Cleaning up threads after piecing

[toggpine]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

I chain piece most of my stuff, so the leader & ender threads need to be trimmed. I usually do those right away and keep as many of the shedding ones trimmed back.

I had a bad habit of just pulling the thread and then trimming it close to the fabric if it didn't come all the way out. I once pulled out about 2 inches of a seam that way. DOH! Now I'm more careful.

The "varicose threads" could certainly be a problem. I use a cheap (dollar store) lint roller to pick up most of the loose threads before spray basting.

[New York Sue]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

Honestly, I am usually fairly neat and organized, but of late, I've caught myself trimming threads and tossing to the floor.
Really, really BAD habit...
Because, ultimately, thread snips travel everywhere....

But to stay on point, if I'm sending out to a LAQ, I'm pretty anal about cleaning up threads, but less picky if it stays here to be (rustically) quilted.

[katier825]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

Could someone please explain why threads on the back of the quilted top would need to be clipped? Wouldn't they just be inside the quilt sandwich?

If you have a mix of light/dark colors, the dark colored threads can show thru the white and take away from the look - especially if they are very dark.

[JCY]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

I'm very OCD about trimming threads on quilt tops. It's impt. to not have those threads or any bulky spots for when you're doing the FMQ. The smoother everything is, the easier the quilting is. Depending on the kind of fabric, those threads can show through, especially on white or lt. fabrics. It's worth it to take the extra time to trim to make your quilt look its best. JCY

[Pattycake]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

I don't worry much about threads on the back of the quilt top, but try to cut as many as possible that are on the front. I do, however, make sure all the seams are pressed the right direction.

[Poppytree]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

I use a sticky roller for the very loose ones after pulling and snipping the rest - I hate that job but I mostly use Moda fabrics and they aren't too bad. I've found some cheaper yardage frays .

[Pegger]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

My house looks like a thread monster went through. Everywhere I go I loose little bites of thread. I blame it on the dog. He's good for it. I pick the threads off my quilts as I go, then again when I finish the top. It seems as if I always miss some. On the quilt I am working on now I used some pre-cuts and some material I cut. Just about the same amount. I have had strays threads on the back show through the top after it was quilted.

[Simply Quilting]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

I try to clip thread as I go and then going over it once before quilting. I have not been real picky at the seams laying perfectly. But I do have a couple of quilts that I will be picky on seams because one is a wall hanging and the other is almost a king size quilt.

[coffeebreak]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

I do but only cause I don't like any bulk on or around seams when FMQ'ing. I sometimes even use pinking shears on seams. But I don't get crazy about it either.

To clean up threads on the floor in stead of vaccuming them up.. I use masking tape rolled backwards on my hand and then pat around the floor and it picks up the thread pieces perfectly and the vaccum doesn't get clogged with threads.

[soul60s]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

I get a lot more shedding w/the precuts...has to do w/those little pinked edges!

Hate that!

[Claire Hallman]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

Sometimes stray threads can show through, a friend calls them varicose threads. I do try to clean up the worst of them. Using spray starch does seem to decrease the number of lose threads.

[Slokarma]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

Up to a point, I will trim those darn threads and straighten unruly seams. I'm working on a red and white quilt and I'm a bit nuts about those red threads showing under the white.

[Pandabear]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

I have the same bits of fabric threads coming through when I use precuts too.

[ozziepuppy]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

Could someone please explain why threads on the back of the quilted top would need to be clipped? Wouldn't they just be inside the quilt sandwich?

[Kgrammiecaz]

Re: Cleaning up threads after piecing

Hmmm, I don't really do much! lol! Which class was that in?

Not sure which one but next time I come across it, I will bring it up on the forum. Was a good bit of information for anyone wanting it

I use lots of precuts and that is where I get the majority of strings. Not sure why though