I have actually not had problems with it other than having to tie it off really good (lots of tiny stitches) cause it comes loose easily.

Are you using normal thread in your bobbin? I've heard it works best if you don't use it in both top and bobbin.

I have had trouble a couple times where something was horribly awry and after sewing a ways felt under the quilt and there were tons of huge loops. Ironically, though I connect this problem with using invisible thread, I fixed it by swapping one cotton thread bobbin for another.

Sorry I can't offer more help. Maybe try some different needles?

I use the invisable thread more often than I really want to. I make sure the thread is nylon because that won't melt in the dryer. I only use it on top or bottom, not both. I put the invisabile thread in a container where it can unroll loosely and then thread my machine. It seems the thread gets stretched as it is spun on the spools and needs some space to relax and I think this may be one cause for the thread breaking and pileups underneath. I also find I must sew a slower consistent speed. Yes, I agree it is very hard to see, but that's its purpose!

I figure if I am going to do all this work quilting a design it should be seen. Some days are better then others.
Jean

Jean said:
"I figure if I am going to do all this work quilting a design it should be seen."

That's funny -- I use it "more than I'd care to" also -- but I do it 'cause I'm trying to HIDE my quilting, LOL! I usually stitch the ditch or straight lines on my little machine and I don't like visible thread showing as I wobble all over the place.

Laura I consider it all part of getting CONTROL of machine quilting with my little machine.

I don't like machine quilting very much and I don't like working with invisible thread so put the two together and I really hate machine quilting....but I am going to learn to do it at an acceptable level becuase there are times when an item calls for machine quilting.

I wobble all over doing stitch in the ditch so one day I decided I would do as little as possible stitch in the ditch. In place I now stitch a row beside the ditch, or a design in the triangle beside...anything to stay out of the ditch. With a little thought it is amazing the new simple designs and strategies you come up with and all of a sudden they start to work and look nice.

I know I am zanny but this is how I force myself to learn something I like not so much. Some days it works.
Jean

I keep my tension the same as when I use cotton. I couldn't agree more about sticking with cotton thread in the bobbin... learned that one the hard way. I'm also sure to clean my machine before using the invisible thread. I found the smallest little cotton thread bunnies in there can mess with it easily. Going slower then usual also helps. As for seeing what you are doing...I can't help you there.lol

I also suffer from stich in the ditch wandering disease. It is nice to know there are others who understand:)

Foxy.

Geri,
I have a Pfaff sewing machine and the only way I can get the invisible thread not to pull too hard when FM quilting is to skip the first place that I usually put my thread through when I thread it w/normal thread. I'm not sure if this makes sense to you, but you can try with your own machine and see if you can thread it slightly differently so the top tension isn't too tight and causes the thread to stretch and break. Once I figured this out, my machine will free motion quilt for hours without a problem. (Also, I always use regular thread in the bobbin when using the invisible thread)

Hi:
I also have a Pfaff and found I had to hand wind it on to the bobbin and it worked fine. I had it on both the bobbin and on top.
Bonnie

I uses the invisable thread on occasion and have had very little difficulty. I use cotton in the bobin and a med. tension setting. For those who have problems with stitch in the ditch, have you tried the stitch in the ditch foot for your machine? I got one this fall and love it. I use it when ever I want to follow a st. line not just in the ditch. Jayne

Stitch in the ditch foot, I have never heard of such a thing. Tell me more, please! Where did you find it? Does it have any special name or is stitch in the ditch foot the official name? Sounds like something I must try.

Foxy.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I've tried them all except for Red Clay Soil's. I finished the project using regular thread. I also have a Pfaff with the built-in walking foot. I'll probably try the invisible thread again some day after my level of frustration simmers down. For now, I'll just continue to suffer from "Stitch in the Ditch Wandering Disease" as Foxy so cleverly put it.

The name of the foot is a walking foot and it grabs all three layers of the quilt and pulled them through the machine at the same time.

Invisible thread = a lot of frustration. I avoid it like the plague. I have used it on a few projects and I'm always un-happy with the results.

Vicky

I hate invisible thread too, but have discovered that it behaves better if I feed it from a thread stand instead of from the spindle on the machine.

