What thread do you use for piecing denim quilts?
I am building a queen +/- size quilt from 6" denim squares. I started it last March, and now am working on it full time.
When I started last March I wanted the strongest thread I could get to hold this denim monster together. After asking some questions back then and emailing Coats & Clarks I chose the C&C Dual Duty HEAVY thread. This stuff is way heavier than normal thread and some of my machines will not work with it. However it is quite strong, I can wrap it around my hands and pull as hard as I can, but not break it. And it's not overly linty either. Well, no biggie, I'm doing most of the piecing with the vintage / old / ancient / antique SS machines anyway. Saving the more modern ZZ + patterns machines for decorating. I just finished 50 some pieces done with the Kenmore 117-812, that machine sews beautifully by the way, and the White Dressmaster which also sews beautifully. I could if I didn't have other machines just use those and never have a complaint. This is the crux of this post. The C&C DD Heavy thread seems to work very nicely in my vintage machines, but past about the 60s when the ZZ machines became the norm they just don't like it. So what I was curious about is what thread do you use in the "semi modern vintage" machines to do heavy denim things? Joe |
The same thread I use for any other stitching. C&C regular cotton covered poly or Guterman worked fine when I was doing denim apparel. I can't imagine a quilt seam having more stress than a jeans seam. My youngest machine (the one used for jeans and jackets) is 1973 Elna so I can't answer for others.
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My dream quilt is made of denim. Heavy, washable, and as dog proof as you can get! Post a picture please!
My whole motivation to get into the tough old vintage machines is this denim quilt idea I've had in my brain for decades! |
Patty,
I've got parts of it hung on the basement clothes line. Will try to take some pics in a bit. I ran out of black squares though and have to scare up some more. Joe |
I use my Singer treadle for sewing denim.
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Joe, it's too bad you aren't closer. I have at least one pair of black jeans that need to be cut up, but with postage what it is, you'll do better at a resale store.
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I've never made a denim quilt, but....I've repaired and hemmed many a pair. So: I use C&C, but sometimes go with a heavier jeans-type thread also from C&C. Never had any problems with any of them, but I DO use my Bernina or my Husq-Viking to do them. I vaguely remember using my first featherweight to repair jeans way back when and it seems to me that it did fine. I have several vintage machines I COULD use, but I just "ain't sew inclined" anymore to repair and/or hem denim. Hope this helps a little! (By the way, the only one I will do denim for is either myself or, on occasion, my yard guy who is just too good to me for me to say no....:))
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Originally Posted by irishrose
(Post 5899332)
Joe, it's too bad you aren't closer. I have at least one pair of black jeans that need to be cut up, but with postage what it is, you'll do better at a resale store.
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momto5,
About three years ago my wife made a denim circle quilt with only her Bernina Record 930. http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...t/IMG_0852.jpg That poor machine never balked at what she made it do. Mine is gonna be bigger. Eeeeekkkkk!!!!!!!! Joe |
Joe,
I am so glad you showed us the pic of your wife's quilt. That looks like a Cathedral Window pattern and I love it on denim. |
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