machine quilting with clear thread
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Dover, DE
Posts: 17
I am machine quilting a sue bonnet quilt on machine using clear thread. I filled my bobbin with clear thread also. However, the bobbin (under neath) is knotting up and making a complete mess. Should I use white cotton thread in the bobbin? The backing of the quilt is muslin. What do I do? Thanks!
#2
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: in retirement
Posts: 1,513
You can use the clear thread in the bottom but it must be wound very slowly as it stretches. Re do the bobbin, winding at half the speed usually done. Also, check the tension, sometimes it needs to be adjusted.
#3
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,382
Most machines have difficulty with invisible thread in the bobbin. This is due to the invisible thread stretching, when using a bobbin winder. When it relaxes again during sewing, it will curl and knot up. I have never tried it. But I have heard you can wind your bobbins by hand and it will correct the problem. I use a normal thread in the bobbin, wenever I use invisible thread on top.
#7
I never do clear thread in the bottom. Only on the top when necessary. I don't see the benefit of using clear thread, since it is visible no matter what. You are making holes on the fabric and this thread is not thin, so the holes are quite big. I tend to press my quilts after quilting and before squaring to make sure is straight, and most clear threads melt at high temperatures.
#8
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
I have the best success when using regular thread in the bobbin. Do a bit of testing to get the top tension right. Some clear or inviasble threads I have to reduce the tension ALOT. some I only have to adjust by a tiny bit. I also use a very small needle in my machine as the invisable thread is thinner than regular thread. Using a top stitch needle will make a much bigger hole than you need and sometimes you will get skipped stitches.
#10
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
Originally Posted by pieces
I have used clear monofilament thread on the bobbin with no problems. But Quilts for Kids stresses not to use this thread because it melts in the dryer. (?) So have not used it since.
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