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#12
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,962
Smoke thread is a gray colored invisible thread the same as the clear...it's used when quilting dark colors so it doesn't show. The clear tends to shine when used on dark colors. :)
Don't know what sewers ease is though.
:)
Don't know what sewers ease is though.
:)
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
First off, what brand of invisible thread are you using? It should be as thin as a strand of hair. I used to use YLI .003 invisible thread with no problem; it is very, very fine. Nowadays I see that Sulky invisible thread is often recommended. I have some of that but haven't used it yet.
Aside from putting the spool in a jar or using a free-standing spool holder (and checking the spool for a nick is always good too!), you can tape a large, closed safety pin to the right back edge of your machine with the circle part up and run your thread through that before doing your usual threading. It helps keep the tension on that top thread smooth.
Because invisible thread has more stretch, you usually want to loosen your top tension.
Are you using the invisible thread in the bobbin also? Again, because this thread stretches, you have to be extra-careful when winding the bobbin so that the thread isn't being stretched. Wind slowly. Also, stop before the bobbin is completely full. It's easy to over-fill a bobbin with invisible thread.
Aside from putting the spool in a jar or using a free-standing spool holder (and checking the spool for a nick is always good too!), you can tape a large, closed safety pin to the right back edge of your machine with the circle part up and run your thread through that before doing your usual threading. It helps keep the tension on that top thread smooth.
Because invisible thread has more stretch, you usually want to loosen your top tension.
Are you using the invisible thread in the bobbin also? Again, because this thread stretches, you have to be extra-careful when winding the bobbin so that the thread isn't being stretched. Wind slowly. Also, stop before the bobbin is completely full. It's easy to over-fill a bobbin with invisible thread.
#14
I also had major problems prior to using a glass jar behind the machine. Make sure you are using a sharp needle. I am working on a piece and started having problems with the nylon breaking about 3/4 through the quilt (I started with a new needle when I started the quilt) after installing a new needle I am back in business. Good Luck!!
#15
I use the "smoke thread" to do all my sewing when making a quilt, I just called it light grey! I tried the tension thing and the spool in a cup and so far I'm back in action. Thank you so much for all you help!!
#18
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SW Iowa
Posts: 32,855
Originally Posted by Shadow Dancer
Smoke thread is a gray colored invisible thread the same as the clear...it's used when quilting dark colors so it doesn't show. The clear tends to shine when used on dark colors. :)
Don't know what sewers ease is though.
:)
Don't know what sewers ease is though.
:)
#20
Sewer's Aid is a silicone product that you spread on your spools from the applicator top on the product. It comes in a small container like fray check. I have used it for years It reduces friction between the thread and the metal/plastic parts of the machine, keeps the thread path lubricated as well as the lint down a bit from real thread. A single tube lasts a long time and it works wonders when you need it.
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