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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Pudge99
Date: 12-28-2005, 12:54 PM (1 of 11)
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Well I am finally here. After much research I decided on a machine I really liked. Santa surprised me with it this year, a Singer Futura CE-100 from Wal -mart I spoke directly with Singer about this machine and embroidery wise it is the same machine as the CE-200. The difference is in the software and how many stitches the sewing side can do. The thing that enticed me most about this machine is the fact that it is run from your computer no special cards needed. I don't know much about other machines but this software can read and convert all major design formats. When I am ready for it I can upgrade my software to include the digitizing. To me this machine is great for someone just starting out that doesn't want to invest a thousand dollars or more. Also I am not limited to the small screen to view what I am doing I can see it all as large as regular computer monitor. It comes with two hoop sizes so I am not limited to the 4X4 of the Brother that can be had for the same price. OK well that is enough about the reasons I chose this machine. I have been playing around with it for a few days and all is going fairly well. So now I have a question. Should the top thread be showing on the bottom or is it like regular sewing and you want the top and bobbin thred to meet in the fabric? Also my machine has a special place on the tension to set it for embroidery. Is this just a guidline? Thanks all and I am sure I'll be back with more questions as I go along. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 12-28-2005, 02:52 PM (2 of 11)
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Pudge 99 I also have the CE-100 which I received as a Christmas gift last year from my DH except he purchased it from a Singer dealer who has been absolutely great about answering any questions I have had. Read the 95 page manual that is included in your software and be sure to look at the DVD that came with your machine. It has all the information about hooping, stabilizing, etc. When you're embroidering set your tension dial on the E. This is supposed to give you auto tension for the top thread. Also, and this is critical, be sure that your top thread is seated in the tension discs under the clear plastic area on top of your machine. If the thread is not completely seated in those 2 disks (you will hear a little click when the thread is in there correctly) you will have looping and bird nesting on the bottom. If the stitches still look at little loose on the bottom of the fabric once it is set on E, then roll the dial toward the (I think) 4 or back toward the 2 and that will adjust it a little more. Every machine will be different on the top thread tensions. Also, be sure you get your bobbin thread seated in the slits on the left side of your bobbin case. This will also make a difference in the appearance of the stitches on the bottom of the fabric. Otherwise, if these machines are properly threaded top and bottom, there won't be any problems with them. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-28-2005, 09:46 PM (3 of 11)
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I don' t know about other machines, but rule of thumb on how the stitches look on the bottom is 1/3, 1/3, 1/3. 1/3 top, 1/3 bobbin, 1/3 top. (as long as the bobbin doesn't show on the top and the top isn't all on the bottom.)
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 12-29-2005, 03:42 PM (4 of 11)
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Well I figured out part of my problem. When I change thread colors I keep forgetting to lift the presser foot. I am used to my Pfaff where I can see the lifter handle when it is down. I worked really hard yesterday on remembering to lift the foot and my stitches looked a lot better. I need suggestions on thread. I have just been using my serger cones to play around and I have a spool of Madeira that I bought a while ago to do some decorative stitching on something. The Madeira seems to break a lot. I have heard that Coats and Clark is garbage so that leaves me with Sulky and Gutterman. Is either one better than the other? Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: paroper
Date: 12-29-2005, 05:25 PM (5 of 11)
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This is a whole new ball game. Yes, the top thread should show on the bottom. More importantly, you thread should be embroidery thread on the top...most machines use 40 WT. thread on top and a different thread on the bottom (I think it is 60 WT...someone help me here) I just get my bottom thread from my dealer so I don't think about the weight. Some people swear by NEBS. My machine won't take them, and I know very little about them. If you have an automatic bobbin sensor, you machine may not take them either. Most bobbin thread (not all) comes in white or black and comes on a pretty good size spool. I keep both in my stash. In two years time, I've used up one white and most of another and a little black...that is in over 7 million stitches. Personally, I suspect the bobbin thread on a spool (about 10-12 dollars) is probably a lot cheaper than the NEBS...but that may not be true. If you use it on cotton quilts, you should probably use cotton, but I don't quilt and I use poly thread on the bottom. You'll