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From: pucktricks
Date: 09-13-2006, 04:54 PM (1 of 17)
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I just learned how to use the embroidery attachment for my machine and now I'm trying to figure out how important it is to actually use the embroidery thread compared to the normal thread. I understand the needle is very important, but will it kill the embroidery if I don't use the embroidery thread? Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 09-13-2006, 07:53 PM (2 of 17)
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It might if you don't keep it clean and serviced. Poly embroidery thread doesn't shed like cotton. It's also 'thinner'...as is the bobbin thread. Thats why -I- keep telling people machine embroidery is a VERY expensive hobby and to make sure they really wanna spend the money on quality notions, threads and fabric for their machines. If you use cheap stuff from Wally World, KMart etc, you could end up with very expensive repairs and nasty looking embroidery.
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: pucktricks
Date: 09-13-2006, 09:12 PM (3 of 17)
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Okay, I'm planning on getting some, I just wanted to try it out before I bought it, and was trying to figure out how terrible it would be, so I might get away with it for one or two projects, or if I don't have that thread, but don't make it a habit. Does that sound right? Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 09-13-2006, 11:10 PM (4 of 17)
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You can get some GOOD deals on poly thread...Sulky at JoAnns (take yer coupons...they have a TON of'em this month). Admelody (www.bfc-creations.com) bfc-creations at Yahoo groups.. online at various sites... I have used cotton thread to embroider. It makes a mess and you have to fiddle with the tensions. (but it was special hand dyed and I needed it for a project). I took my machine in for service afterwards and the repairman said I did a good job of keeping my machine clean. Thats the main thing...keeping the lint out.. Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: pucktricks
Date: 09-14-2006, 08:48 AM (5 of 17)
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So, I guess I'll be good and be patient..... I'm going on Monday to get the threads. They have a "beginner's kit," that has 20 of the most commonly used threads at the store where I got my machine, and since I'm taking classes I get 20% off. So, do you like Sulky? Both the lady teaching the class and one of the other ladies didn't like it because it broke more often than Isacord. Admittedly the store sells Isacord, so...... I'm just trying to figure all this stuff out so I know what all to do. Thanks so much for replying so quickly. Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570
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From: ninifav
Date: 09-14-2006, 09:48 AM (6 of 17)
| Hi Ticia...It is very important that you use embroidery thread and the proper stabilizer to obtain the results that are acceptable..Most people don't complain about Sulky...On-line, there are great resources...you can try Marathon threads (there are several different sites- all independent of each other) and discount embroidery and another one called Atlanta something...If Mamadus comes along, she knows the sites...Just do a Google search and they should pop up...I also LOVE the prewound bobbins...so much more on them then winding your own...have fun!!! the embroidery police aren't going to come get you if you "mess up!!" |
User: ninifav
Member since: 09-06-2004 Total posts: 204 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 09-14-2006, 02:24 PM (7 of 17)
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Sulky shreds in my machines. (I hate it.) I use RA and Mettler. You can buy almost anything these days online. Just shop around... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: paroper
Date: 09-15-2006, 06:27 AM (8 of 17)
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I use Isacord almost exclusively. Sulky is known for its breaks but, as with many other threads, sews better in some machines than others. Madiera is a nice thread and I've heard very good things about RA and Marathon which I have not tried. I often buy Madiera for special effects which I can't get in Isacord. For Metalics, Yenment leaves many in the dust but it is terribly expensive. The thickness of the embroidery thread which matches about 99% of the embroidery designs and the textures and shine of the poly and rayon threads just can't be beat. You spend a lot of money on each project when you consider the cost of the project itself and then figure in the time involved in the embroidery process, thread and stabilizer. You want your projects to be the nicest possible! Many people SWEAR by the prewound bobbins! There are machines that accept these just fine but I CAUTION you! Many machine mfgs, including Bernina, do NOT recommend these and may invalidate your warrenty if damage results from their use. Also, there are many types of bobbins available. If you use them, be sure that you use one that your machine mfg recommends. I use a $12 spool of bobbin thread for the bobbins on my machine. It is good for about 5 million stitches! Another thing that I personally recommend is find your favorite embroidery thread and stay with it. Lots of people have TONS of thread in different brands but the problem comes in when doing a project. If you don't care if your colors blend, well, then it isn't a problem...but it is so much easier to convert from one brand of thread (colors) to another brand and not hunt color numbers and such. The other thing is that I would recommend that you choose a few patterns you like and buy the colors for those patterns. When I came home with my machine I bought about 10 different colors and did the obvious, buying all the primary colors, black, white, etc. I quickly discovered that I didn't have the right colors to do anything. If you'll choose a set of designs and buy colors that go with the designs, you'll not only have enough colors to do something but you'll have colors that are of complimentary hue which is another thing to consider. Many of the designs are like water colors and there are soooo many hidden colors in the designs. Enjoy your new hobby. We'll be around to answer questions as you go. Be sure and take ALL your classes so that you get the full value of your machine!!!! 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: pucktricks
