More Maple Leafs

I had so much fun making the maple leaf blocks for the potholders that I made a few more and put them together for a little quilt that could hang on the wall or be used as a table mat. I liked the way the blocks form a wreath when placed with the stems all in the center.
 I haven't done any machine quilting with metallic thread for a while and this project was in need of some sparkle, so out came the gold metallic thread. It took me a while as the thread kept breaking as I quilted. To prep for quilting with the metallic thread, I ensured that my bobbin area was clear of dust and lint, put in a new needle and loosened the top tension a bit. Even with all that prep, it was disappointing to have the thread break as often as it did.
Leaf veins in gold metallic thread add interest to the block
Anyone else have any tips for quilting with metallic threads?

--Ann

Comments

  1. Gail S.3 July 2011 at 23:10

    What kind of needle did you use? A top stitch needle, size 80 or 90 might be worth trying. Or a Metafil needle - specific for metallics. Make sure that the thread is feeding off the top of the spool. A separate thread stand that sits behind the machine can accomplish this. Then the thread doesn't get twisted as it enters the machines thread path. ---Just some thoughts.
    ---Gail from QuiltSewPieceful.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kathy4 July 2011 at 06:11

    I've often had to loosen the tension almost to nothing and when I use a topstitch needle I have better luck.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ann Symes4 July 2011 at 09:21

    Thanks for the feedback - will try these ideas next time!

    ReplyDelete

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