Thread snob sewing machines
#12
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 4,688
I sew with a lot of metalics -- the only thread that consistently breaks is one of the sulky metalics (not all colors, just one). The first time I had trouble with it was in my Elna Supra, then my Pfaff and both of my Janomes. I avoid the color -- not all of them. I don't like invisible thread so I have not tried it. I sew with the C&C all the time -- it and Superior are my go to piecing threads -- and quilting threads. When I can get RA or Aurifil at 50% off, I buy it. My favorite metalic is madeira -- it has tons of colors that I can use to add a little bling.
#14
I have Pfaff and Janome machines and my issue seems to be - also with my Viking Mega Quilter - that the bobbin and top threads need to be compatable. Anyone else have problems with different threads in bobbin and top? I don't have an issue with any thread in the machines as long as I do this.
#15
I think so, too. A machine uses whatever I put into it, or I'll find out what's "off" and make it work.
Of course, I don't try to use hand-quilting thread or rope in the needle - there are some things that a domestic sewing machine will not do.
But lots of times, I see people saying that their machine won't take anything but "X" brand of thread and I would take that as a challenge. I would want to tinker around and figure out how to make it take the kind of thread they want to use. Usually it's only a matter of changing the needle and/or balancing the tensions.
If I ran across a lot of reviews for a machine that said, "You can only use X brand" in this machine, I just wouldn't buy it.
I see this a LOT with longarm machines - and as much as you pay for a longarm, that machine better sew whatever you give it to sew!
Of course, I don't try to use hand-quilting thread or rope in the needle - there are some things that a domestic sewing machine will not do.
But lots of times, I see people saying that their machine won't take anything but "X" brand of thread and I would take that as a challenge. I would want to tinker around and figure out how to make it take the kind of thread they want to use. Usually it's only a matter of changing the needle and/or balancing the tensions.
If I ran across a lot of reviews for a machine that said, "You can only use X brand" in this machine, I just wouldn't buy it.
I see this a LOT with longarm machines - and as much as you pay for a longarm, that machine better sew whatever you give it to sew!
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 5,397
I sew with a lot of metalics -- the only thread that consistently breaks is one of the sulky metalics (not all colors, just one). The first time I had trouble with it was in my Elna Supra, then my Pfaff and both of my Janomes. I avoid the color -- not all of them. I don't like invisible thread so I have not tried it. I sew with the C&C all the time -- it and Superior are my go to piecing threads -- and quilting threads. When I can get RA or Aurifil at 50% off, I buy it. My favorite metalic is madeira -- it has tons of colors that I can use to add a little bling.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 5,397
I have Pfaff and Janome machines and my issue seems to be - also with my Viking Mega Quilter - that the bobbin and top threads need to be compatable. Anyone else have problems with different threads in bobbin and top? I don't have an issue with any thread in the machines as long as I do this.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Delmarva Peninsula
Posts: 1,151
My Janome 10000 is over 11 years old now - and uses any thread that is on the market, or is vintage (I thrift store alot).
It is a different story with my 2 year old viking sapphire 875 Q, picky little sucker. The bobbin area is plastic and poorly made and any bit of lint gives me an error message (remove thread from bobbin area or something like that).
Never again will I buy a viking. it has been in the shop 2 times for minor repairs (at $175 a pop). now a tiny blade has fallen off from one of those junky plastic rings that holds the bobbin in, don't know how to put it back. Run away from this machine.
It is a different story with my 2 year old viking sapphire 875 Q, picky little sucker. The bobbin area is plastic and poorly made and any bit of lint gives me an error message (remove thread from bobbin area or something like that).
Never again will I buy a viking. it has been in the shop 2 times for minor repairs (at $175 a pop). now a tiny blade has fallen off from one of those junky plastic rings that holds the bobbin in, don't know how to put it back. Run away from this machine.
#19
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Orbiting
Posts: 1,448
I have a Juki 98TLQ and it's a workhorse. It's very strong so the thread has to be strong. I can not sew with any of the invisible threads - snaps the thread every time. Coats and Clarks works just fine in it as does the cone thread.
My Babylock Espire sews with all the thread I have and I have quite a collection.
Sometimes it's not the machine - it's the fabric you are trying to sew. I found out that when making my husbands t-shirt quilt that the only invisible thread that did not break was the Sulky brand. Trying to sew through t-shirt material with the pellon fusible was difficult.
And then sometimes sewing with the wrong size needle for the fabric you are sewing. I always keep my manual handy and if I have a problem with sewing start checking for the problem.
My Babylock Espire sews with all the thread I have and I have quite a collection.
Sometimes it's not the machine - it's the fabric you are trying to sew. I found out that when making my husbands t-shirt quilt that the only invisible thread that did not break was the Sulky brand. Trying to sew through t-shirt material with the pellon fusible was difficult.
And then sometimes sewing with the wrong size needle for the fabric you are sewing. I always keep my manual handy and if I have a problem with sewing start checking for the problem.
#20
C&C has started to sponsor many quilt shows and buy the big ads in the magazines. I've noticed more endorsement of C&C thread in the past two years then ever before. The oldest thread and the most profitable thread company can't have bad thread or it wouldn't still be in business. Industry wouldn't use it. That is just plain sense.
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