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From: nomad
Date: 03-22-2006, 09:39 PM (1 of 6)
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Hi! I've been lurking for a few weeks --this is a great site! I've already learned so many tips from all of you! I have an absolutely basic (& somewhat rediculous) question. I have a brand new spool of (all-cotton) thread and I can not find the end to start! It's driving me crazy. For some reason, i've never had this problem before, but i've honestly never thought of how i've done it in the past! Can someone tell me how to do this, or tips to make the process easier? Thanks! |
User: nomad
Member since: 03-22-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: Sancin
Date: 03-22-2006, 10:14 PM (2 of 6)
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Welcome Nomad There are no silly questions here. If the truth were known most of us has wondered this at one time or another, or have wanted to litterly pitch a spool out the window in frustration. In most cases the thread end in on the middle of the spool loosely tucked under a thread. HOWEVER, you may have got spool that I looked at last and tried to match thread to material I purchased and then someone cut off the loose thread in the name of tidiness. When I find a spool like that I carefully look at the edges of the spool to see if there is a thread that seems to go into the edges. I then take a fine sharp pin or needle and gently try to pull the thread out. It sometimes takes several tries in several places. In great frustration, at times, I will pull any thread I can grab and cut it, then pull first one end and then the other to see which one leads to an unwind - sometimes only 1/2 around the spool or may go around the spool several times before an end becomes obvious, but at least you have a loose thread. This is really the Buster Keaton method of finding the end and if anyone else knows the secret please explain it - and explain why I haven't discoved it in 50+ years of sewing. 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 03-23-2006, 01:15 AM (3 of 6)
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If its one of the spools that has a little grooved edge at the end where the thread gets twisted around, usually a long skinny plastic spool, if you look closely at the end, you can see where the thread goes up and into the groove. If you can get a pin or the tip of a scissor or a tweezer in there, you can get the thread out. I just had that happen on a new spool too!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Sparky
Date: 03-23-2006, 09:15 AM (4 of 6)
On a new spool - not a long skinny spool like Bridesmom describes, but a regular spool - there is a slit cut in the rim, and the thread is tucked in there and the end buried under the label. You are supposed to be able to see this slit and pull the thread out, but it can be just about invisible. It gets even harder to see as you get older, trust me! Anyway, you can usually find that little tail of thread if you pull the label off. This is unfortunate, because it's nice to have the label so you can remember it's cotton thread, not polyester, and you'll have the number in case you need more, but so it goes. Also, there are labels on both ends. You only need to remove one. But do I know which one? No, I do not.  Of course, if you can see where the thread goes under the label, you'll only have to pull up the edge to expose the end of the thread. But, if you could see that, you wouldn't be writing. Sparky
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User: Sparky
Member since: 03-13-2005 Total posts: 94 |
From: esrun3
Date: 03-23-2006, 09:26 AM (5 of 6)
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If we are talking a regular spool of thread, I just usually tear the paper of the ends to find where the thread starts. You lose the color # but I'm not too particular about matching that way as I usually buy more than 1 spool at a time
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 03-23-2006, 06:01 PM (6 of 6)
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Also , to remember... Those long skinny spools of thread.. (about 3 inches long ) The top or bottom of those is a push-up end that has the thread end trapped and is then pushed back down in place.. Just hold the spool in one hand and flip the end up with your thumb and --voila-- there is your thread end..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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