Tentmakers thread?
 

So I was watching the tentmakers of cairo applique on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC5pVqWkSqQ
(this one has a lady explaining it in English). It is fascinating that they use such a long needle and push with the side of their thimble. But what I want to know is where to get that thread that never tangles! even the commentator says the thread is so crummy we would never buy it, but I want some! I am sick and tired of thread tangles. Anyone know the thread type?

No. But have you tried a thread conditioner or some beeswax?

Yes, (thanks for the reminder Peckish) but at the speed those guys applique, there is something more than beeswax and conditioner ....

Saw them in person at Lancaster a few years ago. They are amazing to watch. They work very rapidly. They don't agonize as some of us do and their efforts are gorgeous.

I also saw them at the Road To California quilt show a few years ago. They are very rough on their thread.
They tug and pull with a lot of strength. I'm sure we'd all love to hear your opinion if you purchase a spool.
Keep us posted.

Here is a fascinating video of a tentmaker's project from start to finish!! Not in English, but not needed. No pattern used!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNzTXZiXN00

Maybe they train themselves not to turn the needle as they sew. That is what tangles up the thread.

Thank you for steering me to this site. It was fascinating to watch. I also watched another one on that site and learned something really neat. ... that Paul didn't make tents. The Bible says he was a tentmaker, but not the tents we picture in our western world. He was a tentmaker like these guys. And the Bible backs it up. It says that when he went to a town, he lived with tentmakers and worked for them while he lived there. Wow, that it so revealing. Paul was a very well educated man, a Roman citizen, and an artist, too. Wow!

Agree! I was thinking the same thing.

If you thread your needle with the end of the thread that you cut from the spool, tie a knot in that same end. The run the thread through the bees wax, it will not tangle. Try it.