Tips for Using Invisible Thread
ZJ HumbachUsing invisible thread can be a great way to allow the fabric and pieced pattern of the quilt to be the star of the design, rather than the quilting itself. However, using invisible thread can be more challenging than using regular cotton or polyester thread. ZJ Humbach shares several tips for working with invisible thread and how to make it easier.
Thread Types
ZJ fist explains that there are different types of invisible thread and that some are easier to work with than others. Nylon invisible thread is much stiffer and has a feel similar to fishing line. Polyester invisible thread is more flexible and can be easier to work with. ZJ explains some of the attributes of invisible thread and how they can be positive or negative in terms of your project. ZJ also shares how to choose the best thread color and shows that some brands of invisible thread come in different colors, clear or smoke, which may affect your choice depending on the color of fabric you plan to quilt on.
Working with Invisible Thread
After explaining the different types of invisible thread, ZJ gives several tips for using invisible thread, including what size of needle to use. She also gives tips on how to wind a bobbin using invisible thread, as well as how to use a colored thread in the bobbin and invisible thread in the needle. Another tip ZJ shares for using invisible thread is to use a thread nest over the spool when quilting to ensure the thread winds off evenly.
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Found this video very helpful
Oh my goodness have I ever needed that advice. I have been struggling for a good while with my Jazz 2 Babylock machine and the thread constantly breaking. All this time I thought it was the machine or me being a lousy quilter! Thank you so very much for this advice!
You recommend a large needle but several othe sites recommend a small needle. I have had problems with the invisible thread seeming to catch on the bottom of my piece while free motion quilting. I’m using Madeira brand
Would you recommend using invisible thread on a quilt that will be used and washed a lot or is this more for decorative quilts?
Hello,
Yes, you can use invisible thread on quilts that are going to be washed, however cotton and cotton/poly blends of threads are still a better choice for one that is going to see a lot of wear and wash.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I don’t really quilt a lot but I do use invisible thread and I can’t wait to try the Mono Poly. I do a lot of hand sewing on felt with the nylon invisible thread and it is such a pain. Always knotting when I don’t want it to and damn near impossible to knot it when I want it to.
I do not have a net for the thread – should I use a spool thread stand. Dawn
Hello Dawn,
You do not necessarily have to have a thread net, however if you find that you are having issues with the way the thread is coming off of the spool, yes this could potentially help as well.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
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Does it work to hand wind the bobbin if you plan on using invisible thread in it? Are there issues with using it simultaneously in both top and bottom?
Hello,
Yes, you can hand wind the bobbin- just ensure that you are not pulling or stretching the thread. Some machines, however, tend to have issues with hand wound bobbins. If you have thread jumbles or your thread breaks trying to use the hand wound bobbin, I would recommend trying to wind it by machine.
And you can absolutely use it in both the needle and the bobbin thread.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Membership