Quilting with Invisible Thread
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 235
Quilting with Invisible Thread
Hello Everyone,
I am making my first T-Shirt quilt and I really do not want to quilt on the shirt designs and a friend suggested invisible thread to quilt with. Has anyone every quilted with invisible thread on a long arm?
Your input is greatly appreciated.
Quiltbaby
I am making my first T-Shirt quilt and I really do not want to quilt on the shirt designs and a friend suggested invisible thread to quilt with. Has anyone every quilted with invisible thread on a long arm?
Your input is greatly appreciated.
Quiltbaby
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I have quilted on my domestic machine with YLI nylon monofilament invisible thread in top and bobbin; have not tried it yet with my midarm. If you use this thread, there are some tips you need to know. It is a stretchy thread, so you need to reduce the upper tension a *lot*. Also, you need to wind the bobbin slowly (so as not to stretch the thread while winding), and not fill the bobbin more than 3/4ths full.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 5,967
I use invisible thread only on wall hangings. It pops so easily that I don't know if it would hold up to frequent washings or stretchings. To be on the safe side, make a small sandwich and give it a test try to see if it holds before you do an entire quilt.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
I would NOT use any invisible thread especially on a heavy weighted t-shirt quilt. Look once again at the designs on each shirt and see if there is some way you can quilt around the design. It will take more time in changing thread to match whatever it is you are quilting but the quilt will last a lot longer. If you can, post pictures of the t-shirts and maybe we can give you some suggestions on designs to use to quilt each block. Good Luck !!
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: The Colony, TX
Posts: 3,364
I have quilted several (no I didn't take pictures-shame on me) t-shirt quilts and used an all over and honestly I think they look as good as invisible. As long as you don't chose a thread that stands out too much on any of your shirts it will be fine. I would just be concerned (maybe for no reason) that on a long arm your thread has to travel so much further than on a domestic machine that there might be an issue.
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
I recently quilted a customer's t-shirt quilt with invisible thread- (invisible thread in the top, cotton thread in the bobbin) it turned out just fine- I purchase my invisible threads from 'Superior Threads' and follow their recommendations for needle size and loosen the top tension just a little bit. I have found that I kind of like quilting with invisible thread on the long-arm.
#8
I have done several t-shirt quilts and have always done an all over design, like a panto or straight line quilting using regular cotton thread, top and bottom. I don't care for invisible thread for items that gets used, like bed quilts as the thread isn't near as durable. It brings to mind all those cheap comforters/quilts that you can buy at WalMart.....I remember all the invisible threads, broken and poking me....not pleasant memories. I have found that quilting across the designs doesn't take away from the overall look of the quilt.
#10
Its a matter of selecting the right invisible thread. Once I swithched to MonoPoly and following Superiors instructions, have not had a bit of problems. Use it very frequently.
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