Welcome!
Can you believe we’re more than a week into November! Wisconsin is still experiencing some mild fall weather … the daily highs may be tracking downward, but they remain above average overall. That’s one of the things I’m thankful for this month!
I’m also thankful that we can host a couple of free live events in November. Interested in taking a field trip to either of our store locations? Continue reading for details (see Events below). BUT heads up … the first event, the APQS Road Show, is this Friday and Saturday.
Our second event is something new! We’re hosting a Superior Threads Class. I’m really excited about this in-person, hands-on opportunity! (Again, see Events for more information.)
So, how do you feel about the topics of thread, needles and tension? Confident … OR … point of stress? Point of stress is a pretty common response. If that’s you, I’m going to share some basic information today that could help.
Thread, Needles and Tension
At The Quilting Connection, we use and sell various lines from Superior Threads. If you explore Superior’s website, you’ll find multiple thread options to choose from depending on your sewing application. And the line of thread determines needle and tension recommendations.
Quilting Threads
Superior offers several lines of threads for longarm and domestic sewing machines that are available in various fibers, finishes and weights. A few of their most popular lines include So Fine! (our favorite), Magnifico, Fantastico and OMNI.
So Fine! is a 50 weight, 3-ply polyester thread. We love that it is lint-free and our Handi Quilter machines work well with it. So Fine! has a matte-finish and a smooth filament. It is an excellent blending thread available in over 130 solid colors.
Magnifico is a 40 weight, 2-ply trilobal (multiple filament, twisted) polyester thread. It is extra-strength, high-sheen and is available in 200 bold, solid colors. It is also heat set in processing, eliminating unwanted shrinkage.
Fantastico is also a 40 weight, 2 ply trilobal polyester thread, but it is variegated with a one-inch precision dye pattern. It is available in over 100 color blends.
OMNI is a 40 weight, 2-ply corespun (poly-wrapped, poly core) thread. It is cleaner, brighter and stronger than other corespun threads and is available in 172 solid colors.
Most of Superior’s threads are available on spools or cones for convenient use on either longarm or domestic machines.
On Superior’s site, you’ll find over 20 lines of thread available. Each line of thread has specific characteristics and can behave differently from machine to machine. Threads may be made of natural fibers (e.g., cotton or silk) or synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or rayon).
In addition to the filament, trilobal and corespun threads listed above, thread may be spun, textured (making the thread fuzzy, stretchy and wool-like with increased volume), monofilament (a single polyester filament) or bonded (resin coated, usually for upholstery).
Thread types include cotton, the various types of polyester, rayon, nylon, metallic and glitter/mylar.
Thread Weight
The weight (or size) of thread is an important consideration in deciding how you’ll quilt your project. A smaller weight number indicates a heavier thread (e.g., Magnifico thread (40 wt.) is a thicker/heavier thread than So Fine #50).
NOTE: The Number standard is used on many thinner threads. You’ll see it written as No. 100 or #100. This is not the same as a Weight measurement. Again, the smaller the number, the heavier the thread. Do not mix the Weight and Number systems when comparing thread size.
Machine Needles
One of the most significant parts of your domestic and longarm machines is often the least appreciated. Both The Quilting Connection and Superior Threads recommend starting each new project with a new needle!
A clean, well-functioning needle will result in sharp, well-shaped stitches. Needles are inexpensive and easy to change.
Needles fall into three categories: ball point, sharp and rounded-sharp. Ball point needles are designed to avoid making holes in knit or loosely woven materials. Sharp needles are designed for woven fabrics. They can be used on all wovens as well as dense fabrics (e.g., vinyl, leather).
Needles range in size from very fine (55/7) to heavy duty (120/19). The larger number relates to the metric system. The smaller number relates to the US system and is an arbitrary number indicating the needle shaft diameter.
The needle’s number also gives you an indication of the size of the eye. Opposite to thread, the higher the number the larger the eye. For example, you may use a size 16 needle with 50wt So Fine! and a size 18 needle with 40wt Magnifico because this is a thicker thread.
Machine Tension
If you’re using the same weight/size thread for both the top thread and the bobbin, you probably won’t have to adjust your machine’s tension. But, if you use different threads on top and in your bobbin, you’ll most likely have to make an adjustment.
