ZJ Humbach

Tips for Using Invisible Thread

ZJ Humbach
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Duration:   6  mins

Using 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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7 Responses to “Tips for Using Invisible Thread”

  1. Cynthia

    Found this video very helpful

  2. sally Hepworth

    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!

  3. Nancy Klatt

    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

  4. sholt95

    Would you recommend using invisible thread on a quilt that will be used and washed a lot or is this more for decorative quilts?

  5. Kathleen Coutinho

    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.

  6. Dawn

    I do not have a net for the thread - should I use a spool thread stand. Dawn

  7. Dyeing2helpyou

    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?

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