I love to hand quilt but get frustrated when the thread loops itself into a small knot in the wrong place. I have tried shorter lengths of thread also longer doesnt make any difference. Is it the thread, does anyone else have this problem or is it my technique.

Have you tried waxing your thread?

I had this problem until I started buying glazed handquilting thread (I use Gutermann brand, but there are others). It's kind of wiry, and on the rare occasion it does loop into a small knot I can usually pick it out pretty easily.

Also, try to avoid rolling the needle too much. Twisted thread will knot more easily.

Be sure to tie the knot at the end you take off the spool. It has to do with the way the twist comes off the spool.

There are a couple of things you can try - coating the thread with beeswax or Thread Heaven, for one. The other is to knot the other end of the thread, opposite from where you usually thread it. Sounds weird, but it works.

Once I started knotting the cut end closest to the spool, I stopped having as many knots.

okey -dokey I will carry on then I have Guiterman hand quilting thread maybe its me lol

I use Thread Heaven to 'condition' my thread. I like it far better than beeswax. It does help but doesn't solve the problem completely. If it's a 'technique' issue then I have the same problem. It think it's just a law of nature. When I run into the problem repeatedly I try to make it a point to pay closer attention and 'unloop' my thread before pulling it tight. Doesn't always help and I end up cutting thread, knotting, burying and starting again. Sometimes I just let it go if there's not a big loop.

I recommend using "Tacky Finger" or some such product. You get it at the office3 supply. It is for using when counting paper or money. I have used bees wax and the Thread Heaven. One day I couldn't find either but I had the tacky finger stuff. I use it on my needle hand to keep the needle from slipping. It worked great. Less tangling now than before, in fact sometimes no tangle at all.
I highly recommmend it.

Good ideas I will see if I can get something here in Western Australia

Waxing the thread is the only way I have found to help.

HERE IS A LINK TO JOANNS AND WHAT i USE.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/p...PRODID=prd2989