thread
 

I seem to recall discussions about substances to use on thread for hand sewing. I like to do my binding by hand and sometimes getting the knots out takes as long as the sewing. Is there any such thing to help keep if from knotting, or is my memory shot!!!

I love Thread Heaven. I don't do binding by hand but when I do any kind of hand sewing,
basting, etc. I use that stuff all the time. I even sew with very long strands. Best stuff! :)

Tip. Thread needle before you cut thread as the end coming off spool is correct end to thread. Also use thread wax and make sure you only use 18 inches of thread at a time. Continuous sewing with a long piece increases twist and knots.

I use beeswax. Actually I hate to sew by hand because my thread always tangles. I guess I'm just a klutz!

I also use beeswax, it lasts for a long time. I just have a little block of it in a baggy. You can buy a cute little shape in a natural foods shop. Just run your thread along it, no colour & no residue to mark your quilt.

DottyMo has some good suggestions - I was stitching the other night and the thread was knotting like crazy - put a knot in the other end and it went so smooth after that!

I use Thread Heaven. It works great and Thread Heaven sounds prettier then beeswax. LOL

After I've threaded the needle, I look at the ends - one end is 'twistier' than the other - knot the 'straighter' thread -
that seems to help minimize the knotting and snarling.

I also used really long lengths of thread - kind of dumb when I stopped to think about how much extra effort was expended in pulling that long length through - and the abrasion/wear caused to the thread - as compared to the short length of time it really took to thread the needle again.

My friend Peggi introduced me to Thread Heaven, and I love it! I also read a tip long ago that if, when taking each stitch, you roll the needle between your fingers to the left (if you're right handed) it will help keep the twisting to a minimum. Sure works for me. Apparently you naturally roll the needle to the right when you sew. I would guess it would work the opposite for left-handers.

I agree with Thread Heaven....just started using it and it works great!

Ditto to threading needle from spool before cutting. Had beeswax.....got Thread Heaven.....Forgot about beeswax!

Thanks, gave me a grin..... "mind your own beeswax" just popped into my head, something we used to say years ago :D

Most of the time twisting thread is because it is too long.

Needle the thread before you cut it off the spool at 18" - 20"

Knot the cut end.

All these waxes are great but on the cheap, I use an old votive candle in my favorite sent. Run the thread through the candle after threading and cutting.

Depending on the size of the quilt I will thread ten needles at one time and get them prepped.

Set iron to warm and run thread under the iron to remove excess wax. It smells good too and waxes the iron plate at the same time!

now sit in your spot with a nice cup of whatever and some music, book on DVD, TV and enjoy that hand binding.
peace