LavenderBlue

I've known since I began quilting 2 years ago, that it is best to thread your needle with the end of the thread that comes off the spool first. This supposedly prevents tangling and knotting while hand stitching. Last night while sewing on a binding, the light bulb went on when I realized that I thread my needle from the bobbin used in my project (not the spool). This certainly explains why I seem to always have many aggravating tangles. Since the thread had already been wound onto the bobbin, I was threading backwards! Maybe it's my imagination, but immediately after correcting the method, my stitches were much less visible too. They just seemed to sink right in. Hope this helps someone else.

AngeliaNR

You can feel the difference in direction when pulling the threads between your fingers--one way feels smoother than the other. Just a question, would it help if we wound a bobbin from the spool, then rewound another from the first to get the direction right?

Anniedeb

Thanks for the info! I did not know this...thought I was being frugal using up bobbin thread!!

DOTTYMO

And also remember don't wet the thread wet the needle eye.

janedee

when using the thread from the bobbin for hand sewing, use the end where you have cut it and the thread will be the right way round

DebraK

not a duh moment, actually pretty smart ;-)

QuiltnNan

glad you got it worked out... tangles are so frustrating

GingerK

And it goes to show that there is always something new to learn! I did not know this and was surprised at the difference. Thanks for your Duh moment.

tessagin

Never really thought about it but never have used thread from a bobbin unless very little left but since I want a full bobbin, I usually wind the thread on a smaller spool that goes into my travel bag for emergencies. You can also make small spools by taking a post it note and rolling it really tight. Then just wrap the thread around it.

Inez Ruth

I use beeswax to stop the tangles and my frustration.