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Yep Aurifil is the brand name. I use a 75/11 Schmetz quilting needle when I'm piecing with a 50 wt thread. If your local quilt shop doesn't sell it I can recommend The Quilt Bear - they have good prices online and free shipping, no minimum purchase required.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cat n bull
I use the 50 wt. mako spool - color 2021 for piecing (except for black fabrics). It lasts forever on your bobbin too! I actually think I'm saving money on thread not having to buy it as often now.
Thanks! There is no local quilt shop around here, or even a local fabric store. It is very annoying! Closest fabric store is Hancock's, which is not so great AND very expensive and it's 30-40 mins away.Quote:
Originally Posted by KatiesQuiltingCorner
I get everything online!
I agree with everyone above. A 1/4" seamm is crucial when making stars...if your seam is too wide you lose the points of your stars. It will become second nature to you after a bit :) Barb
I have a top with that very problem. I used a 1/4" and not a 1/4" scant. It really made a difference when sashing my stars together. I lost the tips on a few. Doesn't look all that bad but still......I'll know better next time.....Quote:
Originally Posted by Bubby
Now I have my scant measured on my machine with the Q tool corner cut template and the reusable sewing edge. It has helped tremendously....
I have a Janome QC6360 (or something like that lol). It presets my needleposition to 3.5. The shop I bought it from recommended I set it to 4.0 as it was closer to a scant 1/4" .
I use Shmetz size 80 universal needle. I used to use a 90 but switched to smaller size; not sure why I did, but I did. Not sure if I notice a difference either. I've tried Shmetz sharps but I get along fine with the universals.
At the moment I use a 3 ply, 50wt thread made by Cansew (Canadian company). Less expensive than 2 ply 50 Aurifil, but I agree Aurifil is wonderful to use for piecing. 2 plys makes for less bulk in the seams, and surprisingly because of the long staple Egyptian cotton, it is relatively strong.
I made some neckties tonight for a birthday party, so I checked and my 1/4" universal foot is DEFINITELY more than 1/4"! I am going to use the lines on paper method to see where the 1/4" is.
I have spools and spools and spools of serger thread, not the greatest stuff for quilting!
I still plan to start SIMPLE with many similar sized pieces. And I plan to use starch before I cut. Still can't imagine cutting out EVERY single piece first!
I recommend sewing fabric together to check your seam allowance. Sewing on paper doesn't give you an accurate idea since you have to press your seam and that can change your measurement.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cat n bull
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvmX8hBbgug
I hear what you are saying and it does seem to make sense--but I really do try to stick to the 1/4 inch. I have a few feet for my machine that I love and would not sew without them.
Cathryn,Quote:
Originally Posted by Cat n bull
Most standard presser feet that come with sewing machines when you buy them are NOT 1/4" quilting feet. More times than not, this is a foot you have to buy seperately. Sometimes a dealer may include one with the deal, most times, as I said, they don't. You're dealer should have them in stock or you can look around on Ebay or sewing machine parts suppliers for a foot that is "specific" for your machine. "Specifis" is a key word as a lot of feet are not interchangeable between different brands. I have a Janome, and I need to buy Janome feet only; possibly Kenmore may work for me.
Even 1/4" quilting feet can be off! You still have to check them. If I want a scant 1/4 I have to nudge my needle over even using my 1/4" foot.Quote:
Originally Posted by Denis