also have to make decisions about whether you want Polyester, Rayon, or in some cases, cotton thread. The poly thread isn't quite as sensitive to bleach and washing, but the rayon is considered to be shinier (that is personal taste). I use Isacord thread. Maderia and Marathon are considered to be good. Coats and in some cases Sulky do not work as well on all machines. If you decide to go to Metallic threads in your stash, ask for help. Metallic threads can be a real problem. I really like the Yenment metalics but they are very expensive. My recommendation would be to purchase one brand of top thread...it is just so much easier when you need to match colors...but that is my opinion and not necessarily that of others. Just as we all like different machines, you'll find a lot of opinions about stabilizers and threads. However, there will be some things that we'll all agree upon. At least, we should be able to to help you with informed decisions. Enjoy your new hobby!!! pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 12-29-2005, 06:02 PM (6 of 11)
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Pudge, first of all, buy "bobbin thread" to use in your Futura. This is from someone who is experienced with a Futura. Secondly, some people have been able to use the NEBs (prewound) bobbins with some success in their Futuras but Singer actually recommends that you not use them. I have been using Coats & Clark rayon and polyester on my Futura and have not had a problem but that is your preference if you want to try Gutterman or something else. I have found that my Futura does not particularly like the Sulky embroidery thread. I have also found that (on the recommendation of a sister in Florida who has been embroidering for about 15 years) that the H2Gone that Wal-Mart sells works really well as a stabilizer and works on most everything I've embroidered. It is a wash-away stabilizer and is about $1.78 a yard. Anyway, whatever brand of thread you decide to use, do purchase a spool of just plain "bobbin thread" in that brand and wind your bobbins. I also buy my bobbins for my machine from my Singer dealer to be sure I get the exact one that came with the machine. I think trying other brands of bobbins have caused disasters for the bobbin assembly for some people with the Futuras. Just stick to what Singer recommends you use for that machine and it will work really well for you. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: threadingerin47
Date: 12-29-2005, 06:54 PM (7 of 11)
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guiterman is fantastic, madeira leaves a lot of dust, sulky is good but not for all machines. yli is good, but again you have to choose rayon or whatever. I have been told by two manufacturers that we should not use coats and clark in our machines because over time it wears on the bobbin shaft and that whole area; along with the wear and tear on the top and is not too good so I stay away from it. try some brands one spool at a time. see what you like. you should as someone previously posted check with your manufacturer to see about prewound bobbins; and what they recommend for bobbin thread when embroidering. check their website too or ask via email off their website. good luck, happy sewing!!!
Erin from NH who says GODoodlesNQuilt!!!
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User: threadingerin47
Member since: 12-18-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: LadySloPokes
Date: 12-29-2005, 08:49 PM (8 of 11)
I got the CE200 for Christmas, as well as a starter kit of 15 spools of Floriani thread. The ladies at my Singer store have tested and sold many threads, and they feel that Floriani is the best on the market. It's the only thread they will sell now. I've only been practicing with the C&C for now, but I hope to start using the Floriani soon. It's very pricey, so I'll only be buying a couple of spools a month to build up my color stock. I'm also using the prewound bobbins, and have not had a problem nor have the ladies at the Singer store. They use them all the time in many of their machines, and have even told the Singer Techincal Support staff of their success with them. But, as noted above, each machine is going to be alittle different, so use your own judgement and follow the advice of those in the know that you trust. Good luck to you with your CE100, hope you enjoy it as much as I am enjoying my 200!! 
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: wghmch
Date: 12-30-2005, 09:07 PM (9 of 11)
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Just in case this is a help to anyone, my son has a website that is designed to help Futura owners, whether they bought it from him or not. It is at: http://www.futurafun.com/ Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 12-31-2005, 01:09 PM (10 of 11)
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Bill, Thanks! That site is great. The tutorials show exactly what I need to know. Looks like this might be another day that I just sit in my sewing room ignoring the world around me. 
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-31-2005, 09:27 PM (11 of 11)
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I like Robinson-Anton, Mettler, Guttermann, Madeira and YIL/Yenmet (OESD). Sulky shreads in my machines something awful. But other people swear by it. Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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