The first hint I read some time ago on the Board, should have been able to figure the bobbin hint but didn't. Thanks for the wake-up call.

"Thread the needle with the end that comes off the spool and NOT (knot) the end that doesn't" :)

Brilliant! I think even I, queen of non-memorization, can remember that! :) Thanks.

I did not know this. Beeswax helps but I have wondered why when I don't use wax I sometimes have tangles. Thanks for sharing your duh with us duh's.

I've been hand sewing stuff (not necessarily quilts) for YEARS and I had no idea which end of the thread you used made a difference! Thanks!!

*scampers off to test newly learned trick*

Alison

It's the same thread, you just have to knot the other end from what you usually do.

Whether it would make a difference in a machine which way the bobbin thread twists, I don't know. I haven't tried it. My gut tells me it would not or someone would have figured it out a long time ago and the quilt police would be able to tell if you did it or not. Guess what: For machine sewing, I don't care and I won't be taking the time to reverse my bobbin thread.

But if I hand sew I try to get it it right. If my thread starts to tangle, I stop and tie the knot at the other end. Sometimes you do notice a difference. Other times thread conditioner takes care of the problem, if I haven't cut too long. When the sewing it done it makes no difference at all because the tread doesn't know which way it went in, and certainly after it's washed it's settled where it's going to be.

This was more like an "aha" moment for me. Thanks!

I run my needle and thread through a dryer sheet for all my sewing. I keep a folded dryer sheet pinned to my pin cushion.

Great tip! I would never have thought of that but sure have struggled with thread tangling - very frustrating. I definitely will remember this.

Happystitcher, thanks for another good use for dryer sheets. Is that a used dryer sheet? Thanks to all the rest of you for your tips. I had no idea about all this. I have never used thread from the bobbin, but I might someday. And I've never paid any attention to which leg of the thread I've tied the knot. This has got to be the most informative board on the web. Thanks to all for sharing.