Sewing With Invisible Thread

I am not the best of home machine quilters.  My stitches aren’t always uniform in length and when I free motion they are often wobbly and not smooth around curves. So when I do machine quilt, I often use monofilament or invisible thread so my stitches don’t show.  Recently I learned some tips for using monofilament thread that I thought I would pass on to all of you.

Some people avoid invisible thread because they think it is like the thread their grandmother used.  That thread was thick and broke easily.  I have some that is still on a wooden spool that I use for a hanger loops on ornaments.  I would never put it in the machine.  But the thread now is very thin and actually quite strong, durable and flexible. .  It is often made out of nylon or polyester.  The only concern I have heard about either is that nylon tends to be less heat resistant (especially if ironed).

Because the thread is thin it is best to use a smaller needle in the machine such as a 70/10.  The bigger needle isn’t necessary for this thin thread and the bigger the needle the bigger the holes in the fabric.  But since the thread is clear in color, you might have trouble threading the needle.  I occasionally have trouble with colored thread so I use an old fashion needle threader that you might use for hand sewing.   Remember that the thread with a machine needle goes in from the front so you have to put the needle threader in from the back so you can pull the thread through.

I wasn’t sure my threader would fit in the smaller hole so instead of struggling with it while the needle was on the machine, I took the needle out to test my different needle threaders.  When testing it this way, put the threader in through the flat side of the needle shaft (the part that goes into the machine).

You can use the monofilament thread in the bobbin or you can use a thin cotton thread.  If you are quilting it might be good to use the same color thread as the backing.  It will help the bobbin thread blend in with the backing fabric. When I used monofilament thread in the bobbin, I didn’t have to change the tension in the bobbin holder. Your machine might be different so test out your machine.

You should though lower the top tension of your machine.  This thread is strong but also tends to stretch if it is pulled too tight.  And if you are using a cotton thread in the bottom, lowering the top tension keeps the bobbin thread from pulling up where you can see it in your stitching. How far you lower it depends on your machine.  I would do some practice stitching to find what looks best for you.

One thing I did notice when quilting with invisible thread is that the first few stitches can come undone.  So either start off with very small stitches like a .5 size or stitch in place a couple of times before let the fabric move.

I enjoy using monofilament thread especially when quilting.  And I am always learning new ways to use that thread.  I hope this blog has helped you to decide using invisible thread or helped you improve your sewing with it.

©2020  Cheryl Fillion