Invisible Thread ?
 

I've never used this and want to know what I have to know to get it right. I want to applique with it. What do I use on the bobbin? Any tricks?

I use regular thread or sometimes bobbins thread on the bottom with the invisible thread on top and don't really have any problems with it. I do have to drop my top tension on my Bernina or it will break the thread. I think Bernina used to tend to set their top tension a bit tight (at least it seems that way on my machine) but it's pretty easy to loosen it up.

I have a love-hate relationship with invisible thread. I've used it extensively on McKenna Ryan applique quilts, and I think it is the right choice for the technique, but it's always a struggle for me.

Let me preface this by saying I could be doing something wrong, so take my advice with a grain of salt. I have two machines: a Brother CS6000i and a Brother PQ-1500SL. For some reason, my little old CS6000i tolerates the invisible thread but the 1500 hates it. I just cannot get the tension right on that machine. So I end up cramming my quilts through the tiny harp on the CS6000i (other than this one quirk, I Looove my 1500, it's a fantastic machine!). Hopefully you have better luck than me.
I always use regular cotton piecing thread in the bobbin. I just do a straight stitch around the edges of my applique pieces, I save the satin or blanket stitches for when I'm using cotton thread on top. It's a great technique for applique (especially if you're just going to use it as a wall hanging), but has it's limitations: no ironing, questionable longevity, can be difficult to work with. Good luck!

The only invisible thread I use is Superior Threads. I have not had any luck with any other brands. I also us a needle with a bigger hole. The smaller ones tend to melt the thread. I sometimes also place the thread cone in a cup to the right of the machine. That seems to allow the thread to "relax" before it hits the needle.

I use invisible thread in top and bobbin.

I use invisible thread often for appliqué. I use Aurifil monofilament from Superior Threads, it is great thread. I use regular thread in my bobbin that is usually just a neutral, light or medium gray or cream, depending on the background fabric. I use a blanket stitch for my appliqué most often, really don’t like satin stitch and don’t know how it would work with the invisible thread. Once in a while I do use a small zigzag. I also use the same Aurifil invisible thread for quilting. I do have to loosen my top tension a bit when using it on my longarm.

whether using a spool or a cone, use a thread net so that it comes off the spool/cone smoothly. My best tip--little larger needled that you'd use for the wt it is and lots of light cause it's hard to see!

I love the effect of using invisible thread for applique. I use invisible thread for a straight stitch or very small zig zag stitch. The bobbin is piecing thread, cotton and neutral, as others have said. The instruction book gave me the setting for tension, so if you have your book, you could check that or go online for your machine to see if you can figure that part out. Practice a few small items first, then have fun!

A couple of additional tips for you. The auto threaders don't usually work with the INV thread. You have to thread the needle.

Slow the machine speed down and don't sew at the fast speed.

I use a thread stand and place it behind machine. It allows the thread to come off the spool without twisting. If there are kinks the thread will break. I don't adjust tension on my machines so have no advice.

Good luck!

I’m not familiar with the term thread net. Can someone give a description? Thanks.