There is a great product from Wonderfil called Invisifil. I have used it many times in FMQ on table toppers and runners with excellent results. It does not melt when ironed and comes in many colours. I have always been pleased with the results when I use this product.

http://wonderfil.net/wonderfilcms/v1...66&productId=5

I almost always use invisible thread to SID on my tops. I use cotton thread on the bottom. I do not have a problem as long as I go slow and keep the spool upright usually on the side in a cup. I do not use it for FMQ since you cna not see where you have been. I like it for SID since you can not see the top stitching but the stitching on the bottom makes a nice pattern. Try it you might like it.

Before you make any decision, I would recommend you go to the Superior Thread website and read some of their informational pages. They discuss the differences between the invisible threads and give hints on techniques. I love their website.

I only use it for wall hangings. Quilts that are used and washed a lot can have the threads cut by the thread. But there is a very pretty stitch made by some machines using invisible with regular thread in the bobbin that almost looks like hand quilting.

Throw the nylon out (or give to hubby) then buy some polyester invisible.

With nylon thread, everything depends on the brand and size of the thread. YLI nylon monofilament is as fine as fine hair and works well. Some of the other brands of nylon thread are more like fishing line than thread and do not work well.

There are some things to know about working with nylon thread. My YLI is on a cone. I place the cone in a mason jar, place a thread net over it, and use an "outrigger" for threading. The outrigger is a stick that goes over my machine's spool pin and has a hole in the end for the thread. Harriet Hargrave's book on invisible machine quilting has a *lot* of good information about working with nylon thread and is worth buying. I have also seen that book online (Google books?) and you might actually be able to read what you need to know for free that way.

Nylon monofilament thread stretches, so you need to reduce the upper tension on your machine. For the same reason, you need to be careful when winding the bobbin. You have to wind slowly so that the thread doesn't get stretched on the bobbin. If your machine takes metal bobbins, these tend to work better than plastic bobbins because the plastic can distort under the pressure of the nylon. In both cases, underfill the bobbin; for a plastic bobbin, I would stop at 3/4ths full.

Not all machines do well with nylon in both top and bottom, but my machine does fine with it.

You do not want to use nylon monofilament in baby quilts, as it is so fine that if it comes loose and gets wound around a finger or toe, it can cut off circulation.

I have experimented with polyester threads, as they do tolerate higher temps than nylon and are also softer and less wiry; however, I find they show more -- at least when I am doing invisible machine applique -- so I have stuck with nylon.

You wouldn't want to use nylon filament for piecing. I just tested a piece of the YLI with my iron, 10 seconds at highest cotton setting. Although it didn't melt, it did distort somewhat. However, for use in quilting it's really not a problem as a quilt is not going to be subjected to an iron on cotton setting; normal washing temps are not going to melt it. Also, I routinely press my applique pieces and have never had a problem with the nylon filament that holds the edges down.

Edit: I will add that I recently tried Invisafil for invisible machine applique. However, it shows more than the YLI. It's a really nice thread, but not as invisible as nylon monofilament.

WHY ? You are really negative about this, have you had a bad exprience?

Thanks - quilter on the eastern edge, I have been looking for someone to recommend a specific thread. Now I
am wondering if it is available in the States?

I use Aurifil invisible thread for about half of the quilts I've made. I use it for the top thread only and have been pleased with the results. I use cotton thread on baby quilts and quilts for people in the hospital or a nursing home.

I'm doing a customer's quilt right now that will be shown in competition (hopefully)
I'm using invisible thread.

1) Superior threads has a new micro something thread --- it is NOT hard, it is pliable, soft and you can't tell it's there when you quilt with it. The old invisible thread was like using fishing line --- and would stick you.

2) LOOSEN both the top thread -- a lot! on my longarm I loosen it a LOT. And only use the thread on the top -- not in the bobbin

3) GO SLOW --- very slowly quilt ---- about half speed than you'd usually go.

It's worth it -- TRY it!!!

ON EDIT: Superior says you can iron this monofilament thread ----- I haven't tested that yet, but they've never steered me wrong yet.