Superior Threads

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• 500 yds.
• 2,000 yds.
• Rainbows Stitch-outs
• Try Me Special
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• Q & A

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Q: What is Trilobal Polyester?
A: Trilobal polyester is a premium, lint-free polyester. It is not spun poly, but a continuous fiber thread and has a very nice sheen, similar to rayon or silk. It is soft, lint free, and colorfast.

Q: Will polyester thread tear my quilt?
A: No. If thread ever tears through the quilt, it is only because it was much stronger than the fabric. Some cotton thread is stronger than poly. To prove this, get some glazed (or coated) cotton thread and compare it to a polyester thread. Polyester is perfectly safe to use. Choose the thread by its quality and for the effect it gives.

Q: I am using a Bernina Aurora 440 with the needle size recommended on the thread spool. I believe a 14 top stitch. The standard tension setting is 4 and I went in small increments to either side. Your website recommends between 2 and 3. When that looked awful I went tighter just to see what would happen. Terrible. With 2 different machines I have had trouble with the tension settings.
A: Here are two ideas:
1. When the tension cannot be reduced enough to make a difference, there is often lint buildup behind the tension discs preventing them to open up enough to lower tension.
2. When the top thread loops on the back, indicating too loose top tension, the quickest solution is to tighten the top tension. If that results in thread breakage, the problem is with the bobbin tension. It is far too tight. Try loosening the bobbin tension (turn the screw about 1/4 to 1/2 turn) and see if that solves the problem.

Q: I am attempting to quilt with Rainbow thread. I have used this spool before. I am using a #14 quilting needle. Does it get old and that makes it shred? I have replaced the needle three times, adjusted the tension, etc. What next? Please advise.
A: Proper needle size; however, try the Topstitch style which will perform much better.
Lower the top tension between 1.5 and 2.0.  That should fix it.

Q: I used the Rainbows thread for the first time on my Grace machine frame with my Brother 1500. The quilt I was working on was 100% cotton and the batting was 50/50. The first 2 rows of quilting were fine and after that the thread kept shredding and breaking. I changed my needle, adjusted the upper tension, and rethreaded the machine numerous times. I did not run the machine too fast. I oiled the machine. The quilting was very simple and ran from left to right and I had the same thread in the bobbin. I know that many times it is user error that can cause problems. I love the thread colors and would like to use it but am very frustrated. Can you offer any other words of wisdom on what I might be doing wrong?
A: Here are some suggestions:
1. Use a Topstitch #90/14 or #100/16 needle.
2. Loosen the upper tension to 1.5 or 2.
3. Start out slow until everything seems to be working right.
4. If the thread is on a spool, the thread should be unwinding straight from the side with the spool rotating (not over the end/top of the spool). If the thread is on a cone, it should unwind directly over the top.

Q: I bought a bunch of beautiful Rainbows and Highlights that are giving me fits on my APQS. I would love to quilt with them, but it is so frustrating with thread breakage that I have given up. Any hints on using this type thread, adjustments, bobbin secrets, etc. would be appreciated.
A: Here are some guidelines to use Rainbows and Highlights successfully: By loosening the preset tension settings, longarm machines can much better accommodate decorative threads. Here are some simple and quick adjustments which will allow you to successfully use decorative, metallic, and sensitive threads:
1. Loosen the bobbin tension to the point where the thread can be pulled up out of the bobbin with almost no tension. Holding the bobbin case in your left hand, pull up the thread with your right hand. The bobbin case should not lift up at all.
2. Loosen the tension knob much more than you think you should. It is easy to tighten it back up if necessary. The thread should pull through the needle with little resistance.
3. Increase the needle size to a #19 (MR 4.0). The best needle type is Groz-Beckert SAN 11 (these are made specifically for longarm multi-directional) quilting.
4. Slow down until you get the tension set just right.
5. Keep some slack in the quilt fabrics. They do not need to be drum tight.

Q: I'm hoping you can shed some insight on a topic that came up at my local quilt shop today. One lady stated that thread is directional. More smooth in one direction, more rough in another. That you can never use thread that's wound on a bobbin on the top of your machine because it's wound from the wrong direction, that you'll have more thread breaks. Further saying that when you are hand sewing your knot needs to be on the end that first comes off of your spool. That you'll have more shredding if you put your needle on the thread first, then pull and tie your knot where snipped.
A: Low quality thread with a loose twist can react this way but a high quality thread with a nice smooth, tight twist is not affected by direction.

Please send questions to questions@superiorthreads.com