What is your favorite thread for FMQ'ing on your small home machine?
#21
I just received a set of threads from Connecting Threads...15 1200 yd spools on sale for $22.95. My Bernina can be fussy about quilting thread but it really likes the Connecting Thread and you can't beat the price.
#24
I have a Janome MC 6700, and it can be a real thread snob. I was having a terrible time with FMQ until one of the Janome reps showed me how to reset the bobbin tension, which was a no-no for him. Apparently we dumb quilters are only supposed to rely on the top tension, but I've been sewing long enough to know that there is a bobbin tension as well, and I nagged him into it. Once he showed me where it was, voila! Would you believe it looks and is adjusted just like the one in the machine I had 30 years ago? A tiny screw right in the front of the bobbin case. Don't adjust it more than a quarter turn at any one time. Breaking thread means your bobbin tension is too tight, and in the case of machines that do both embroidery and sewing, they set those bobbins extra tight, for the embroidery, which is no wonder it's too tight for quilting. On mine, I just lift up the top plate, and I can see the screw right in front of me. I don't even have to take the bobbin case out.
Having said that, my Janome is still a thread snob. The rep told me my machine would do better with the same thread on top and in the bobbin too, and I've found that to be true. For quilting, since I still like a cotton thread but a strong one, I like "King Tut" put out by Superior Threads. Lots of colors. I've only had one thread break with it, and that's after miles of quilting. If you want different colors on the top and bottom, it also works fine by using a different colored King Tut on top and in the bobbin. As long as it's the same make of thread, it works. I haven't been able to get these pre-filled bobbins to work well.
Cheers!
Having said that, my Janome is still a thread snob. The rep told me my machine would do better with the same thread on top and in the bobbin too, and I've found that to be true. For quilting, since I still like a cotton thread but a strong one, I like "King Tut" put out by Superior Threads. Lots of colors. I've only had one thread break with it, and that's after miles of quilting. If you want different colors on the top and bottom, it also works fine by using a different colored King Tut on top and in the bobbin. As long as it's the same make of thread, it works. I haven't been able to get these pre-filled bobbins to work well.
Cheers!
#25
My Pfaff 2034 doesn't like anything but good quality thread so I'm using Mettler mostly and it's happy with that. My older Pfaff 1209 is happy with anything although I don't do FMQ very often with the older one, mainly because I like the needle down and slower speed of the 2034. Of course I have tons of Coats and Clark's thread and some of the big spools from Joann's and now don't use it except in the 1209. My only complaint about the Mettler is that our LQS doesn't carry a big spool of it (not sure if that is even available) and when FMQ you use alot of thread.
#26
#27
I use Signature cotton a lot because of the colours that are available, especially the varigated ones for the top. HOWEVER, I use Gutterman, Sylko, Aurifil, Mettler, Isacord just as often. The only ones I won't use are the really cheap quality.
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Central NY
Posts: 859
Sulky may make some rayon thread but is is not all rayon. I was advised to use Sulky Polylite to FMQ and I have had wonderful results with it...not a single feather, knot or thread break with my Janome 6600 or my Bernina 530. I give at least partial credit to the thread which gave such wonderful results to this klutzy beginner. I had good results with Aurifil 50wt too.
My machine (6600) did NOT like Bottom Line and broke repeatedly, even with a size 90 large eye needle. My normal size is an 80 large eye Organ needle. I know others who use Bottom Line in their 6600 (top and bottom) successfully. They key to success is to try different thread/needle combinations and find what works for you.
My machine (6600) did NOT like Bottom Line and broke repeatedly, even with a size 90 large eye needle. My normal size is an 80 large eye Organ needle. I know others who use Bottom Line in their 6600 (top and bottom) successfully. They key to success is to try different thread/needle combinations and find what works for you.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post