Thread danger in Baby's toe tourniquet syndrome
 

I recently read another post about using clear "invisible" thread in a baby quilt and it put me in mind of a grave danger for us to keep in mind when making baby quilts.

Threads and even long hairs and can wrap themselves around a baby's fingers and toes causing a tourniquet effect that causes blood lost and even cuts to a digit. When clear/invisible synthetic threads are used in a baby quilt, it makes it even harder to distinguish when something is wrapped around a toe or finger. PLEASE be mindful of this fact when making baby/toddler quilts -- when trimming loose threads from the finished product, when applying the bindings.

Jan in VA

This can also happen to cats and dogs.

Thank you, Jan, for pointing this out. I had never heard of this happening, but can see how it could. Also a good idea not to put buttons or beads on a baby's quilt due to the choking hazard.

Thanks Jan for reminding us of the dangers of invisible thread. I heard about a baby chocking fortunately mum was close and removed thread from baby's mouth.

so sad. thanks for reminding us.

that was my first thought when i saw that thread, too. thanks for explaining it

Never thought of that but I don't use the invisible thread anymore. I remember when it use to be like a fishing line back in the 80s. I know they made improvement, but I prefer to stick with cotton thread. But thanks for the reminder.

It is wise to never use invisible thread in a quilt for children because it can work loose more easily than any other type of thread. So often it is used on the top and cotton in the bobbin (or visa versa which is worse) for design effect. Just one break in the cotton can allow a space of two or three stitches-big enough for toes and fingers. Best not to take the chance.

It can happen with any thread on anything. My niece was in her car seat, screaming her little head off. I pulled over to try to figure out what was wrong. It took a while to figure out that she had wrapped her pinkey around a loose thread from her carseat. It was stuck and the more she pulled the tighter it got. Her poor little finger was almost purple by the time I got her unwrapped.

Saw this on a Facebook post. Happened to my son when he was just walking but kept picking up one foot. Took his shoe off and started to take his sock off. It wouldn't let loose and he screamed. After that I checked his socks and other threads that would come loose. Even brand new socks and booties. That was in the 70s. It became a habit with me, my sisters and also my sons did the same thing. They turned the sock inside out to check for loose threads. Hurts as bad as having a torn toenail get caught in a piece of carpet thread and your own socks.