Date: 09-15-2006, 10:11 AM (9 of 17)
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My last class is Monday, and Jeff has been such a trooper this entire time. One other question. Could I use interfacing in place of stabilizer? Or does it need to be stabilizer. Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570
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From: paroper
Date: 09-15-2006, 11:35 AM (10 of 17)
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No. The purpose of interfacing is to add body to a garment. It is not strong enough and can fall apart when used properly as stabilizer. We don't realize it but it also has some stretch and moves with the body. The purpose of the stabilizer is to HOLD the fabric firmly in the hoop and keep the natural pull of the embroidery process from shrinking your design. Stabilizer has no stretch and does not have a grain. You can tug and pull on the stabilizer and it shouldn't budge. I didn't think that I could find the interfacing I wanted to make some badges...so I digitized my designs and loaded 10 badges in a megahoop to sew out using very heavy interfacing for my backing and 505 to secure my ultrasuede. It was nothing short of a disaster! My design pulled and sagged, the needle bounced and skipped stitches...nothing matched, the interfacing shreaded.... Just take my word, you'll have far too much invested in you projects and your equipment to try to short yourself here. Some of the fake stabilizers like coffee filters can get in your machine and foul things up royal...leaving you with expensive repair bills. You are far ahead to stick with the program. You'll hear all kinds of ideas like Stretch and seal for topper (to keep down toweling)...stuff like that, play it smart. You don't want to ruin your warranty to save a few dollars..in the long run you may need it. 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: pucktricks
Date: 09-15-2006, 03:28 PM (11 of 17)
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okay, wasn't sure, and didn't remember to ask in class. I went through the designs I've downloaded and want to make right now, and figured out which threads I need, and what threads I can get away with substituting so I'm not buying twenty million of them right away. I'm having a lot of fun with it, and my husband is kind of just nodding and smiling when he sees me playing on my computer. Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570
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From: paroper
Date: 09-15-2006, 04:26 PM (12 of 17)
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You'll have a blast! My recommendation about your purchases is to have a game plan though. I found out pretty quick that if I didn't plan things I had a lot of "stuff" I couldn't use and it is soooo easy to get duplicate colors if you don't keep a list and stick to a brand. Isacord makes a large thread chart that can be purchased but they also have a little pocket chart that you can often get free. In the beginning before I had my colors filled out, I would keep the thread chart in my purse and when I would find a color I needed, I'd circle the color on the chart. When I got it I would check it. That helped me not duplicate colors. I now store all my colors in number order and it is easy to find and pull them when they are needed.
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: pucktricks
Date: 09-17-2006, 02:51 PM (13 of 17)
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That's a good idea. I went throught the first few embroidery ones I want to try and made a list of the threads I would need. I can't wait to try all this out! Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570
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From: mamadus
Date: 09-18-2006, 01:12 AM (14 of 17)
Ticia... Paula was right... I'm a big fan of marathon thread... its a very nice embroidery thread and you can get it at a very good price... there are marathon distributors and sites out of new jersey, Texas, California, Canada... and a couple other places as well..LOL.. as Paula mentioned... do a google search for Marathon thread and you'll find lots of them...another good choice is ARC thread, which you can get from MelcoMart.... I personally am not a mad fan of Sulky, although I don't hate it.... their regular embroidery thread is ok.. but I wouldn't hit a dog in the fanny with their metallics... as far as pre-wound bobbins are concerned.... I guess its personal choice... when I first started embroidering, I always wound my own...and that's fine... but after a while I decided I'd like the convenience of pre-wounds, also, a pre-wound bobbin will go further than one you wind yourself, the manufacturers can just wind it more evenly and more tightly than we can at home.... now, I use them almost exclusively... I have a Brother ULT and a Babylock EMP-6... on the EMP-6 I can use the cardboard sided bobbins, cardboard sided pre-wounds are usually