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How using thread cone nets improves quilting stitches

by Robin Bogaert

It’s Wednesday and yes I continue to talk about great tools for longarm quilting. I’m sure you’ll agree that sometimes we are limited by the tools we don’t possess. Today I’ll talk about UNIQUE longarm thread cone nets.

Sometimes we have difficulty getting quality results with thread because of tension issues. Thread can cause issues with machine tension because it slips off the spool easily, pools at the bottom of the spool, gets caught on the machine, breaks needles, causes horrible stitch quality and more.

UNIQUE long arm thread cone nets can avoid tension issues by keeping thread in place while quilting, especially slippery threads like metallic and synthetic fibers. I honestly feel that without a thread net on certain thread spools, I’m limited and my stitch quality is just not there. Therefore, a thread cone net is another great tool to have in your quilting tool box.

Example of thread pooling at the bottom of the spool, this can cause tension issues, thread and needle breakage.

Example of thread pooling at the bottom of the spool, this can cause tension issues, thread and needle breakage.

UNIQUE longarm thread cone nets keep thread in place while quilting, especially slippery threads like metallic and synthetic fibers. You can use the loose netting of these thread nets and easy to place it over the larger longarm thread cones.

This is the UNIQUE longarm thread cone net packaging.

This is the UNIQUE longarm thread cone net packaging.

The thread netting comes in a  convenient 20″ length and allows you to custom cut the exact length of your thread cone.

Cutting the UNIQUE long arm thread cone net with scissors.

Cutting the UNIQUE long arm thread cone net with scissors.

UNIQUE longarm thread cone net cut. Hard to see but thread is fed from top of thread net.

UNIQUE longarm thread cone net cut. Hard to see but thread is fed from top of thread net.

With the complexity of longarm machines on the market, we no longer have to work exclusively with 100% cotton thread and let’s face it, those shiny threads add luscious, shiny visual appeal to our works of art. Tension on a longarm has to be perfect when working on someone else’s quilt and being compensated to do a great job.

Slippery threads can be problematic as they slide easily off the cones and get tangled and mess with tension. Having the UNIQUE longarm thread cone net is a great way to avoid this problem. Just thread the machine, as usual, the net is flexible and will keep the thread evenly flowing and reduce the pooling at the bottom of the spool.

The instructions on the package state:

“Wrap a net around a cone of thread while in use, to help keep the thread unwinding in a smooth manner. Handy nets are recommended for smooth and delicate threads such as metallics, trilobal polyesters, MonoPoly, and other threads.”

Other handy uses I have found for the UNIQUE longarm thread cone nets:

  • Leave the net in place when storing thread cones to prevent tangling.
  • Use them with silky/slippery thread on serger cones.
  • Use them for large cones of rayon, monopoly, polyesters, metallic and other decorative thread on your embroidery machine.
  • Slide them over paper rolls of pantograph (edge to edge) quilting designs to keep them from unrolling.

I hope this is helpful as you explore the wonderful world of thread, longarm quilting, and making!

Check back tomorrow when I talk about measuring tapes and lint brushes specially designed for longarm quilting.

This is part 3 of 5 in this series.
Go back to part 2: 5 ways UNIQUE longarm reverse action tweezers lend a hand

Go to part 4: 2 essential UNIQUE longarm quilting tools: zero center tape and dust brush

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4 comments

Marg Sandiford January 17, 2019 - 10:39 pm

Does a net make a difference on a domestic machine?

Reply
Robin Bogaert January 18, 2019 - 9:47 am

Hi Marg, Yes it does make a difference for domestic machines. You will need to use thread nets suited to smaller thread spools. Thread nets are particularly good with slippery threads like embroidery and decorative threads that slide off the spool easily. You can have tension issues, thread pooling and tension feed problems with the slippery decorative threads. It is also recommended to use a thread stand as well to reduce tension along with a thread net. Happy Stitching and Thanks for your Question, I am sure it will help others. Robin

Reply
MaryBeth Little January 16, 2019 - 8:50 am

I’ve used the nets for storing my threads for ages, but never considered using it during my quilting. But this makes so much sense. Thanks for a great tip!

Reply
Robin Bogaert January 18, 2019 - 9:48 am

You are very welcome MaryBeth, So glad this tip was of help to you. Robin

Reply

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