Today’s Topic: Six Tips for Quilting with Specialty Threads
Welcome to Week Nine of The Better Machine Quilt-a-long based on my book 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting.
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MORE Quilting Sale Continues!
Treat yourself and all your quilting friends to MORE Free Motion Quilting!
For a limited time only, earn $5 off any order from my Etsy Shop that includes MORE Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3 or 180 MORE Doodle Quilting Designs
Every book is signed and personalized and comes with a quilted treat!
Use the coupon code: MOREFMQ
Good Morning, Quilters!
Glow in the dark fireflies, fuzzy caterpillars, stars that shimmer…It’s all possible with the amazing array of threads available for machine quilting!
Thread is to quilters as paint is to the artist. It’s our “medium”.
Use the full spectrum of threads available to add interest to your quilts.
Types of Specialty Threads
Metallic, holographic, glow-in-the-dark, fuzzy wool and heavy weight (12 wt) thread can be used as a top thread in most sewing machines. Metallic thread adds sparkle, holographic thread add shimmer. Glow in the dark thread turn motifs into a night light and which every kid loves! Fuzzy wool works great for motifs like mittens and bugs while heavy weight thread turns a motif into a focal point on your quilt.
And a little special effect goes a long way. You don’t need to quilt an entire quilt with specialty thread. A little dollop here and there does the trick!
Special Threads Require Special Techniques
If you’ve ever quilted with a specialty thread, you know it’s not like regular cotton or polyester thread. Stitching with special threads can be frustrating if you try to treat them the same way.
There are a few tricks to working with specialty threads. And when all else fails, try a different brand. Some sewing machines prefer one brand over another. So if you’re struggling with Superior’s Metallic, try Sulky’s, for example.
SLOW DOWN
The faster you sew, the more stress placed on the thread. Slow down when stitching with specialty threads to avoid breakage.
ADJUST THE TENSION
Test the tension on a sample before stitching your quilt. It’s not unusual for specialty threads to require major tension adjustments. Most modern sewing machines have excellent tension control-so don’t worry if your tension is set to “0” to create a nice looking stitch.
USE THE RIGHT NEEDLE
The Topstitch needle is my favorite for all quilting, but especially for stitching with special threads. It has a large eye and a deep groove that protects the thread as you stitch. If the thread is breaking, try a larger needle or other types of needle like: Denim or Metallic.
USE A THREAD STAND
Many specialty threads have “memory”. In other words, the fibers retain their coiled shape as they come off the spool. It is often helpful to allow the thread more distance to relax before it hits the tension discs by using a thread stand. (I use one for all of my free motion quilting–even with regular quilting threads).
TRY A THREAD LUBRICANT
Thread lubricant, like Sewer’s Aid, often help prevent skipped stitches. The lubricant may be applied to the thread directly along the spool or on the needle eye. To add the lubricant to the spool, run a bead along the length spool and reapply frequently. Some machines (like the BERNINA Q20) offer an additional thread guide and sponge applicator. Add the lubricant to the sponge and the thread runs through it. Another option is to dot your finger with the lubricant and apply it to the eye of the needle. The lubricant can be applied as often as every minute for challenging threads.
DON’T USE SPECIALTY THREADS IN THE BOBBIN
When stitching with specialty thread on top, use regular quilting thread in the bobbin! I’ve found bobbins hate specialty thread, so feed them their favorite thread! (Unless you are doing bobbinwork–but that’s a totally different topic.)
A Little Goes a Long Way
I love the look of specialty thread in quilts, but they are definitely more challenging to use. A little specialty thread goes a long way. Use metallic, glow-in-the-dark, holographic thread, fuzzy wool and heavy weight thread to add emphasis to a focal point or a little dash of magic here and there. It’s the best way to balance the fun look with the extra work.
YOUR Favorites
What about YOU?
Do YOU have a favorite specialty thread?
What is your favorite special thread/motif combo?
Any tips that work for YOU?
We’d LOVE to hear!
Your Quilt Specialist,
MetalLoric Kennedy
MORE Quilting Sale Continues!
Treat yourself and all your quilting friends to MORE Free Motion Quilting!
For a limited time only, earn $5 off any order from my Etsy Shop that includes MORE Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3 or 180 MORE Doodle Quilting Designs
Every book is signed and personalized and comes with a quilted treat!
Use the coupon code: MOREFMQ
MORE Quilting Books
More Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3 is the second book in my motif series. It includes tons of tips and techniques for fine tuning your quilting technique as well as 62 motifs with step-by-step photos. YOU will LOVE the motifs organized by season! (Pumpkins and Poinsettias and Snowmen, oh My!) Quilters love the Just for Fun chapter with several sewing related motifs!
180 MORE Doodle Quilting Designs was compiled by Karen Burns and Amelia Johanson and includes four of my motifs. The book includes simple line drawings of a motifs. Each pattern is shown three ways: as a block or background, a triangle and a border.
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy Quilts and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to LKQ. For all other purposes, please contact me at Lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com. Thank you!
Visit my Etsy shop: LoriKennedyShop for all of my books! They are ALL bestsellers!
