Two Strands of Thread or One?
 

I am epp a hexie quilt and I was talking to another quilter and she asked if I was using two strands of thread to connect my hexies. I'm not. I'm only using one and doing the ladder stitch. Am I going to have issues down the road with the hexies coming apart once it's quilted?

I'm doing one of those as well but using 2 strands. But then I always use two strands. I don't think your going to have any problem with it. The quilting will reinforce what you are doing not damage it.

I use one strand. I do the overcast rather than the ladder stitch, however, I think the ladder stitch looks neater. Don't think the stitches would show as they sometimes do with overcasr. Don't think you would have a problem using one strand. like mentioned above, the quilting will reinforce your stitching.

I use only one strand.

I've never heard of Silamide thread. I use one strand of quilting thread and do the ladder stitch. I've never had a problem. I'm sure however you are doing it will work just fine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkZ33TC5k_Y

Silamide is thin tailoring thread. Threads magazine promotes the use of it for most all handsewing.

I used only one thread (Coats Dual Duty) but used a VERY tiny overcast stitch. It doesn't show through but it also is extremely difficult to rip out without destroying the material. It's not coming apart ever. If I were to do it again, I would try to make the stitches farther apart.

I've been working on one and using one strand in an overcast stitch. Sometimes it's hard to keep the tension just right so I'm not pulling too tightly. I never thought to use two strands and a ladder stitch. What would happen if I switched mid-way?

use beeswax for added strength! works great & keeps your thread from twisting.....

now everyone, don't jump down my throat, but i use Gutterman, sometimes waxed sometimes not. I use 20 stitches per 3/4" side. and single strand. Never had a problem with it.

I've always used one strand, 98% of the time silk thread. When joining pieces I use a whip stitch. Quilts made 10+ years ago are still holding up just fine.

I use one strand of Guttermann cotton. Whipstitching at a slight forward angle about 12-15 stitches per inch. I notice the stitches made at an angle are much less likely to show than ones made perpendicular to the seam line. I also like Thread Heaven thread conditioner, it allows the thread to glide so nicely, with fewer tangles.

Thanks for the link. I am getting ready to start the Insanity Quilt which has thousands of hexies. This thread would really help.

Is Thread Magic and Thread Heaven comparable? One better than the other? I tried Thread Magic, can't say I really saw any difference, maybe somewhat of a decline in performance of the thread. Thanks!

would say that, if both your stitches are invisible, you could switch with no problem.

Same here, what ever thread is at hand. Some times I wax, sometimes not, depends on the mood and if my wax is handy. I measured my stitches once and came up with about 18-22 stitches a inch.:eek: No matter how I try I can't make the stitches farther apart. My Great Grandma taught me to hand stitch that close, I do the over cast stitch and it's a pain when I attach something to the wrong spot!

Here is where I buy spools of the original Silamide thread.

http://www.7beads.com/info/silamideinfo.htm

Thank you ladies. Will keep going the way I am and will have my quilter make sure some quilting on each hexie.

I use one strand. I use Superior's Bottom Line 60 wt thread, as recommended by Sue Daley.

I use one strand and most of the time quilting thread. I tried two strands but they keep tangling. I too use tiny overcast stitches.