I'm not brave enough to try it, tho' I have wondered abt it. I'm afraid it'd be too hard to see & too slippery to hold stitches well.

Instead, I discovered that using a medium tone neutral that matches the color family I'm working in, does just fine. I stumbled onto medium gray, to hide stitches (works well w/ blues). Lately I'm working w/ QAYG & reversibles, so I color coordinate front & back threads, of the stitching I want to show.

I do a lot of 'in the ditch', can I suggest somethng to those who are wobbly (I barely wobble anymore)? It's a bit like riding a bike, don't look directly below, look more towards where you're going, a couple of inches up ahead.

Also, it may sound (1) dorky & (b) unrelated, but pls. remember to breathe, I've caught myself holding my breath on a tricky turn or 2, & if you remember to breathe deeply & try to relax, you'll wobble less.

Intended as help, not digression.

(PG) Karen

Actually, the stitch-in-the-ditch foot is usually known as an "edge-joining" foot, and is very different from a walking foot. A walking foot keeps all the layers moving at the same rate under the foot, but doesn't have anything to do with stitching in the ditch. Add-on walking feet usually have limited visibility, and would make stitching in the ditch problematic, to say the least.

It is commonly used in heirloom sewing for butting a lace to a lace, using a narrow zig-zag stitch. It has a metal flange aligned with the needle so each strip of lace feeds perfectly.

BUT, this metal flange also works quite well for stitching in the ditch. Simply guide the flange down the "ditch" of the seam, and you will have darned near perfect stitching in the ditch.

You will not have the walking action of a walking foot, but if you have basted the quilt well, it shouldn't be a problem.

Here's a link to one type. They are pretty commonly available for all machines.

Here is a link that might be useful: edge-joining foot

Oops! I also meant to answer the original question.

I use Dritz's .004 Quilter's Invisible Nylon Thread. Usually in the top only, but I have used it both top and bobbin. I don't usually have a problem. This thread does come on a cone, so I use my cone thread stand. I seem to get less twisting and breaking of the thread this way.

I loosen the top tension just a bit, and I do stitch a bit more slowly.

I also make a sample quilt sandwich of scraps to make sure the tension works well.

The "stitch in the ditch foot" that I have is called "Ditch Quilting Foot". It is made by Janome and goes with my machine. I know that other makes have them. It has a wide throat, and a metal guide bar along one edge of the center which sets in the "ditch" in line with the needle. I love mine. I would post a picture but I am having problems doing that lately. Jayne

Yes I agree clear thread is difficult to use and after many years of using it for applique quilting I found that you do need to use a different needle - metallic needle. It has a rounder edge so it doesn't cut off the thread plus the top tension should be on '0'. Some machines do not have their top spool holder designed right to hold the spool so I agree you may have to put your clear thread in a glass jar sitting on the table for the tension to be very light and easy to flow. You really have to play with your machine on this part. The bobbin tension can be normal '2' as you would for regular sewing. I have found using clear or cotton thread on a bobbin works fine. I also found that using a metal bobbin weighs it down more rather than a plastic bobbin tends to flop and cause the clear thread to clog up underneath. While sewing you also have to learn how to hold the 3 layers - quilt top, batting and backing fabric. If you pull or push too much or too little can add pressure or not enough and causes a great deal of the tension part. I make sure my feeding dogs underneath are down and use a darning foot when do my free motion flow quilting. Find a reference book for further information. Go to a sewing machine dealer or quilt shop and ask for help. Hope all of this helps.

Thanks for the tip Mary and Jayne! I think I have one of those feet. I'm going to pull it out and see if it can help me quilt straight.

Foxy.

I have an older Kenmore and ordered a quilting foot from them I had to have the machine number, anyway I got it and had my husband attach it for me to my machine. I think I need a little practice first. Several years ago when he was about 6 I made a Jaocb's Ladder for my grandson who's name is jacob. It turned out pretty good but I just tied it. He is now 14. I am making a quilt for his sister and going to stitch in ditch. I hope this sewing machine attach. works. I am still contemplating of using the invisible thread.I believe I like quilting.