Invisible thread
 

I am almost ready to quilt my Patchwork Cheveron quilt (http://www.modabakeshop.com/2012/01/...ron-quilt.html). I am using Boho Urban Chiks fabric for the patchwork (http://www.lilybellafabrics.com/Boho...da_p_1464.html) which has many different colors in it.

I am planning on echo quilting in the white with white thread. I am going to use my decorative zig zag stitch in the patchwork but I can't decide what color of thread to use. I do have a very colorful variegated thread or I was also considering using invisible thread. How many of you guys quilt with invisible thread? What is the reason you choose to use it over a colored thread? I got a little crazy with the backing and decided to put some Dresden plates on there, so I'm wondering if it might be smart to quilt the whole thing with invisible thread so it doesn't take away from the back...

Thanks!

As long as you are comfortable sewing with invisible thread there's no reason you can't use it. If you haven't ever worked with it I would suggest doing some testing on scraps first. It can be hard to use at first. Also, if this is a quilt that will be used and washed, not a wall hanging type, I wouldn't use the invisible thread just because it's not as flexible as thread, and may not be as easily cared for. Just my opinion.

I use it sometimes, but most of the time, I go with "normal" thread - invisible seems so fragile for some reason - I do tend to use a decorative stitch for the quilting..I figure its going to show, so it might as well be something neat that is showing....I love the scollop to do quilting with,....if your machine has a stitch that is a zigzag with several stitches on each side of the zigzag, you can make it wider and increase the stitch lenght to about 3 and it will give you a nice scollop.....try playing with it......

There have been a few discussions on invisible thread and the consensus seems to be that many brands will become brittle over time and break. I've only ever used it in wall hangings and the odd seam - mostly to anchor a particular area in appliqué. I'm sure someone will be able to recommend a brand that will stand up to repeated washing.

As it's name suggests, it's also very difficult to see and although any mistakes might not be too obvious on the front, they may be more apparent on your back.

Personally, I would use a variegated such as King Tut as their colour change is every inch or so and I feel the subtler shades blend well, yet the brighter ones are very effective. Good luck!

I often use invisible thread when ditch stitching high contrast blocks. However I do have a few guidelines: I only use high quality thread such as YLI, and I never use it in the bobbin. Also, I find that decreasing the top tension slightly helps to keep it really invisible. Best wishes with your lovely quilt, it looks like it will be very pretty.

When I can't decide on what thread to use, I take the threads I'm thinking of using and drizzle some on the quilt top. I just u tbread some of the thread and let it fall on the top. Make sure it falls on a coiple of different fabrics, that way uou can see if uou like on there. Also, make zure you are in good light.

That works for me every time.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the invisible threads, but that's just me.

I have used invisble thread before and not had any issues. I have used YLI, Sulky and Superior - I like the cone base that YLI uses - I had troubles with Sulky and the Superior worked great. I used it when I first started quilting as it hides many errors. I have washed and dried those quilt many times in the past 15 years and not had any issues. I also almost never used the invisible in the bobbin - if you do MAKE SURE that you do not wind your bobbin all the way full, can stretch and pop you bobbin out of shape if you do.

The other thing you might want to try is take a few of your scraps, lay them down on a pratice sandwich (backing, batting and then the fabric scraps on top) and try a couple of colors. I am thinking that maybe a dark beige or light to medium tan might work well on them. It really amazes me sometimes how different the thread color (how it sometimes really blends) when it is actually stitched in. I tried this recently with just the scraps left over after cutting and it really worked well - I ended up going with a thread that I never would have thought of.

I had some invisible thread and now I can't find it. No, really, that's true. But I chuckle about it, because I figure the reason I can't find it is because -- it's invisible!

If you use invisible thread, don't use the nylon invisible thread. That is the stuff that deteriorates and breaks over time.

Instead, use polyester invisible thread. It will outlive you while still feeling supple and soft.

YLI, Superior -- and Coats & Clarks -- all make polyester invisible thread. And in my heart of hearts, I doubt any one is better than the other.

I like to use invisible thread, especially when I want the piecing to be the "star". I haven't used it in the bobbin yet, but I am ready to try that.

I started out using invisible thread on a table runner and liked it so much I have used it on several quilts. No problems with it and I like the affect it has on some quilts. I often use invisible thread in the bobbin, depending on my backing fabric. The one thing I like about using the invisible thread in the bobbin is that the thread is so thin you can fit a lot on it which means you can sew for a long time without having to fill your bobbin again. Good luck with your quilt - I am sure it will turn out really pretty.