I think a lot of people use the invisible thread . I'm sure more people will respond with more ideas :D

pick a color you like and that coordinates well with the scraps. there are NO RULES.

;-)

Nope, no rules.
How are you quilting it?? If you're doing some free motion you may look at a varigated thread, may make the back interesting.

I've used invisible thread for the top, but does it work equally well for the bobbin??

Just be careful. Most invisible thread is polyester or nylon about 0.04 in diameter I think. You might need to reset your bobbin tension as that's a bit smaller and the thread is a bit slipperier than regular cotton.

tim in san jose

i'd never question anyone else's choice to use it but invisible thread to quilt doesn't make sense to me. if i go to all the trouble of quilting something i want it to show, show, show. if it's in the ditch on the front, i still want the back to show off.
;-)

I like the variegaed theads, myself. It lends a nice touch, sort of like another layer of color to the whole project. If you go to all that trouble,you want the qulting to show. Sometime,when stitching in the ditch, I have to turn it over to the other side just to make sure that I've stitchd everwhere I was suppose to. Sometimes with invisible thread, you can't tell, because its too hard to see it.

I agree with with Patrice. If I'm taking the time to quilt a project I want to show off my stiches. White cotton quilting thread is what I use.

I wasn't going to comment but I can't stand to keep quiet!

When taking a class on machine quilting I was told that if I used invisible thread to only quilt for short periods of time. Apparently the thread can wear some part of the sewing machine if you put the peddle to the metal and let it go for any length of time. Then you have a costly repair bill on top of everything.

On my spring tulip quilt I was really unhappy to discover I didn't have the *proper* color thread and I wanted to quilt it NOW! I laid a cream thread on the quilt top and was amazed to see the thread pick up the color of the fabric. That's what I used and I was very pleased with the results.

Try laying several threads on top of the quilt and see which one looks the way you would like the final product to look. (Of course there will still be an element of surprise when you finish!) :lol:

Geema, I think you should just have fun with the quilting...why not? Got any leftover scraps? Make a small quilt sandwich with batting and backing and all, and test drive a few thread options and see what grabs you. Have fun and let us see the results! :D

Like Yvonne, I wasn't going to comment, but I can't stand it! Throw that invisible thread away!! It's not worth the trouble when it unravels, breaks with use of the quilts, table runners, whatever. I stopped using it years ago, right after it came out and was touted as the "answer." It's the answer to nothing! I hate it, can you tell?

I might suggest that whatever thread you use (that you like) for the top may just be the answer for the tying together of front and back. I often do that when I'm using lighter colors especially on one side or the other.

JMHO,
Sharon

Well, geez, Yvonne ... your ideas are too good to keep to yourself.
Sharon ... you, too

and the same to anybody out there who is restraining themeselves.

When you feel the "need to share", please do.
:D

One more comment on invisible thread, since you value my thoughts... :lol:

Never use it on baby blankets! Loose invisible thread ends and babies just don't go together!

I wouldn't worry about mastering any fancy quilting designs cuz even if you're off abit no one will know but you. I did stitch in the ditch on a log cabin placemat just for practice and you know what, every stitch that wasn't even on the seam line stuck out like a sore thumb. I hope I didn't scare you. If you do stitch in the ditch go nice and slow to start til you get the feel of it.

Or ... and this is where my money is bet ...

(3) both

:D

I have used it and learned to loosen the thread tension before sewing with it, no other problems than that. Didn't know that using it was a no no so just kept on stitching. No one ever sent one back for repairs so I hope they are all still okay.