also, how long a piece of thread are you using? I like something around 12-18". If it's longer I tangle it.

[ckcowl]

What kind of thread are you using? Short lengths, ( no more than 18" long) and thread heaven or sewers aid helps too if you are using cotton thread.

[DebraK]

How are you loading the needle from the spool? Try doing it opposite and see if that helps. Might have something to do with the thread's twist. What I mean is, thread the needle from the other end of your thread to see if it helps.

[sewbizgirl]

How are you loading the needle from the spool? Try doing it opposite and see if that helps. Might have something to do with the thread's twist. What I mean is, thread the needle from the other end of your thread to see if it helps.

The twist is the same from either end.

[DebraK]

oops, another theory shot ;-) I notice a difference when I do binding.

[MadQuilter]

The twist is the same from either end.

Actually, it's not. Thread is wound directionally. If you load the needle from the end that comes off the spool, then the twist of the thread goes WITH the direction of the pull. If you load it from the other end, then the twist of the thread goes AGAINST the pull - think of it like quills on a porcupine or scales on a fish.