not recommended for home embroidery machines, so I don't use them in the ULT, on the ULT I use only NEBS... ... NEBS you can buy from nebsales.com or I often buy them from longcreekmills.com... again... try doing a google search and check prices on various sites... usually you can find them on sale... for stabilizer... you need an assortment of tear away, cut away, and water soluble to get started... the more you embroider, the more you will find what you like best and what works well for you... I buy tear away at walmart... it's not the heaviest weight, so sometimes I end up using more than one layer, you can also get cut-away from Walmart, for water soluble, there are 2 types,,, the film type, that you can use for a topping to keep your stitches from sinking in (like on fleece or sweatshirts) and the fabric type water soluble that is better for free standing lace. most people use solvy (made by Sulky) for the film type... you can get it at joann's... for the fabric type, I use Aqua magic, which is also known as Vilene, if your local joann's has a viking dealer inside, they will carry it... there are other types of stabilizer, and i have other preferences, but this should get you started... sorry to write a book...  its fun to share what we've learned as we progress in this addiction called machine embroidery... remember there are no silly questions, except the ones you don't ask, and we all started as newbies.... good luck... holler if you need us... MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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From: my2girlies
Date: 09-18-2006, 10:19 AM (15 of 17)
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I also only use Marathon and have had great luck with it. I did have one spool of red that kept "feathering" for lack of a better word. Other colors did not in the same design, so i contacted marathon and they sent a new one at no charge and it worked wonderfully. I do not use prewound bobbins - I am just not comfortable putting bobbins from another company in the machine (mine is a Singer). So I watch for bobbin thread to go on sale (and I have been told never to use C&C in embroidery machines by the way) and wind the whole spool onto bobbins as soon as I get it. Takes a while, but it is worth not getting into the middle of a project and then having to stop to wind a bobbin. I buy alot of my stabilizer from Wal Mart, too. Have not had any problems with it. Oh yes - if you buy spray on fabric adhesive - Hide It From Your Children as I found out this week-end. My youngest DD and friends sprayed their clothes ALOT and tried to stick each other to the walls. (Did I mention it was a rainy week-end). And FYI it will not keep a 65 pound child suspended for very long if you ever have that need. But on the flip side scrubbing the walls will keep three 65 pound children busy for about 2 1/2 hours. And the fact that the clothes stick to them much better than the walls and are quite painful to remove will probably prevent them from trying it again. But do enjoy your machine - they are so much fun!! I learned to do the embroidery before I learned to sew and have had a blast!! I am definately not in the league of the women here, but still enjoy tremendously what I do. Have Fun |
User: my2girlies
Member since: 03-25-2005 Total posts: 154 |
From: sweetpea1
Date: 09-18-2006, 11:20 AM (16 of 17)
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My2girlies, I love that story. You know, if I had been machine embroidering years ago, I'm sure I would have a similar story to tell. When my kids were young, they tried all sorts of crazy stuff and gluing themselves to the walls sound right up their alley. Pucktricks, I've only been machine embroidering since March of this year, and I love it (but been sewing for almost 30 years). I am definitely hooked. I do use Sulky thread (not the metallics), and don't usually have any problems with it. I think each machine has its sensitivities, so you'll just have to find the thread that works best for your machine. The same holds true with regular sewing. And, I agree with My2girlies and the others, you need a variety of stabilizers to start with. If you are anything like me, you will want to try lots of projects and each will most likely require a different stabilizer. Its a good idea to have a variety on hand for a last minute gift project anyway. I quickly learned that machine embroidery is an expensive hobby, but if you watch for sales, shop on the right sites and use coupons, you can save a ton of money. I like the prewound bobbins for the convenience of always having one ready when I need one, but also because it saves money by lasting longer. I also buy my thread at JoAnn's when they run a 1/2 off sale. That's when I stock up. And, keep you eye on the many embroidery websites for great sales on wonderful designs -- some free and some not. Most of all, have fun, and try not to let you kids get stuck to the walls! Too funny! SweetPea |
User: sweetpea1
Member since: 10-10-2005 Total posts: 56 |
From: mamadus
Date: 09-18-2006, 02:04 PM (17 of 17)
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just FYI for anybody who's interested.... I just got an e-mail this am from MelcoMart... they are running a special on the entire ARC collection... all 288 of the thousand meter spools for $275 plus shipping... this offer is only valid if you order by phone, e-mail, or fax... this is what I paid when I bought the entire set and I think with the shipping it came to about $295... so with shipping you're paying just over $1 per spool... that's a great price, if you can manage the whole collection at once... just my 2 cents...  MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492
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