Monofilament thread help
 

Good day all! I am planning on quilting my baby quilt with monofilament thread and have never done it before. Do I use regular thread in the bobbin? Any tips for using this thread? Thank you in advance as you are all so helpful!

QuiltsRock ... I've only used monofilament in classes, and there they have said to use regular thread for the bobbin. I don't particularly care for it, as when using it in a class, it got all wrapped around the spindles and I had quite a mess. I could not see it to solve the problem! Thankfully it was the dealer's class for learning how to use my new machine. She patiently got it all off my machine and thus started my not so much love for the stuff! :) And no doubt, there'll be a day when I know I "need" to use it, and will then tackle the stuff! :)

How's the ice in the far east? :D

Thank you for that info as I was actually worried about that. I was looking at it and remembering my fishing days, lol! Lots of snags!

I have used it successfully, but only in situations where I could not use regular thread. I found that it is by far the best to use a top quality monofilament, not one that's like fine fishing line. I used regular thread in the bobbin.

Just remember ... the info did not come from any pro on the matter. I'm sure there are others who have a lot more knowledge, experience and know-how to share!

Another tidbit that I picked up here on the QB ... many do not use monofilament on baby quilts, for fear that the child chews and then ultimately swallows it or wraps it around themselves. Although I think the same could happen with other threads too, but I guess with this being plastic (or whatever it is!) it could be more of a concern. Don't really know ... though it does make sense to me.

I use monofilament a lot and the BIGGEST tip I can give you is make sure you get a polyester monofilament and avoid nylon. Superior Threads sells a good and inexpensive mono-poly on their website and they have low shipping. I have found that the poly is catching on and you might be able to find it in one of the big box stores but you'll have to look at the label.

The next tip is to use a size 10 needle - it's the size I use whenever I use any kind of polyester thread. It's a thinner more delicate thread so you need a smaller needle. Most people have better results with a different thread in the bobbin, I would suggest a polyester that feels and looks like a cotton. It will still be thin and strong like the monopoly, but it will also have a little grip. A slippery shiny polyester might be a little more tricky to work with, but it's doable.

Just a little note, something to think about. I really don't recommend any kind of invisible monofilament threads in a baby quilt. All you need is one little loop to catch on the baby and it could become a very dangerous situation. Because it's such a tricky stretchy slippery thread it's very easy to conceive that a loop could happen, and I just find it unsafe for little ones.

Good luck whatever you choose, and we of course want to see pictures when you're done!

Whoa! I never even thought about that, thanks so much for mentioning that! I am going back to square 1 with my idea for quilting this baby quilt.

I have a couple of table runners to do so will practise on them. Thanks for all the help!

If you're wanting something that's not so noticeable ... I love Invisafil 100 wt or Wonderfil 80 wt threads. Very fine/thin and lots of colour choices. It lets you get the quilting done, without the thread taking the forefront of the results.And another bonus, to me ... that all means that my not-so-perfect quilting is a little less noticeable! :)

I wouldn't use mono for a baby quilt. Just in case stitching comes out and kiddo tries to eat it. But that is just me.

I replied pretty much the same about the kiddo eating it. Didn't think of wrapping a finger or arm or leg or neck around it.

I wouldn't use monofilament thread on a baby quilt. The ends tend to poke you--think labels in the necks of shirts that continually stab you. If you match the thread to the color of the quilt, it will blend right in. That concern is in addition to the concern regarding loops getting wrapped around tiny fingers and toes, or worse. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Sue

don't rec. monofilament esp. for baby. If it comes loose, it pinches

Oh as to your ice question- it was awful this morning and into the afternoon, and now it's just sleet, but.....what happened to Spring????

Ok will do that as I have some really light colors and some dark primary colors in this quilt and the backing is a dark blue, so was obsessing about what color to use.

Instead of using nylon use polyester invisible thread. It is much, much easier to use. I found the regular invisible thread to be a huge pain to work with, while the poly worked fine.

Yes, top quality monofilament has made a huge difference in my work too. I prefer doubling it up in the needle. I use a 10 spool thread stand on my machine, so the spools sit side by side, and it is fairly easy to run both threads through the machine. I use a 90/14 sharp needle with polyester thread in the bobbin.

What about for appliqueing? Should you try to match the applique or just use the monofilament. Seems matching would really slow you down.

Have you thought about using a variegated cotton thread?

Ours was a wicked day yesterday too. This morning, the meltdown is starting and it's a typical spring gloomy day ... though so far still just around freezing. As for Spring, they say it is on Monday ... 20C! Mother Nature sure does have has a warped sense of humour! :)

I've used monofilament on three projects and found that using a "metallic/monofilament" needle really helps. My bobbin is also wound with monofilament. I used the Signature transparent size .004 that Joann's carries. As others have said, because it is invisible it's difficult to see whether you have pokey ends sticking up, so I make sure to cut the tails as soon as I'm a few stitches along the row because I'll never find them again.

I have used YLI and Sew Art monofilament nylon a lot, and have had no troubles with it. I usually use a 70/10 needle, and regular thread in the bobbin. I have used it both for applique, and for quilting. I do plan on buying some of the polyester the next time I need some invisible thread, but am going to use what I have first.

I use to use the monofilament thread. Not always easy to see and keep from getting tangled. With better lighting I may try it again.