Removing black threads from white fabric
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Tri-Cities, WA
Posts: 1,063
Removing black threads from white fabric
I am making a king-size black and white quilt, and I have no idea how I'm going to get off all the black threads and fluff that are on the white blocks! I've use a lint roller, scissors, picking up, small vacuum, and swearing, but as soon as I'm done they creep back over! Have you any suggestions for when I do the final check before quilting? Thanks!
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Blue Ridge Mountians
Posts: 7,076
when the quilt top is done, I re-trim seam and lint roll, which may not be good enough for black and white. At this extream would fray check the seams and tweeser up any loose threads after it dries.
I have to do this when seams are pressed open.....but if you pressed to the dark side, i am surprised a black thread could creep to the white block.
I have to do this when seams are pressed open.....but if you pressed to the dark side, i am surprised a black thread could creep to the white block.
Last edited by QuiltnNan; 02-11-2017 at 02:07 PM. Reason: remove shouting/ all CAPS
#3
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Tri-Cities, WA
Posts: 1,063
Jane - I bought two dark grays, one at an inexpensive store and one at a nice quilt shop. It's the quilt shop fabric that's fraying and creeping all over! Plus I'm using black strips from a Moda jelly roll, and they are as linty as anything you've ever seen. Thanks for the Fray Check idea - but would that leave a hard residue?
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,470
When I get a top ready for quilting, I wrap painter's tape around my left hand several times with the sticky out, I then trim with my little scissors any loose threads and stick then to my left hand. Once you have all the black threads off, quilt. If I get an occasional thread showing after the quilting, I have a tiny crochet hook ( size of a pin) that goes between the fabric weave and fetch them out.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,101
That happened to me on my granddaughters quilt. Quilt shop fabric was fraying the 1/4 inch seam away as I sewed.a Fortunately, it was not black and white. However, what should have been a very pretty quilt, was not.
I named it "The Quilt From Hell". She loved the name of the quilt way more than the quilt!
I named it "The Quilt From Hell". She loved the name of the quilt way more than the quilt!
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,718
A solid white or black background always seem to show the imperfections more.
This may be no worse than you are used to, but with the strong contrast between the B+W, perhaps it is just showing more?
It has been my experience that if I use Best Press throughout, it helps to "seal" the fabric and minimize fraying .... ultimately minimizing the loose threads! And even seems to help put a protective finish to avoid clinging threads!
I don't think you can eliminate them totally, but do the best that you can as you make your quilt. And then do an extra-good job of cleaning it up before sandwiching your quilt and starting the quilting process.
Another tip ... keep your cutting table, sewing and ironing areas cleaned up as you go. if there is lint and threads hanging around they just seem to jump onto our projects!!
This may be no worse than you are used to, but with the strong contrast between the B+W, perhaps it is just showing more?
It has been my experience that if I use Best Press throughout, it helps to "seal" the fabric and minimize fraying .... ultimately minimizing the loose threads! And even seems to help put a protective finish to avoid clinging threads!
I don't think you can eliminate them totally, but do the best that you can as you make your quilt. And then do an extra-good job of cleaning it up before sandwiching your quilt and starting the quilting process.
Another tip ... keep your cutting table, sewing and ironing areas cleaned up as you go. if there is lint and threads hanging around they just seem to jump onto our projects!!
Last edited by QuiltE; 02-11-2017 at 09:16 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post