I use 100% cotton thread for piecing and quilting and I used to always run it through wax as I read somewhere it helps prevent tangles; I've since stopped doing this because a) I'm lazy :oops: and b) I wasn't sure it reallly made a difference. I probably work with too long a length of thread to reduce knotting and rethreading the needle and I do find I get knots fairly frequently - I think I've just answered my own question, but what does anyone else think?

K x

When I hand quilt I now use "quilting thread" which already has a wax substance on it. But if you are peicing and quilting by machine you never wax it as it will gum up you tension discs. I used to use wax before they came out with the special thread for hand quilting. marge

I haven't seen that, can you tell me the make? Can you get it online, do you know?

K x

I use to use a wax now I use "Thread heaven" it is a thread conditioner and protectant....but I think the best think has been to shorten my thread...don't mind so much now that I found a needle threader....Gods gift to quilters.....that's my opinion

Thanks for the tip - I've got into the habit of cutting my thread always on an angle - it's amazing the difference in makes to ease of threading!

to wax or not to wax?

are we talking about thread or legs?

:mrgreen: :lol: :mrgreen:

OMGoodness Patrice...get out of my head!!! I was thinking thread, legs or eyebrows!!

:wink:

It all sounds painful to me.

Oh girls....we can do both you know.....:-)

I don't like wax on my quilt. I just buy gutermann hand quilting thread. It if tangles, use shorter pieces.

[quote]I was thinking thread, legs or eyebrows!!

dare I mention the bikini line :mrgreen: :lol: :oops:

I used to wax but find it too painful :lol:

Oh my! What kind of discussion have I started here? Only been on the forum a day and already lowered the tone! Sorry girls!

K x

there's no point in trying to raise the tone around here. we are hopelessly rowdy. :lol:

Great, THAT'S why I feel so at home here!

K x

It's all Patrice's fault. She started it.

Thanks for not blaming me! Just asked an innocent question...!

k x

Be careful. There is probably plenty of blame to go around. LOL

Well...maybe it's her cat's fault then........



:roll:

no. i'm proud to say it's ALL my fault. :mrgreen:

Read a tip from somewhere that said to iron your thread--it straightens the fibers and they won't tangle. Worth a try!

Thanks poygan - we ARE back to talking about sewing thread, I hope, LOL !!!

K x

I had the same problem until I saw in a quilting magazine to keep a fabric softner sheet on hand and each time you rethread your needle, fold the sheet and pull your thread through. I sure made a difference for me.

good luck

Jane Sisk

I'll try that for sure Jane, just the easy kind of tip I like!

K x

Are you using hand quilting thread? Single? length about 12-15 inches. I only waxed when I was having trouble pulling the thread through. Certain colors like black or navy also seem to knot more easily.

Lass, it happens mostly with my hand piecing thread which is YLI 100% cotton; my hand quilting thread is also 100% cotton, an English brand called Cotty but very good quality. I think length is really my issue - I cut about 2 foot I think - too lazy to keep rethreading!

K x

:lol: Thanks for the laughs!! :wink:

If you are sewing by hand always tie your knot on the end that comes off the spool first. You will find it knots up less.

That's interessting piecemaker because I always thread off the spool and then cut, because I thought I read somewhere that the nap of the thread lies that way?! Might of been dreaming though, it does happen! I'll try your way and see if it helps, thanks!

K x

PS Love your name - great pun and may you be blessed!

The hand quilting thread is stronger and I think semi waxed.

I always wax (I use Thread Haven) when doing hand applique or hand quilting. As for waxing myself, I haven't tried it yet, though if my facial hair keeps growing as I get older, I may just have to start. :lol:

May you never have a problem with 'bearding', Tiffany! :lol: :wink:

K x

I use the hand quilting thread and cut it in approx. 18" lengths. I'd prefer stopping to rethread than to untangle knots. I've read that some people thread several needles before beginning. I just use the same needle and rethread as I need. Remember this should be relaxing. We're not in a hurry. :lol:

Hand quilting thread should not be used in your machine bc of the wax. It will gunk up your machine. Use the machine quilting thread instead.

Yes, and go with "the curl" of the thread. Makes a difference.

Thanks girls! I'm now discipling myself to use shorter lengths. And you're absolutely right, rethreading more often IS less hassle than untangling knots!

K x