Hey there, quilting enthusiasts! It’s Gina here, your go-to quilting artist.
Ever dabbled with invisible thread (or “monofilament thread” as some call it)? Opinions on it can be as diverse as quilt patterns themselves! Some folks can’t get enough of it, while others, well… not so much.
Curious as I am, I took it upon myself to compare six different brands of this elusive thread. And guess what? There wasn’t a clear winner or a definitive loser. The key? Knowing how to work with each type.
The brands that faced off in my personal quilting showdown were: Coats, Gutermann, Sew-Art, Sulky, YLI Wonder, and a mysterious spool from Joann’s with no label, which I’ll dub No-Name for this chat. ️♀️
The Thread-Down: A Comparative Glimpse
| Brands | Spool/Cone | Clear/Smoke | Color Tint | Thickness | Feel | Unwind Behavior | Machine Threading | Manual Threading | Spool Pin Preferred | Tension Adjustment | Cap/Mesh | Invisibility (walking foot) | Invisibility (free-motion foot) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coats | Large Spool | Smoke | Slight greenish overcast | Fine | Slightly stiff | Very long waves, almost straight | Easy | Easy | Horizontal | -1 | Large cap | Best | Best |
I approached this test methodically. Same sewing machine, same bobbin, same cotton thread, same fabric, same batting, and even the same iron settings. My sewing machine was in top condition, humming like a song (or was that my fluffy cat, Sebastian? ).
By the way, each thread has unique characteristics. Let’s decode some terms:
- Spool/Cone: Sizes can vary from large spools, mini cones to small ones.
- Clear/Smoke: Threads can be neutral gray or transparent, though the ‘clear’ ones might have a subtle hue.
Using invisible thread requires attention, especially when setting the tension. Too loose? You’ll have threads everywhere! Check the table for my optimal settings. For quilting, all brands worked flawlessly on my standard setting.
When mounting the thread, ensure the spool cap matches the spool size. Press it against the spool, ensuring easy unwinding. Had issues with Gutermann’s thicker thread, but some spool mesh did the trick!
I began by creating applique hearts onto 6″ squares. The invisible thread held up remarkably through ironing and machine-quilting. However, its invisibility varied between straight lines and curves, likely due to how light hits the stitches.
No outright champion emerged, but my heart leans slightly towards JoAnn’s No-Name brand. Gutermann, with its wiry nature, didn’t win me over. In the past, I steered clear of invisible threads due to concerns about durability and safety. But now? I’d vouch for it, especially if you’re starting with machine quilting and prefer discreet stitches. It’s even handy for basting quilts.
Hope this helps you dive into the world of quilting with more clarity and excitement!
