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

I rub a dryer sheet on my thread to keep it smooth.

What an informative thread! Glad I clicked!

I am going to try this one, seems the easiest and doesn't require a trip to the store. thanks.

This is true for quilting and all hand sewing. Once I was told this, I don't have trouble with twisting/knotting any more :D:D:D

Like SparkMonkey said, untwist your thread every few stitches. It doesn't matter what you coat your thread with if it gets twisted while stitching it will knot up. I use beeswax but still have to untwist the thread.

My thought exactly!

I also hand quilt. I find YLI thread is the best and has the least amount of getting tangled and knotted. If it does, it's easy to correct.

Wal-mart has tacky finger and most drug stores too.

Wal-mart has tacky finger and most drug stores too.

Glazed quilt thread works really well.

I agree. I love YLI. It's one of my favorites. The quality of the thread makes all the difference.

I wish there was a "like" button on here! When someone gives good advice or when its just something I strongly agree with, I'd like to hit the "like" button! lol!
My grandmother taught me the same thing about the end to knot. I use YLI thread. I still get the loops sometime. I just pull as much slack as possible out, put my needle directly under and against the thread where the knot is, and carefully lift upward. Most of the time, the knot always, always pops out.

Once in a while when your thread starts to twist, let it unspin itself. That should cut down on the knots.

Also, I use the glazed<?> cotton thread. It seems to make a difference on the hand-sewing.

I was told by a hand piecer and quilter from just above me in Elgin, QC that when you pull the thread off of a spool, you thread the end that was just cut off of the spool in the the needle first, knot it, then pull the thread the rest of the way to a usable length. The original firt cut will be at the end of your sewing and therefore will have come off of the spool in the opposit direction it was wound on and shouldn't twist.

I have yli silk so i shall try the cotton

Keep a sheet of Bounce handy and run your thread along it...I helps some time...

You might try waxing you thread which help keep the tangles quite.
IdahoSandy

How do you untwist? How do you know which which way it is twisted?

I have those little knots also, but I find that they usually will work out if I find which end to pull so that the loop gets quite small, then pull on both ends gently until the knot pops out to straight.

Your Quilt is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!

to untwist, pull your needle right up close to the quilt and let the thread hang. it will untwist itself. i usually run my fingers along the full length to help it along, then go back to quilting

this is a funky method but it works for me. pluck your length of thread like a guitar cord before using it, it will not knot!

Thanks -- I will try that next time.

I did notice that I get more knots when my hand is sweating -- I'm probably twisting the needle more? Hmm, I'll have to observe more closely.

I use the glazed thread too and it helps.

I love the things I learn here every day. thanks

Your quilt is beautiful!

this is a beautiful quilt..:) I love the colors and Im not a red color person...lol

I currently use "Americana" brand glazed cotton quilting thread and rarely have any problems w/ it-

This is a fun "thread", pun intended. Great info here and will add my beeswax to it!

I do knot thread at the spool end of thread. Put several needles on the thread before cutting each length.
I cut thread only between 18 to 20 inches long.
I use any wax I can find, I have some of my favorite sented votive candles that I use and it smells real nice while sewing.
I run my threaded needle under a low temp' iron after I wax it to remove excess wax. It gives the thread some body also, sort of like starching.
I drop the needle to let it untwist as I notice it curling.
I do still get knots, just not so often.

I love needling.
peace
:D

I think you will find this won't happen if you wax your thread before quilting. Keep on stitchin!

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