AboutPatricia Fountain Expertise I can answer questions about sewing machine for quilting, supplies, equipment, fabrics, and methods of piecing including applique, foundation piecing, machine quilting and hand quilting.
Experience 40 years of sewing expertise over 10 years quilting. I have experience making quilts for beds, garments, table items (placemats, runners, etc.) wall hangings, etc. I teach quilting and sewing at my home studio.
Organizations American Quilting Society
Education/Credentials NYS Certified Home Economics Teacher (FACS)
Home Serwing Association Trained Sewing Educator
Question Hi Patricia - I'm ready to machine applique my daughters quilt - first time! I need to know the pros and cons of using invisible nylon thread. My daughter is 22, so will not be taking the best care of her quilt (it will be well used, however). That's why I've decided to machine quilt the small flowers and leaves, rather than hand applique. So I need some advice on whether to use nylon or cotton thread, and how best to set up my machine if I'm using nylon thread. Nylon seems to be a good choice because there are many different colors in the flowers, and I don't want to have to keep changing cotton thread colors. So, I'm practicing, and no matter how low I set the top tension, the bottom thread is showing. I have a Bernina 440 QE, and am using the applique foot, stitch #7 (sort of a blanket stitch), and a brand new jeans/denim needle size 12. The nylon thread is ".004 Quilters Invisible nylon thread". I don't see the nylon, but I sure see that bottom thread!
Answer Lynne, you're in luck - you have a Bernina so I know how to get it to work. Set up your bobbin thread using that little eye at the top of the bobbin case (The one you would use when setting up bobbin thread for embroidery). That will keep that bottom thread from showing through!
Pat
