invisible thread on baby quilt
 

Is there any reason not to use invisible thread to quilt a baby quilt? It seems like I heard somewhere that the clear polyester thread is dangerous for little ones, who can get it wrapped around their fingers if it comes loose. Anyone else ever heard that?

yes I would definitely shy away from using it.... I've only used it on one quilt and honestly will probably never use it again. Too many pretty colored threads to go with clear LOL

Just want to say congrats. Like your avatar ��

I would not use it for baby or child quilt, either, due to the stated reasons. I figure why take a chance.

I don't use it in any of my quilts. I used it on one of my early quilts & before long the threads starting appearing loose. I've never used it again. I say NO for baby/child quilts for sure.

Can get wrapped around fingers and toes and cut off circulation. Don't use

I'm not trying to be a thorn in anyone's side here, but...why is there a difference between any other quilting thread and the invisible in terms of it coming loose and getting wrapped around tiny fingers/toes???

I hand quilt so don't use the invisible but still...curious minds want to know??

Personally I would only use nylon invisible thread for wall hangings. It does not stand up to the wear and tear and washing and drying of utilitarian quilts. MHO

The older invisible thread was made of nylon and would stretch and could be caught on little fingers and toes. The newer thread is made of polyester and performs like any other polyester thread so shouldn't be a problem. I have used it a few times with good results.

I agree. I've heard that, but I have never ever been able to find a quilter who said this actually happened to her or a quilt she made.

I've used invisible thread on a lot of quilts for my grandchildren and have had no problem. Same as for all things around children--responsibility rests with adults who use the product. If threads become loose, the adult needs to take care of it. Traditional threads can wrap around little fingers and toes, too.

Would not use it for all of the above reasons. There is no reason to take chances when there are so many beautiful threads to choose from that add a wonderful quilted look that you can see.

Someone mentioned even regular thread can wrap around a small finger and toe. I think the difference is you are more likely to see a regular thread than the invisible thread when it is loose.

I think that's a wive's tale. But, just in case, don't use it. I think the idea is that if it happens, it can't be seen to be removed after the baby is away from the quilt. But also, it won't hold up. Invisible thread is like sewing with hair. It's for art quilts, wall hangings and show quilts. It stretches easily and breaks.

I use YLI Monofiliment thread on most of my quilts including baby quilts. I like to see the texture of the quilting instead of thread colors that compete with the piecing. The piecing is always the star.

I've never had a problem with threads coming loose, and I make sure that the stitches are small enough to prevent tiny fingers and toes from catching on them.

I learned about this monofiliment thread from a class that I took from Harriett Hargrave. She recommended using it for baby quilts too. She was adament that YLI was the best brand to use. It works for me.

The old nylon invisible thread did stretch and come loose. It also wasn't very bleach or even hot water friendly for baby quilts. The only issue I could think of with polyester invisible thread is just that it is so hard to see any stitches which would pull out and wrap around little fingers or toes. The one I just used on a wall hanging is 90 weight, very very fine. It is the very devil to see! There are other polyester threads in 90-100 weight that have color that might be a better choice.

Think of it like thin fishing line. If it gets loose, it forms loops that will not break or chew thru. This is the dangerous part. A small finger or toe gets caught in that loop and can't break it. I am not usually that concerned about cotton vs. poly cotton thread except when making baby quilts. Then I use 100% cotton thread for this very reason. If after repeated washings a thread breaks, I can repair it. But in reality, the quilts we make today, while treasured, are not kept as heirlooms.

i use it too. On lots of quilts. Holds up just fine through use and laundering, have never had a problem and it is nothing like the old ( fishing line) invisible thread of days gone by. I use YLI and the one from Superior Threads ( my favorite- since it comes in a large cone and goes a really long way)- it's an Aurifil brand.

Any thread can be a hazard,but that doesn't mean it will be. I used monofilament on quilts to send to college with my older kids 17-18 years ago. They are fine. Their kids use them now, no problems.
On the other hand, one DD as a baby nearly lost the end of a toe due to a thread in her sleeper. It wasn't a new sleeper, it had already been worn by 3 other kids. So while it can happen it probably won't. Mom's long hair can create the same risk.

Now THIS I've heard personal accounts of. I used to check their sleepers for threads about once a month or so.

eta: Another thing I've heard of recently - "dangly" bits getting caught in that hole-y lining they sew into boys' swimming trunks. In fact, my son and I are going on a boy scout sailboat trip to the Bahamas soon, and the ship's captain has it in writing to cut out that lining and wear underwear instead.

Congratulations! I always thought women exaggerated the joy of grandparenthood. Then I became one and it is not an exaggeration. It is totally wonderful!

Another problem with this thread, if the end gets loose, it is a little pokey. Think about labels sewn into t-shirts. A friend of mine had long hair and somehow a strand got wrapped around her baby's private part. She couldn't see it--just that something was causing swelling. I wouldn't take a chance with a baby quilt or a quilt meant for a small child.
Sue

When my son was a baby, his toe got caught in some loose invisible thread that was in his quilt. He nearly lost his toe. I don't ever use anything but cotton threads in baby quilts for just this reason.
Sharon in Texas