I'm trying to FMQ using sulky invisible 100% polyester thread (both on top & bottom), and my bobbin thread keeps breaking. Grrrrrrr.
I've got my upper tension on 5, using a 14/90 needle......
Any one have any hints?

This is my first time trying the invisible, as no solid color will match, (grandson's birthday quilt of big yellow appliqued smiley faces, on blue backgrounds - his design!) and I'm about ready to toss it all out the window!
Thanks!!!!
Diana :)

Are you using invisible thread in the bobbin?

Yes, I'm using it in both the top and bobbin thread

It is not recommended to use it in the bobbin.
But if you are, they say to only wind the bobbin 1/3 full, the thead gets stretched while winding and can cause problems :wink:

also, if you can, wind it really slowly :D

Try reducing your needle tension. Because monofilament thread has stretch is creates its own "tension" (think about if you were sewing with the old elastic thread) as it goes through your machine. By reducing the needle tension (I always reduce my by 2 whole numbers on my Viking D1 and then fine tune from there).

If you use monofilament in your bobbin, remember to wind slowly. If your bobbin is plastic wind somewhere around half full. I've had a plastic bobbin pop open because I wound too much thread on it. If the monofilament gets warm while winding fast...it can stretch as its wound. That will increase the probability of the bobbin thread breaking, too.

The alternative for the bobbin is to change to a nice 50 wt cotton like Aurifil or Masterpiece. They will look nice and play nicely with the monofilament.

Hope this helps...

Julie

Ahhh.... I do have the bobbin fully wound, with the invisible.

Ok, I'll switch the bobbin to the blue, the backing is a solid color, so will be fine. I've only have a bit done so far, so won't be a biggie starting over!

Thanks so much Amma!!! :) :)

Thanks Julie, I didn't know about differences in winding the bobbin before!

You are very welcome, I hope that you have an easier time now :D:D:D
I can't wait to see the finished quilt!

Ok.... I just tried a bit using the blue bobbin thread, and it's showing on the top side - any ideas on how to stop that? :roll:

Or maybe I should just try out my new walking foot and stitich it in the ditch, forget the FMQ?

Reduce the top tension, the monofilament is pulling the blue cotton thread to the top...

Please, do keep at the FMQ. The only way to get better and more comfortable with it is to practice on something real. It really is so much fun...

I'd recommend testing your tension adjustment on a scrap sandwich made from the leftovers from your quilt. It doesn't have to be big...just big enough to do some test stitching.

Julie

I don't use invisible thread in the bobbin. It doesn't work to well.

Thanks so much Julie, I'll try reducing the tension! :)
This is my only issue with FMQ, normally I do ok, but it's my 1st time using this invisible thread with it!

Littlehud, I think I'm agreeing with you! :wink:

It doesn't have to match. A blue and yellow varigated or a blue varigated would both look good. A solid in either blue or yellow would look good too.

This is it..... If I use a solid color, it will really show.
(my 9 year old grandson came up the design he wanted his quilt to be, and he drew the applique pattern pieces for it!)
:D

Scissor Queen, do you think a blue & yellow varigated would work on it, and blend in some?

Diana---when I use invisible thread for FMQ, I put regular thread in my bobbin, and use regular tension for my machine (maybe with a tiny bit of adjusting). BUT, I put my invisible thread in a glass or jar and sit it behind my machine and then thread it. If I put it on the spindle, it breaks. I hope this tip helps.

After seeing the top I think a blue and yellow varigated would look cool on it! If you can't find a blue and yellow an all blue varigated would look good on the backgrounds and then you could change to a solid yellow for the smiley faces if you're quilting on them too.

Thanks so much Marcia & Scissor Queen!!
I'm taking another try at it again tomorrow! :) :)

I don't use it in the bobbin.

Those faces are GREAT!!! I want one, too.

I use one of those little ponytail holders around the spool ...it keeps it tighter while you are sewing...

That is so cute. What a great quilt. I can see your FMQ dilemma though.

I would try a varigated thread. I use it all of the time and it just makes the back of the quilt pop.