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-   -   does putting thread in the freezer work? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/does-putting-thread-freezer-work-t185067.html)

mopec 04-06-2012 05:50 AM

I would be VERY careful about using mineral oil with some machines. I have a HV Diamond and would never do that.

Originally Posted by yweiss (Post 5120690)
I recently attended a Sharon Schamber workshop and she recommends dunking the whole spool of thread in mineral oil from the drugstore. You then wipe of the outside. It actually oils your machine and the thread also becomes lubricated. I've actually tried it and it really works. She says she never has trouble with her machines any more.


Geri B 04-06-2012 05:54 AM

Am a longarmer too and when I have a spool of thread that keeps shredding for no reason-after I have done a complete check/maintenance of machine....I will spritz the spool with some water.....just enough to dampen it and it will stop misbehaving. And, yes, putting in fridge overnight has been done, but sometimes just a small spritz and a ziplock bag while you have a cuppa will tame that thread.........

sniktasemaj 04-06-2012 05:54 AM

When I was a child, we hung our clothes on a line to dry. In winter, when they froze, they were much softer. Perhaps its the same, that freezing softens the fibers.

hoppa 04-06-2012 06:00 AM

this is interesting as never heard this before

pls1946 04-06-2012 06:11 AM

I had never heard of this before, but love the lively discussion!

soozieq2 04-06-2012 06:18 AM


Originally Posted by yweiss (Post 5120690)
I recently attended a Sharon Schamber workshop and she recommends dunking the whole spool of thread in mineral oil from the drugstore. You then wipe of the outside. It actually oils your machine and the thread also becomes lubricated. I've actually tried it and it really works. She says she never has trouble with her machines any more.

Now, that sounds really messy and scarey!

wendiq 04-06-2012 06:23 AM

According to Bob Purcell of Superior Threads, this is an old wives tale. The freezer actually takes moisture from the thread causing it to dry out and making it more brittle. Quality thread does not break....of course, the needle, tension, etc., play a large part......And while all machines are different, they will all use the same threads as long as the proper needle, tension, etc. is employed......I'm not an expert, but I do believe Bob knows his stuff. You can go to www.superiorthread.com for more information. I have no affiliation....just a fan....:)

quiltingshorttimer 04-06-2012 06:40 AM


Originally Posted by wendiq (Post 5120834)
According to Bob Purcell of Superior Threads, this is an old wives tale. The freezer actually takes moisture from the thread causing it to dry out and making it more brittle. Quality thread does not break....of course, the needle, tension, etc., play a large part......And while all machines are different, they will all use the same threads as long as the proper needle, tension, etc. is employed......I'm not an expert, but I do believe Bob knows his stuff. You can go to www.superiorthread.com for more information. I have no affiliation....just a fan....:)

What I was told was you put the thread into a baggie into freezer and then let thaw--the thawing will cause it to draw moisture into the thread, which will make it more supple. Never tried it though!

BarbaraSue 04-06-2012 07:35 AM

Not only does freezing remove moisture, but colder things are constricted more so than warm. Maybe that is the benefit to look for. I don't think it can hurt the thread, so give it a try. :thumbup:

ziegamomma 04-06-2012 08:32 AM

I guess you could test the freezer method by winding two bobbins of the same school of thread, put one in the freezer and then see which one sew better.
I remember mother freezing the dampened clothes prior to ironing and the clothes ironed much better. I know from experience with church linens that 100% linen must not be dried in the dryer, instead, put the damp linens in the freezer in a zip bag and iron them with a dry iron. NO starch. Your linen will be crisp and beautiful. Works well for cotton too. Remember that bugs tend to like starch.


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