Superior provides this analogy, “Think of the top and bottom thread as having a tug of war. If the threads are identical and you are sewing on a single layer of fabric, both sides have equal strength, and the result will be a draw.”
Several factors can affect the stitch balance/tension. Batting adds drag on the top thread, increasing the level of stress. And densely woven fabrics such as batiks will cause increased friction while the looser weave of quilting cotton produces less friction.
Likewise, the thickness and material of the top thread can affect stitch balance and quality. If the top thread is thick and the bottom thread is fine, the top tension will most likely need adjustment. Some threads, for example metallic, require very loose tension to achieve balanced stitches with no breakage.
Here’s an illustration of the tension tug of war.
Feel better about thread, needles and tension? If not…
Superior Threads, like The Quilting Connection, is big on education. Check the Education tab of their website. You’ll have access to articles, videos and their blog. They also provide several guides for quick reference. Here’s a sampling:
- Thread Selection Guide – gives a use, what type, weight and line of thread is recommended
- Troubleshooting Guide – if your thread is breaking or shredding, here’s what to try
- Home Machine Thread Reference Guide – a list of thread lines, their weight and description, recommended applications, needle, bobbin thread and top tension
- Longarm Machine Thread Reference Guide – a list of thread lines, their weight and description, recommended applications and needle, plus additional notes
Finally, also check out Superior’s Product Catalog and Resource Guide. (Scroll down to the bottom of any page on their website.)
This 29-page PDF covers their thread catalog, available needles and notions, the longarm thread reference guide, the home machine thread reference guide, their thread index, a thread selection chart, the top thread tension adjustment diagram and the troubleshooting guide.
Still have questions? Want to see/use some of these different threads in person? Please consider attending our free Superior Threads classes! (See Event information directly below!)
Upcoming Special Events
Would you like more information on our APQS longarm machines? How about visiting one of The Quilting Connection locations and getting some detailed information, a chance to play on the machines and the opportunity to get all your questions answered right there on the spot!
I’ll be your hostess at these events. My goal is for you to experience the very best that quilting has to offer! Come discover the longarm machine that’s right for you!
APQS Road Show Longarm Experience
Friday, November 8th – Elkhorn
Saturday, November 9th – Appleton
12:00 – 3:00 PM
You must register in advance for this FREE event.
Call us at 262-723-6775 or call 800-426-7233.
******************************************************************************
Still want to know more about thread? In this class, Micki will teach you that YOU CAN use all different kinds of threads on your domestic or longarm quilting machine!
You’ll bring your domestic sewing machine to class so that you can personally try new threads and techniques! Micki will show you how to use Pima cotton, Sew Sassy, Metallic, Glitter and MonoPoly threads. Leave all fear and apprehension at the door … YOU CAN DO THIS!
Superior Threads Class with Micki
Friday, November 22nd – Appleton
Saturday, November 23rd – Elkhorn
1:00 – 4:00 PM
You must register in advance for this FREE event.
Only 15 spots available at each location.
Click on the location where you'd like to attend to sign up!
Sale Opportunities
Now that you’ve been introduced to some of Superior’s threads, you’ll want to take advantage of this!
The Thread-A-Palooza Sale!
If you purchase in person at either the Elkhorn or Appleton shop,
all in stock thread will be available at 30% off.
If you purchase online, use coupon code “thread” to receive 15% off.
NOTE: Discounts can’t be combined. If you use “thread”, you cannot use “FreeShip”.
*************************************************************
APQS International Quilt Festival Sale Extended!
If you’re planning to attend one of our APQS Road Shows this Friday or Saturday, you can still take advantage of the incredible deals on APQS quilting machines that were offered at the Houston Quilt Show—up to $1,000 off select models and 50% off Quilt Path™!
But hurry, this extended offer is only available until this Sunday, November 10th!
*******************************************************************
And Another Sale Coming Soon …
Watch for information on Handi Quilter’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale.
You’ll be able to get some great prices on Pro-Stitcher, the Moxie machines, select accessories and Handi Quilter branded items. We’ll keep you posted!
Please take advantage of these sale opportunities! We want to help make your quilting journey as economical as possible!
As always, if you have ANY questions or want additional information about ANY of the products and services we offer, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.
You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).
Finally, check out our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and our Facebook posts.
Please share your thoughts and questions. I’d love to hear from you!
Angie