Quilting with 2-threads again????
 

Hello, there's been some talk on using 2 or more threads while quilting. I'm just about ready to try my hand at this and want to clarify a few questions I still have. I know I'll be using embroidery polyester 40wt thread in my needle as I know it is strong and won't break as easy. I tried to use cotton quilting thread in my last attempt and it broke continually. So next it was suggested to use at least a size 18 needle, okay got them. Now my question is since using 2 or more threads would it be advisable to look for a pattern that is not too stitch intensive or does it matter?

I want to quilt some upholstery type fabric for new dining chair coverings using motif patterns. Have been looking in my collection of patterns but then I thought maybe they might be too dense so thought I best ask you all that have done this type of quilting in the past.

So what type of patterns will I get the best results from??????

Thanks all for your suggestions.

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*** I always hand quilt with a double thread.
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When you mention a size 18 needle, I'm thinking you are machine quilting. When you say 2 or more threads, do you mean putting 2 threads thru the needle, or a different thread in the bobbin?

I don't know, but I would think less quilting would show better.

This site has some info on both double thread and heavy thread. Be sure to read some of the "things to remember" for heavy thread as well as some of them translate well to using double thread.

http://www.generations-quilt-pattern...e-threads.html

Sorry, never attempted to do this. Hope you have a heavy duty machine.

I have used 2 strands of regular 50/30 wt thread for buttonhole stitch machine applique. Have never tried double strands for quilting. You may need to reduce the upper tension on your machine. Be sure to make a practice piece, as you may also find that you need to quilt more slowly so that the two threads are always closely aligned. When I worked with 2 threads, I used separate thread spools but treated the threads "as one" from there.

DogHouseMom, thanks for the site. It told me what I thought I already knew...........use a less intensive stitched pattern when using 2 threads. Hadn't even thought about the patterns the re-step their stitches as that would either hide one thread altogether or possibly make a mess of it.

As to those of you that have responed, I'm using a quilting machine with robotics so I can adjust the number of stitches per inch as well as slow it down. And yes, the Innova quilt machine is considered a heavy duty machine in its own right.

I also plan to make a practice run as I did the last time to be sure I have everything correct. Thanksfully I have lots of fabric to play with and only need 4 chair seats but I also plan to make valances later with probably embroidery instead.

Thanks for all your input.

Quilting with 2 threads came up recently in a fascinating conversation at my guild, specifically quilting with metallic thread, which is notorious for being finicky and fragile. Apparently you can thread your machine with both a metallic thread and a fine poly thread, and it will quilt out beautifully. I can't wait to try it!

Along with the twin needle they also make a single needle with two holes in it. One is on top of the other.

Just curious but are you wanting to use two threads to make the quilting more "in your face" or are you doing it to combine colors? If "in your face" why not try Wonderfil's spaghetti thread? It is a 12 wt you can run through the top on your longarm. Well supposedly. That is what the wonderfil people told me and they had samples there that Kim Stotseneurg had done (she quilts on an A1). It definitely gives dimension and pow factor to quilting and it stood out fabulously and they have some great colors to choose from. I have yet to try it myself but I bought several spools with the intent to try. I am thinking this may be a good alternative to double thread for you and your robotics. Especially if your design has backtracking involved.

Another option to consider with heavy decorative threads, is load it in your bobbin and load your sandwich upside down. I have another friend who does amazing bobbin work on her Innova and uses all the pretty fancy threads like Razzle Dazzle and Candlelight.

Peckish, yes I've been meaning to try metallic with another color thread in the needle too. Since metallic is fragile as we all know I would probably only use it for wall hangings or something that won't be washed too often. I did use it a little on a baby's quilt though. Have no idea how its holding us as it went to a grandchild of my sister's down in TX.

FanaticFeline, I'm not going for "in your face" effect but just wanting to use it for the 2-color effect. Its for my dining chairs so lets face it, no one will see it most times as the chairs are pulled into the table and when they do pull the chair out, they'll be planting their tushes on it so again won't see it. Its basically for me to try this technique out mostly.

Also have another question on the threading of the 2 threads on a quilting machine. Would I thread them both the same way or does one need to be on the outside of the tension disks? Just something someone mentioned but that may be for a regular sewing machine more so than a quilting machine.

Thanks gang for all your insight on this technique.

If you like cotton, king tut by superior doesn't shred and break. I had breakage with all other brands with the exception being presencia since I have not tried that brand I can't comment

Hi lady's
This post intrigued me. I like to try new thing. This is why I read most all the post on the board. I sure learn a lot.
I have sewn with twin needles. I have also sewn by putting both thread (2) threads thru the same needle eye Like someone said "separate thread spools but treated the threads "as one" .
I also read something about using a single needle with two holes in it. One is on top of the other. I have never heard of this kind of needle . I sew on a Domestic vintage Kenmore 15813450. The needle that this machine use is a "normal" needle you can buy at any "fabric store". Does anyone know if I can use one of this needles on my machine and where to buy them?
Also where do you buy Wonderfil's spaghetti thread? I checked at my JoAnn's with no luck on the thread.
Thank you so much. I enjoyed this post.