Thread snob sewing machines
#21
I have been piecing all of my quilts with So Fine from Superior Threads, it is a 50 wt, and I love it .....machine doesn't care a bit....just as long as she gets thread....but the So Fine just disapears into the seams so nice it is unbelieveable....
#22
If a dealer told me that a machine was finiky and had preference for a particular thread ... I would not buy the machine. I have two machines , a Singer 306W and a Viking... Niether would not be in my house if they were fussy. I use everything from cheap serger thread , invisable thread, metalic , you name it I run it threw my machines. None have suffered .
I do have quite an inventory of various needles , as mentioned most issues can be resolved with the right needle or thread path. Keeping a good cleaning schedule ( for lint issues) is important if the thread is linty.
I do have quite an inventory of various needles , as mentioned most issues can be resolved with the right needle or thread path. Keeping a good cleaning schedule ( for lint issues) is important if the thread is linty.
#23
I have an HQ Avante and she loves any threads! The only problems I have run into is with the Mettler silknand even that will stitch if I slow down. I think it is not as strong as a cotton or poly.
#24
ckcowl, I was told that C&C would be terrible in my machine too and they recommended Robison-Anton and they gave me a bunch of it to start off with....honestly I can't tell the difference, I think the R-A thread is just as linty as C&C. It just comes on bigger spools. LOL
My machine sews with whatever I put into it. I DO prefer Aurifil (especially for piecing) because it's so thin and low-lint and I can fit so much on a bobbin, but I have loads of C&C and A-R left; I tend to use that for quilting because it's a little thicker and I want the threads to show. I certainly am not about to throw it out, I must have miles of thread!
Connecting Threads brand is my new favorite thread behind Aurifil though. SO inexpensive, and seems just as good (if not better) than C&C or R-A, and tons of colors to pick from. Linty, sure, but it's not that hard to clean out my machine every now and then. I sew a lot of flannel so I have piles of lint no matter what anyway. I'm waiting for another CT thread sale and I'm going to buy a whole rainbow! I just wish they had varigated thread.
My machine sews with whatever I put into it. I DO prefer Aurifil (especially for piecing) because it's so thin and low-lint and I can fit so much on a bobbin, but I have loads of C&C and A-R left; I tend to use that for quilting because it's a little thicker and I want the threads to show. I certainly am not about to throw it out, I must have miles of thread!
Connecting Threads brand is my new favorite thread behind Aurifil though. SO inexpensive, and seems just as good (if not better) than C&C or R-A, and tons of colors to pick from. Linty, sure, but it's not that hard to clean out my machine every now and then. I sew a lot of flannel so I have piles of lint no matter what anyway. I'm waiting for another CT thread sale and I'm going to buy a whole rainbow! I just wish they had varigated thread.
I have used Coats and Clark Dual Duty XP - All purpose variegated thread and it works fine for me. There are many different colors....all of them quite lovely. Check that out! I got mine at JoAnn's (on sale of course or with coupons! Isn't that something? You can't afford thread anymore unless it is on sale or you have coupons!
Sign of the times, I guess.
Edie
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Tippy-top of a ridge in WV
Posts: 6,355
My Kenmore/Janome takes whatever I feed it and says "thanks". I say thanks too. If I use like "bottom line" in the bobbin and 50 on top, it might take some tension adjusting, but that only makes sense. Maybe that combination doesn't make sense to some of you, but it has been done and the roof didn't collapse.
#27
thank you for that Maxie Lock site I use lots of that thread and none of my machines have given me any problem with it I do agree with what others said the right and good needles as dull needles causes problems and also keeping the machine clean is a biggy
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Owensboro, KY
Posts: 1,420
I bought a new Janome 6600 a year ago. I had always used Gutermann thread and loved it. Over and over again, the thread knotted up under the fabric. I bet I took that machine back to the dealer twenty times to be "adjusted." We tried different needles, different stitch lengths, etc. etc. Nothing worked. The Janome still coughed, sputtered and hissed every time I used Gutermann. I was SO frustrated! I was just sure I had a lemon machine.
Finally, the dealer suggested I try another thread brand. They had searched, adjusted and lubricated everything they knew to do. I was just sure it was the dealer who didn't know what they were doing. (despite having been in busines for over 75 years!) I was NOT going to give up on my Gutermann thread!!!
Finally, I was at a quilting retreat and was fussing about the Janome at home. Several people there told me they had experienced the same thing with one brand of thread or another and suggested I try Aurifil. Doubtful, I bought some when I got home. Ahhh...never a problem since. I've since learned the machine will cooperate with ANY brand BUT Gutermann. I have no idea why. My Featherweights and Bernette both love the Gutermann, so I just use it when sewing with them. Such a relief! I was ready to pitch the Janome out the window because it was supposed to be my dream machine, and finally it is!
Finally, the dealer suggested I try another thread brand. They had searched, adjusted and lubricated everything they knew to do. I was just sure it was the dealer who didn't know what they were doing. (despite having been in busines for over 75 years!) I was NOT going to give up on my Gutermann thread!!!
Finally, I was at a quilting retreat and was fussing about the Janome at home. Several people there told me they had experienced the same thing with one brand of thread or another and suggested I try Aurifil. Doubtful, I bought some when I got home. Ahhh...never a problem since. I've since learned the machine will cooperate with ANY brand BUT Gutermann. I have no idea why. My Featherweights and Bernette both love the Gutermann, so I just use it when sewing with them. Such a relief! I was ready to pitch the Janome out the window because it was supposed to be my dream machine, and finally it is!
Last edited by KyKaren1949; 09-20-2012 at 05:33 AM.
#29
I don't know how many of you use "Sewers Aid" on your thread, it helps to stop fraying and breakage a lot, but a couple weeks ago I had a seminar with Sharon Schaumber, and she said sewers aid was mineral oil, but with something else(my brain on vacation) added. She recomended using PURE CLEAR mineral oil, as it will not hurt your machine and does wonders for your thread. She actually dips the whole spool, but you can just use a pastry brush or something and let it seep in on it's own. I just made a Minister's scarf on satin with dense designs using metallics as well as regular 40 wt rayon, and used the mineral oil...it was awesome! I always had trouble with Madiera shredding until I used it. Of course you must make sure the thread comes off the spool properly. The oil will not stain your fabric and eliminates the fuzzies. Sharon's husband created the bobbin genie, too. That's the teflon disk that goes under the bobbin to eliminate friction from the metal on metal. Coming from an industrial background, they have so much more knowledge than just making and teaching beautiful quilts. What an amazing woman- if you ever have the chance to see Sharon, do it!!!
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 781
Just wanted to say that if I use two different thread weights/sizes with one size in bobbin and a different size on top of machine, I have problems and this could also be problems for other sewers. A hand quilting thread is not made to be used on a sewing machine. Just my thoughts here.
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