Replies

1. 
   Pattiann42 | Jan 19, 2008 08:42pm | #1

   There are a lot of opinions about this.  Some even say their machine "likes" a certain brand.  This I cannot understand.

   I use a Babylock Ellegante and occasionally a Brother PE 150.

   The better brands are Robison-Anton, Marathon, Isacord, Madeira, Sulky and Coats & Clark.

   There are more brands, these are the only ones I can think of.

   I have used the last four of the ones I have mentioned.

   Black is the only color I have had an issue with.  Because of the many steps needed to obtain the dark color, the thread is a bit weaker and sometimes shreds....at least this is the problem I had with C & C.

   When you change top thread, snip at the spool, raise the presser foot, remove the thread from the eye of the needle and pull the thread from the machine at this point, not back toward the spool.  I thought I would add this, as I recently read a response from someone who didn't know you should not pull the thread back through the tensions.

   I don't have much choice as to where I can shop live, so I usually buy Sulky.  I have bought a kit of Madeira from one of the Internet sites I buy from:

   Allbrands.com

   Allstitch.net

   ShoppersRule.com - here you make an offer, when applicable and your offer will either be accepted or a counter-offer will be given.  I have bought a lot of stabilizer at this site.

   There are many more sites, these are the ones I have used.  If you sign up for their newsletters they will send you e-mails for sales and specials.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

   Edited 1/19/2008 12:45 pm ET by spicegirl1

   Edited 1/19/2008 3:41 pm ET by spicegirl1

1. 
   bsewin | Jan 21, 2008 07:02pm | #3

   Thanks, the help is apprecited. Besewin

2. 
   bsewin | Jan 21, 2008 07:10pm | #4

   Thanks so much.  Every little bit helps.  bsewin

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Jan 22, 2008 07:11pm | #5

   I agree with Spicegirl and Crazy K, I would add to be sure to use good embroidery bobbin thread also. 

    I also enjoy the cotton machine embroidery threads for heirloom, redwork, crossstich, and quilting embroidery.  There are neons and glow in the dark too.  The main thing with the threads is the weight, they come in several from 12wt, 30wt. and 40 wt. generally.  Most are two ply.

     You will probably want to learn on 40 wt. Rayon or Polyester so you won't have to adjust the tensions.  I find Coats and Clark threads to be more linty than the other brands, my favorite is Sulky 40 wt. Rayon. 

1. 
   Pattiann42 | Jan 23, 2008 06:22pm | #6

   I have the "Embroidery Machine Essentials" series and they provide a lot of great information for beginners.  They are also good "refreshers" for those of us who are not so new to the craft.

   I usually recommend, "Embroidery Machine Essentials - How to Stabilize, Hoop and Stitch Decorative Designs", to beginners and should have done so for bsewin, but it didn't "click" until you mentioned the different weights of thread.

   Here is some information about the series, but I would check around for prices (Amazon, JoAnn Fabric, Sewing with Nancy, etc):

   http://www.embroideryresource.com/

   Better selection here (prices are a little high, but the site shows the variety of books available):

    http://www.nancysnotions.com/NNVia/viaListProducts.jsp?modifier=SEARCH&direction=*0&searchText=machine^embroidery^essentials&reqTitle=TITLE_VIASEARCHRESULT&param=&stackTitle=

   Edited 1/23/2008 10:34 am ET by spicegirl1

2. 
   Crazy K | Jan 20, 2008 12:50am | #2

   I sew with Husq Viking SEs and use primarily Madeira.  I bought the rayon Treasure Chest and then later bought the Poly one.  I also have some spools of Floriani poly thread that is great as well.  Very strong and more sheen than some of the polys........Madeiras poly has a nice sheen as well.  I did the poly when I started doing designs on bibs, towels and beach things for the kids as well as kitchen item.  I did do bibs for a daycare about 4 years ago and used rayon and they're still going strong!  They get used and washed lots!!

   I like have the treasure chest because for me it seemed more economical......even though the original output is greater than just buying spools for a specific project.  I find it great to have a spot for my thread to stay dust-free and out of sunlight and I have so many colors to choose from.....................

   Happy Stitching!

   Kay