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-   -   Free motion with white thread on white fabric I cant see! (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/free-motion-white-thread-white-fabric-i-cant-see-t132349.html)

leatheflea 06-22-2011 11:07 AM

How in the world do you gals do it? I'm having a heck of a time. The thread blends in so well that I cant see to backtrack if needed. Maybe its the lighting or that Im using a domestic machine on a table. Is it easier with a longarm machine and frame? Being that I'm getting older and the old eyes arent as good as they used to be I thought maybe I should put on my glasses, that didn't help either.

erstan947 06-22-2011 11:10 AM

I feel your pain....I have been doing black thread on black fabric.....eeks! I can't tell where I'm going!!

leatheflea 06-22-2011 11:35 AM

I figured it out, its the light! I cant shut it off so I put a piece of black tape over it. Can see perfectly now!

feline fanatic 06-22-2011 11:39 AM

Wow! Good thinking! I am having trouble with a quilt on my LA now not being able to see the thread on the fabric. It never would have occurred to me to use less light! I will try that and see if it helps me too. Thanks for posting.

CoyoteQuilts 06-22-2011 11:58 AM

Also, have been told that a black light helps with this problem especially on long arms.

PaperPrincess 06-22-2011 01:48 PM


Originally Posted by feline fanatic
Wow! Good thinking! I am having trouble with a quilt on my LA now not being able to see the thread on the fabric. It never would have occurred to me to use less light! I will try that and see if it helps me too. Thanks for posting.

I too have been having the same problem. I've got a new LA, and was trying to do red on red. I figured if the thread matched, boo boos would be less noticeable. Had a heck of a time. I'll try playing with the lighting. Thanks so much for the tip.

skippitydodahquilts 06-22-2011 01:50 PM

I quilt in the dark, only letting the natural light in from the windows. It allows me to see the thread better so I don't make as many mistakes. I might be young, but my eyesight isn't!

whinnytoo 06-22-2011 01:51 PM

It is a major PITA , sometimes a differnt light from an angle helps too

ube quilting 06-22-2011 03:36 PM

I tape a small flash light on its' side to throw a shadow on the fabric. I hold it in place with low tack painters tape. It leaves no residue and is never on the quilt long enough to do any damage. This might work for you too. At least it is worth a try.
peace :D

QuiltnNan 06-22-2011 05:58 PM


Originally Posted by ube quilting
I tape a small flash light on its' side to throw a shadow on the fabric. I hold it in place with low tack painters tape. It leaves no residue and is never on the quilt long enough to do any damage. This might work for you too. At least it is worth a try.
peace :D

pretty neat idea. thanks


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