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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: GFranklin
Date: 11-26-2006, 04:29 PM (1 of 7)
I am trying out those cute fringe designs, but I am not having as much success as I would like when it comes to pulling the threads to make the fringe. I used dissolvable bobbin thread on my recent stitch-out, and that was a great help. However, I am still having difficulty getting the top thread pulled to the front. Should I decrease the tension on the embroidery thread for this portion of the design? And, if so, how much? I am using a Designer SE machine. Thanks!
Gayle
User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004
Total posts: 101
From: GFranklin
Date: 11-26-2006, 05:31 PM (2 of 7)
OK, here is where I am getting confused. The instructions for the fringe embroidery state that there should be 1/2 to 1/3 bobbin thread showing on the back of the satin stitched column. Mine is showing less than this. So, what do I adjust? I think I am in brain meltdown:nc:
Gayle
User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004
Total posts: 101
From: paroper
Date: 11-30-2006, 12:09 AM (3 of 7)
Adjust the top tension. I have some of these to do but I haven't tried them yet. That is why I didn't respond. I was told that you pull the top thread but I just don't know. Let me know what you figure out...it is just a matter of time before I give it a go. I have the Tassels and Trims books and the two CD's and they have a fantastic window valance I'd like to do....it is just that my window is 123 inches across and I still need the sides...probably another 8 inches and seam allowances so it is going to be a bit expensive to make a continuous valance of white denium or trigger...but I think it will be fun.
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: GFranklin
Date: 11-30-2006, 07:16 PM (4 of 7)
I increased the top tension (after I got over my brain meltdown:bluewink: ) from 2.8 to 3.4 and then to 3.6. I used black bobbin thread so that I could see what it was doing. The 3.4 seemed to work well for the flamingo on cotton, but when I used the design on the kitchen towel (not terry) and used disolvable bobbin thread, the results weren't as good. So, tomorrow, I will try again using black bobbin thread on the towel and 3.6 for the upper thread. I will let you know how it does. Oh, yes, I did discover that just spritzing the dissolving bobbin thread wasn't a good idea (especially since I had used a solvy topper). All that did was stiffen the fabric and I had to throw the towel in the washer to get the solvy out. That may have caused the problem in pulling the fringe threads out. Can't say for sure. But, I will continue to experiment until I get it right.
Gayle
User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004
Total posts: 101
From: GFranklin
Date: 12-03-2006, 04:17 PM (5 of 7)
Pam, I finally got the design to stitch out the way it was designed to. The instructions are quite clear from EmbLibrary, it only took me a while to get the tension correct. First, make sure you use a cut-away stabilizer. If you use a dissolvable topper, don't get it wet until you pull the fringe loose. Set the top tension so that 1/3 to 1/2 of the bobbin thread is showing on back on satin columns. (I used a dark bobbin thread so that I could see it well). I was embroidering the flamingo on a textured kitchen towel, so I did use a topper. I wound up using regular bobbin thread instead of dissolving bobbin thread to avoid getting the topper wet. Hope this all makes sense. Anyway, the flamingo is doing what he is supposed to do and I am now going to make the final product.
Gayle
User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004
Total posts: 101
From: paroper
Date: 12-03-2006, 05:27 PM (6 of 7)
How cool....maybe after Christmas I should start that valance....
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: GFranklin
Date: 12-04-2006, 10:28 AM (7 of 7)
Well, that sounds like a great plan:)! When you get the valance done, send me a photo, please.

BTW, I also discovered that a 90/14 needle seemed to work best for what I was doing. Which brings up another topic:bluewink:
Gayle
User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004
Total posts: 101
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