Does anyone have any hints or how to's when using transparent thread to keep it was getting wrapped around the thread holder and numerous other problems with it while sewing?


Thank you so very much
Pam

Some of those need time to "relax" I have a separate holder to give it some distance from the tension discs to relax. Many others just plop the spool in a canning jar next to the machine. They can be a pain, just give is more "space"

I, too, put the spool in a small container behind the machine, directly below the spool spindle.

I also tape a closed safety pin upside down (loop end extends beyond the top of the machine) to the back of the machine and thread the invisible thread through the "loop". The loop acts a trolley that helps to guide the "thread" into the threading mechanism of the machine.

Once I discovered to do that, I have no issues with using the "invisible thread" as a top thread.

I haven't had such good luck using it in the bobbin (and that includes purchasing the "thread" on pre-wound bobbins).

Hope this trick helps.

m.

You are better off using a separate thread stand with the transparent thread. You want a heavy duty one with the metal base. Not the plastic based one from JoAnns. I've had both so am speaking from experience.

I actually use the tread stand with all my thread.

Also be sure to loosen your top tension when using invisible thread on top. Otherwise the thread will stretch when you sew and cause problems.

Good point prism99

Great tips! I've wanted to try this thread also, but heard that it was hard to work with. Also, nice to hear about the thread stands. My machine doesn't have an upright thread spool and I'd like to use some of the larger cones.

CindyBee, the thread stand is great for that. I have a lot of Superior Thread cones and that works great.

Also, Superior Threads has a mono/poly transparent thread. It's awesome. You can go to www.superiorthreads.com and check out all their thread. I use MasterPiece by Alex Anderson for all my piecing. And their Bottom Line for bobbin. They have great thread for quilting too.

I took a quilting class that was taught by a well-known quilter who does all her quilting on a home sewing machine. She suggested a product called "Sewer's Aid" for nylon and metallic threads. While working on a memory quilt recently, I grew increasingly frustrated by the thread not feeding through discs well, breaking, etc. Finally ran a bead of QA down the spool and could not believe the immediate difference! I'm sold, and would definitely recommend it.

I put on a thread net on my transparent thread. Also, use a spool holder on the end of the spool pin.
When winding the specialty thread on the bobbin do not thread it though the needle, as it will stretch the thread.
Thread of choice for me is Sulky. Hope this helps along with the other hints. :)

Thank you thank you thank you for all the great idea. I'm sure they will help to solve the problem.

Thank you so ever much.

Pam

any tricks for a longarm?

B, do you want to cover one, or stretch one? :mrgreen:

I use a drop of Quilter's Aid on every thread I use. I think it makes a world of difference when winding bobbins. I use it on my computerized machine and vintage machines. It keeps the friction down so not as much lint from the cotton threads. My machine guys says my machines never have a lint build up. As for the transparent thread, poly is the best, not nylon. Nylon stretches too much and will break.

i'm using poly now and it's wrapping itself around the spindle. there's no room on the sled for another thread holder. any suggestions?

bw, I use a fairly loose fitting net on mine.

:thumbup:
thanks.

You can place the spool in a cup or jar behind the machine and just thread around the spindle as if it were part of the thread path. What can really help in this situation (aside from a thread net) is an "outrigger". This is just a plastic stick with a hole at one end allowing it to slide onto the spindle and another hole -- at the other end, of course -- through which you pass the thread. This feeds the thread so it has no chance of wrapping around the spindle.

If you don't have an outrigger, tape a closed safety pin on the back of your machine so the round hole sticks up above your machine on the far right. Place the thread in a jar behind the machine and thread through the safety pin circle, ignoring the spindle.

the way the lizzie is set up, the thread comes off the spool, straight up, through an arm that has a hole for the thread, and then forward through a series of threadways on the way to the needle. since the thread is already going straight up through a hole in an arm, what else can be done to keep it from wrapping? it doesn't happen with any other thread.

To keep from chasing the thread ends, that I have trouble seeing, I use a piece of transparent tape and when I finish the seam I tape them down before I cut them. Then I always know where they are.

Are you using a thread net? I would try that first. Otherwise, I would ask about this on the homequiltingsystems list at http://groups.yahoo.com . Someone with a Lizzie may know of a specific fix for this problem.

i have a 40% coupon from joann's that i'll use for the net. i never thought of that. thanks. if that doesn't work i'll go to the lizzie yahoo group. i have a yahoo mailbox also.