what type of thread
 

please let me know what type of thread you use in your quilting. I have a hq 16 and am having problems with tension. Was told it is my thread. Am going to tear out quilting done and start new. anything you could help me with will help. Have been told glide or superior sew fine. Does sew fine have a sheen to it?
thanks,
Judy

I have an Innova with the upgraded upper tension. Didn't want to have to deal with tension issues. My machine will use most anything I throw at it including embroidery thread and metallic embroidery thread. In fact, it loves the metallic thread more so than my embroidery machine. I use Connecting Threads's cotton and polyester threads mostly but occasionally I'll use my embroidery thread if that's the color of thread I need.

I have a huskvarna viking platinum 16 and it will take any thread I give it. It is basically the same machine as the sw 16. I had trouble with tension when I got it. I am not used to adjusting the bobbin tension, but found that sometimes I need to do this depending on the thread I choose. Also need to adjust top tension sometimes. I make a quilt sandwich and test the stitches before I start on my quilts so that I am sure of the tension settings. I also bought the sure foot ruler foot/open toe foot that is available for the sw 16. Fit my machine perfectly.

I have a Janome SD 18 Longarm machine. I buy my thread from Nancy's Notions. I buy either Signature 100% cotton or the Madeira 100% Polyester. I like the price and since my machine likes both of those thread, I haven't tried anything else.

What thread are you using? Have you tried a different spool or cone of the same thread, in case the one you're using is faulty? Unless it is very old or poor quality I wouldn't blame the tension problems on the thread. I prefer to use poly threads (mostly tri-lobals but also finer threads like MicroQuilter and BottomLine) from MetroEmb, Connecting Threads, and Superior in my Innova. I have used cotton threads with no problem, but I don't like the lint the cotton threads produce. You do need to adjust tension when you're using a midarm or longarm.

I have a Babylock Tiara 3 and I have tension problems sometimes. I found that my machine likes the So Fine # 50 polyester thread. The stitches seem to look better with this than some of the other thread I use. This thread is a matte finish and no lint. Superior Threads online has "try me specials" for this thread. You can order this way without spending a lot of money to see if your machine will like it.

I use different types and weights and adjust the tension as needed

This is what I do also. I have an HQ Avante and with proper adjusting it likes any thread I've tried.

Cari

I use Superior Threads often, and Aurifil. I also have been successful with some of The connecting Threads thread. Long arms are high speed machines and polyester works much better with them. Cotton tends to break often with the high speed.

I use mostly C&C and connecting threads.