New Spool of Thread, HELP
 

I can't believe this. I can't find the starter thread on a new spool of thread. I've been snipping here and there and nothing. Ever have this problem? Any suggestions?

What is the thread? Brand and size of spool.

all the time, more than you think. I try to start it with a point of a seam ripper, I also keep a nail file by the machine, to smooth down any rough spots on the top of the spool. now I try to start it at the store b4 I buy it.

I just had that happen yesterday. Finally found the right one, but had already snipped the wrong one. So I'll just wait until the thread winds down to that point and rethread.

All my thread spools have the snap ends. It's almost impossible to find the start of the thread without unsnapping the cap. Once the end is snapped open the end is right there.

I often have trouble finding the end, but the trick is not to start snipping the thread because then you'll wind up with a mess. I do what Tartan does, but usually with a needle rather than a seam ripper. And first I put on my glasses and take a good look to see if I can figure it out.

i was right there with you yesterday :)

That is one thing I have never had a problem with Mettler thread. The end is always so nicely stuck out easily to grab.

I use the same method as Tartan - with a straight pin.

What are the brands of thread everyone is using that has this problem?

When I use Aurifil I take the off the end cap off and there It is! I don't usually have any problems with any other.

I have had that happen so many times. I blow on it (all around it if needed) & quite often I find the end.

I tend to use a pin or needle if that fails the seam ripper. I've had the problem with different makes of thread no one better than the other. Just pot luck if you get an easy start.

Lol....I really love this board! I spent 15" yesterday trying to find the end of a new spool of aurifil black thread....gave up and used navy! I removed the end cap and still had no luck. Will try again today! It's nice to know I am in good company!

This is what I do.

I've never had that problem so bad that I had to snip anything, but when the snap end caps came out, not that many years ago, I had no idea how to handle them. I was pulling the thread into the crack until it held. Then someone told it to snap it out. There are no directions on the spool, and none in the store, so you're just suppose to KNOW somehow.

Thank you to all for your suggestions. It's so nice to come to this board to ask questions, get answers, and find out I'm not alone. I was really feeling like a noodle head. I probably wasted enough thread to complete a quilt.

Back to pping!

Yes, I also have. And, stupidly snipped the thread close to the surface. Wish I had thought to ask here on the QB for suggestions. I hate wasting thread. I no longer think it's the cheapest part of quilting. Cheaper, but...I'm sure you get the point. I will definitely try the pin method next time. It used to never happen. But, lately, it seems to be happening more and more. I can see, I will need to keep up with my orders of thread to Connecting Threads. Their spools have the end right there. But, you know, there is always that last minute purchase for the perfect match. lol

I had that problem last week with Coats and Clark but in reverse - found the end and did my sewing. Then I couldn't find the notch to put it back in. Finally just made a new one with my exacto knife. But this time I took a Sharpie and marked the new notch. As I have time, I am going back to do this with all my spools that have notches.

Wouldn't it be nice if the thread companies could put a dot of color on the beginning thread. They could have a dark color for the light threads and a light color for the dark threads. And they could build that coloring process into the snipper they use to cut the threads after spooling them.

Would a piece of tape help? Try sticking it off and on around the thread.

Some companies have a bottom that moves down & that keeps the end of the thread safe & neat. Some of the brands are aurifil, Isacord & I know of 1 other but can't think of the name right now. There may also be others. Check & see if the
top or bottom moves slightly hiding the end of the thread.

I too think this is a problem with the new threads. I really am annoyed when the spool has a burr in the rim that catches the thread too. I have tried some of the newer and better brands and they seem to have the same problem. I just hate to waste thread.. maybe I'm getting old.

I use Aurifil and the end is always under the cap . . .and since I switch the caps on mine to unwind better n my Bernina, it's something I would have done anyway. However, I don't use Aurifil for garment making because it's too difficult to use for gathering. Both Gutterman's and Metrosene have the end wrapped around an end.

I have only had that happen on one pre-wound bobbin, once. Was so frustrating, but if it had been a spool of thread, I would really have been irritated.

Magnifying glass and needle. When I'm done with it, I knot the end and tiny strip of tape.

What is worse are the pre-threaded bobbins. Often the start thread is buried some where and next to impossible to find. Any one know the secret?

If you look at the label on the top of the spool of thread, you can generally find where the thread was brought through a small slit in the top of the spool, covered by the label. I take a needle or pin, then pull the thread out,although sometimes it can be on the bottom of the spool, you just have to check. Don't worry, sometimes it's not always easy to find, I find that especially true as I get older and it's harder to see the thread, but that's how I do it. Hope this helps.

Yes, just two days ago. What a pain. Can't figure out why this could happen.