1 simple rule + 3 tips = flawless quilting with Konfetti and Tutti threads

This week I’m exploring free motion quilting on a domestic machine using WonderFil‘s Konfetti, Tutti and Fabulux threads. Yesterday I talked about Fabulux thread today and tomorrow, I’ll focus on the cotton threads, Konfetti and Tutti.

Konfetti and Tutti are the same thread. They’re both a 50wt cotton thread that is mercerized and has been double gassed for a smooth even finish with fantastic colors. There are 60 solid colors in the Konfetti line and 41 variegated colors in the Tutti line.

WonderFil's Konfetti and Tutti are available in a 1094 yard [1000 meter] spool as well as a 2500 yard [2286 meter] cone

Konfetti and Tutti are available in 2 sizes of spools

Both threads are available in 1094 yd [1000m] spools and 2500 yd [2286m] cones.

Konfetti threads in bright colors

Konfetti threads in more quiet colors by WonderFil Threads

Thread Tamer and Wonder Guard

As I mentioned in my post earlier this week about Fabulux, a Thread Tamer and Wonder Guards are a good idea. When I’m stitching with the cotton threads, I don’t find that I need the Thread Tamer for most of my stitching on my domestic machine. The smaller Konfetti and Tutti spools are shaped to work perfectly on a domestic machine. I can usually place the spools on either the horizontal or vertical spool pin on my machine and not have any stitching issues. If I choose to use a larger cone of thread, I’ll definitely use the Thread Tamer.

This is a sample of what can happen to threads when they are stored without WonderFil's Wonder Guards

Threads in a box without Wonder Guards

I find that I don’t really need the Wonder Guard wrapped loosely around my spool while I’m stitching, but I do keep one on hand to secure the thread when I’m not using it.

Have you seen any of my thread boxes without Wonder Guards on the spools?

Needles

Earlier this week, I wrote about needle choices for free motion quilting. I usually use a size 80/12 top stitch needle to quilt with Konfetti and Tutti. The thread is a bit finer than Fabulux (50wt vs 40wt) and I can often get away with a smaller needle.

Here’s my simple rule:

If the thread shreds, choose a larger needle.
If the thread snaps, choose a smaller needle.

Many sewers, me included, have had the experience of sewing along and the thread starts to shred and then break. The thread needs to be tucked in the groove down the front of the needle to keep it protected as the needle goes through the fibers of the fabric. If the thread is not tucked into the groove because it is too big, it will rub against the fibers of the fabric as you stitch and eventually will shred as it wears.

This is a cross section of a needle, showing the groove down the front of the needle and how the thread should be protected.

Cross section of needles with thin and thick thread

If you find that your thread just snaps, you probably need to try a smaller needle size. There’s just too much play of the thread in the eye of the needle and the thread isn’t completely protected.

Tension

I’ve been told that we don’t need to touch the tensions on our bobbin cases. BUT….I like to use different threads in my bobbins and if I need to change the tension for different threads in my needle, why not my bobbin?

I recommend you contact your sewing machine dealer for detailed advice on adjusting the bobbin tension. You may also want to pick up an extra bobbin case to use while free motion quilting on your domestic machine so you can adjust your bobbin tension.

Sometimes I want the same thread in the needle and the bobbin for free motion quilting. I’ll make up a practice sandwich and play and adjust my needle and bobbin tensions until I’m satisfied I have the best settings for both.