Hi I need help! I started machine quilting a quilt...got a section say 15"x 4" done. I had a side piece to test out the tension and stuff. Things were looking good. Then I rolled it... OMG, eyelashes all over the place. So I started taking all those loops and stars out. I wanted to cry. Tedious but had to be done. Now, the top is released from the batting anfd backing. How do I get rid on the kazillion little pieces of thread on the top and back? Can I throw them in the washer and dryer and hope that will do it? Do I have to spend the rest of my life picking threads??? Advice please... Thanks in advance. I know you ladies know what to do.

Maybe a lint roller

I use a lint roller with the adhesive or masking type tape.

Do not throw it in the washer unless you want a tangled mess. Do as others have suggested and use a sticky lint roller or masking tape. I put the masking tape circled around my hand (inside out) and pat,pat, pat over the area. Any stubborn bits can be pulled out with the tweezers.

Lint roller, sticky side of tape, OR, try the hook side of Velcro, slide it across the threads.

To heck with the lint roller - get some wide packing tape - make a large loop sticky side out around your hand and "pat" away. It is MUCH stickier than a lint roller (now you wonder why I know this . . . LOL) and works so much quicker and easier (at least for me).

Before you "rip out" next time - I have found if you have loops on the back, if you clip the back thread once where it goes around the curves - the piece of backing thread pulls out easily. Then the top thread is not held down and it too pulls out in a long strand.

Sorry - Good Luck!

I use an old soft bristle hair brush to help remove the little pieces of thread and then a lint roller or a piece of tape wrapped around my hand.

I always use the blue painters tape to pick up little threads.

I have had that happen a couple of times and hate it. I thread the machine and check the bobbin and then all is well. I never know why it really happens. Tape or lint roller is a great idea for removing the loose threads after picking.

I just knew you all would help! I will try your suggestions tomorrow and hopefully be back to quilting...and hope the tension trolls stay away. Many thanks. This is the best group.