Coolest tip ever: Turning an Aurifil Spool around.
 

Ok, this made my day. (but I'm easily amused! lol)

If you look at your sewing machine's threading instructions for horizontal spools, it seems that most give the directions of having the thread come from the back, over the top of the spool, (towards you ), and then off to the rest of the machine.

Well, if you look at a spool of Aurifil, it's wound backwards from that if you want the "butt" of the spool to be on your right (and it just *seems* right to have that base of the spool to the right!).

I saw the coolest thing on Instagram last week... you can take the spool apart and reverse it so that thread is feeding properly.

I think this is the coolest thing ever. And it seems like it does make nicer stitches on my Babylock.

I'll never get this whole twist thing figured out. It's just easier to do what I'm told. lol

Thanks for the info, will have to try this. :)

Aurifil thread is wound differently than American wound threads. It is 'backward' as you mentioned. You just need to reverse the spool cap as you have mentioned.

Yeah... *heck!* ... I didn't know those spools came apart! :o

Thanks for the tip, I just changed the end of the spool around and will try it when I start sewing today. LOL

This short video explains how thread unwinds. It's simple and easy to remember.

http://www.superiorthreads.com/video...thread-holder/

Did you know machine manufacturers started using the horizontal spool pins because it was cheaper to produce that way? Also making less thread guides to save money. The more thread guides (look at the vintage machines) the better thread flow.

I use mine with a thread stand so never even noticed....thanks for the tip.

Every day that I log on to the Quilting Board I know that I will learn something new, today is no exception. Thanks for the hint on the thread spool.

I always knew that I'd never know everything, but I am constantly amazed by how much there is to learn. Thanks, RipStitcher

Maybe I just don't get it but why can't you just turn the spool around and use the larger spool cap provided with your machine. Why do you have to take the end off the spool? I tried to take my off and it wouldn't budge. What am I missing here?

I'm not getting this, either, and my thread is supposed to wind "underhand," or up from the bottom. Seems like you could flip the spool over.

Hugs,
Charlotte

I always use my thread stand from Superior Threads and the instructions that came with it tell me how to handle the spool. I never bother with the one on my machine anymore.

I'm with you....why can't you just flip the spool....also use the Superior Thread stand...smooth sewing.

On my machine having the big spool end at the left on the horizontal spool pin doesn't work that great even using the machine spool end cover. The end of Aurifil pops off easy on every spool I own. I have the Superior thread stand and it's great.

This is a great tip. I shared it with my small guild yesterday and no one knew about it. Thanks.

I use mine with a thread stand also--or if using on the machine pin I place it vertically, but good to know you can reverse the ends--I do so love Aurifil.

Ditto - that is a great stand - it can handle just about any configuration. And EVERYTHING goes better with it - no more spools sliding up or sliding across or end-caps flying off or catching on the thread...I had been told I could make my own, and I tried, but that superior stand is worth its weight in gold IMHO.

My thoughts too.....

lol....

I'll fully admit to being a little OCD when it comes to sewing stuff. :o I like pretty machines and I'm probably the only person that doesn't mind watching a bobbin wind. I just love the whole process of sewing and playing with the machine. :)

Those darn Aurifil spools look just *wrong* with their orange butt end to the left on my machine, to me, anyway. :)

I have a thread stand for the back of the machine I use the most... but to be honest, I don't like using it (it's prettier without it - lol) and while I fully agree the Superior thread stand is a useful thing, I don't like the looks of it, nor do I want one more thing on my sewing table. I like having the thread where it *belongs* ...on the machine. lol.

See my previous post... I'm a little warped, I guess, in finding enjoyment in seeing the orange butt end to the right when I sew. :o

I switched all of mine around, and it just took a little wiggle and they all popped right off.... so not sure why yours wouldn't.

As for spool caps - I rarely use mine. The thread feeds off of the spools just fine without the spool turning or moving on the spindle for me. But again, I'm not a high-speed sewer... so maybe the lead-foots out there might need those caps to batten everything down. :)

I piece with bright red Aurifil thread because it's fun to see red thread on my machine (and I have 24 spools of red Aurifil to use up).
Unless the fabric is white or very light you can't see what color thread is used to piece with.

That is a fabulous tip! Thank you for sharing! Ditto on the Superior thread stand...♥ it!!

I agree w/Citruscountryquilter. In fact if you go to the Aurifil sight it tells you to simple turn it fat side left with the larger cap. But didn't know the cap was reversible.

:) Sew glad I'm not the only one who uses red Aurifil thread to piece! It makes me smile :)

RipStitcher you are hilarious.:D:D

Many of us have some ritual thing that keeps our sewing in order for us. I for one cannot have my thread cones butt end in the air. There is something just wrong with that. Nor can my spool be on the 'wrong' side of my machine. Visually it all needs to be in order for me. I am so glad my Aurifil spool caps can snap off and back on.

You two are ****rebels*****!! :D :D :D :D :D

It's nice to know I'm in good company. :)

Note to self: Add red Aurifil to shopping list. :)

If you saw my sewing table... and then saw my cutting table... you wouldn't think they were managed by the same person. It's a total Felix/Oscar thing. LOL

All kidding aside, I just love the *process* of it all... and maybe having all my toys arranged around my machine makes me as happy as feeling free when I pitch a cut of fabric to the side (making a pile by the time the project is done!) .

This sewing thing is about 90% mental/emotional, I think. LOL

Thanks for sharing....