Hello all,

Well, I see these invisible machine quitling threads, but they feel like fishing lines. Can this be good? I know some are nylon, and Superior makes polyster, do you prefer one over the other? Any specfic brand?
I am new to quilting, so you can imagine, my quitling lines are not so fabulous, so I was thinking about using invisible thread on the top and matching backing thread in the bobbin. How does this sound?

Appreciate all the help.
Candi

Good topic Candi , I will be interested in the replies too
Katherine

I use invisible thread on some projects, mostly wall hangings, table runners etc. Invisible thread should not be used on baby quilts, if some of the stitches come loose it can get wound around baby's fingers.

On quilts I use coordinating or contrasting cotton thread. I like some of the variegated threads as well.

Whether I'm using invisible or cotton thread, I use thread the same color as the backing on my bobbin. :)

Pretty much the same here but I don't use the invisible thread. I'm sure it has changed in the last few years, but I didn't like it when I started quilting. I am big into the varigated threads.

Invisible thread for quilting should not feel like fishing line. It has more of the qualities of fine hair. In the past, I have used YLI. I forget the specific dimensions of this thread, but it is very fine. Nowadays experts like Susan Schamber seem to prefer polyester threads such as Sulky. I'm planning to try that next.

It's fine to use fine invisible thread on top and a cotton thread on the bottom. With the YLI invisible thread I used, it was important to loosen upper tension on the machine. This is because YLI stretches a lot more than cotton. I would expect the same is through of Sulky polyester, but I'm not sure. Basically, what you want is that the invisible thread is pulled through to the bottom so you have "dots" of invisible thread on the bottom. Loosening the upper tension creates this scenario. You do not want "dots" of cotton thread showing on the top of your quilt.

Mary

Thanks all.
Don't mean to sound ingnorant. But what are the varigated threads? The multi-tones ones?

I have used the invisible threads and really like them. My bobbin thread always matches the backing. I have just started using variegated thread and love the effect. It is really cool.

Variegated threads are multi-tone or multi-color. Some change color every inch; others vary in color less frequently.

I like sulky polyester.