Jeez Lou Eez

I hate ripping out free motion quilting. Why oh why didn't I stop IMMEDIATELY when I didn't like the way my quilting looked? Lesson to self--STOP--when you don't like the way something looks. It will not get better!!! I was using Coats and Clarks Polyester Embroidery thread. It looked too fine or something to me. Now here I sit with seam ripper in hand. Some of these stitches are so small they are practically impossible to remove. WILL NOT make this mistake again. Coffee, seam ripper, Good Morning America and me. Should be finished in a few years........................And the stitching only covers about half of a 12 inch block.

So sorry!!
I hope it goes better next time.

You have my sympathy - been there, done that.

Oh, yikes-hope Good Moring America is good one this morning to get you through!!

Oops! It happens!! Just a little word of advice: Embroidery thread is usually not a good choice for piecing or FMQ. It is not a strong thread. You stated that you thought it was too fine. It is. Embroidery thread gains it strength only when it is used in embroidery because most of the time one single strand of embroidery thread isn't used and embroidery is done with multiple stitches close together - look at something that has been satin stitched. It may not hold up in a quilt that is going to be used. Do the tug test: pull some thread off the spool (but leave it connected to the spool) and wrap it around you hand a couple of times and pull. If it breaks easily, it won't hold up in quilting. Good luck with your project!!!

Bern there, and done that, and it is not fun..... Ripping out those tiny stitches is definitely a pain....

I've done that. Sometimes we just never learn.

I have done that many times too - I always wonder why I keep going when I know its not working. Then I get out my seam ripper and sit there for hours (some times) and then telling myself I will not do it again. Well, I don't always keep that promise to myself. Sometimes you have a picture in your head of how you think it will look but when you start stitching it doesn't work at all. Sigh!! I feel your pain.

FMQ works better if the thread is 40 weight. I use Signature or King Tut. Sometimes, when ripping out, I've used a quilting needle to work under those stitches. Very tedious. JCY

I just FMQ'd a purse with Floriani embroidery thread. It feels pretty strong to me. Also, Leah Day uses embroidery thread for her FMQ.

If you use embroidery thread, make sure it's a heavier weight. A lot of people use polyester embroidery thread for piecing and quilting.

Sulky makes a 30 weight that quilts beautifully.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by goofyizzy

I just FMQ'd a purse with Floriani embroidery thread. It feels pretty strong to me. Also, Leah Day uses embroidery thread for her FMQ.

---

Leah Day uses 40 wt embroidery thread which is a pretty strong weight.