Date: 10/28/09 8:50 AM

I know it sounds ridiculous but I can't get a decent stitch with my machine using black thread. Any other thread seems to be fine and I get a nice stitch, but with black the tension seems all wrong and no adjustment seems to fix it. Is that weird or what???? Anybody have a clue or a solution? TIA Debi

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Date: 10/28/09 8:54 AM

Hi Debi, what brand of black thread are you using? I remember some talk about black thread a while back but not sure what the outcome was. I would suggest you try other brands.

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Linda E.
"The leading cause of death among fashion models is falling through street grates" Dave Barry

"Creative minds have always been known to survive any kind of bad training."
Anna Freud

"Inspiration will always sing; inspiration will never explain" Kahlil Gibran

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Reply to Debi in OK
Date: 10/28/09 9:01 AM

The dye may have something to do with it. If you feel knitting yarn, the different colors in the same line all have a different hand to them. This is more apparant in the less expensive brands.

You might try a needle with a larger eye or go one size up.

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2009
Fabric in..45.5 yds/??????
fabric sewn..Stash Contest 41 yds
After contest Stash sewn 35.75 yds
New Fabric sewn 17.50 yds
Fabric Donated 12 yds

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Date: 10/28/09 9:30 AM

I read in an vintage sewing machine manual that tension needs adjusted for colored thread as compared to white thread. I haven't noticed a difference on my machine, but maybe you need to fiddle with your tension due to the dye?

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Date: 10/28/09 9:50 AM

I was told by a machine tech that black thread often does not produce a straight stitch. He told me why--but i don't remember now bc i thought it was kind of bunk. At the same time, I've read of problems such as you are having using black thread too.

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Date: 10/28/09 10:05 AM

Are you buying the 99-cent black thread that is always on sale in the bins at most sewing shops? They usually have white too. The lower-quality thread usually has a bit more fuzz on it, I've noticed. I keep hearing how much better higher end thread companies are than Coats & Clark, but I haven't tried them yet. The discount thread isn't even Coats & Clark, it's something else.

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Reply to Debi in OK
Date: 10/28/09 11:24 AM

I was always under the idea that black thread many times is over dyed. If the mfg. has problems with another color thread they just reuse it and dye it black. This would make it a weaker, more over processed thread then the colored threads. I’ve heard this story many times through the years from educators and dealers, not sure if it is still being done but it would help them save scrap and it’s all a money game if the new black thread still meets their specifications (ex. Tensile strength, size, etc.). Probably on the low end if a reputable manufacture.
-- Edited on 10/28/09 11:25 AM --

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Reply to FirecrackerKTM
Date: 10/28/09 11:52 AM

I just wanted to say that lately I've been getting HORRIBLE results with Gutterman, but GREAT results with Coats and Clark. Weird, isn't it?

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Needle Needle Straight and Slim, Dust and Sweep the House for Him! --Grimm Fairy Tales

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Date: 10/28/09 12:05 PM

There was a thread (sorry for the pun, i can't help it!!) a while ago on recent Gutterman quality. I don't know if that's been cleared up yet.

I get good results with Mettler blacks, using poly and cottons. I haven't tried other brands, haven't found a need to... But I've also been told that different colors may respond differently.

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Date: 10/28/09 12:18 PM

I, too, have always been told that black thread has more lint and slubs than lighter colored thread because of the harsher dying process needed to create the black. In fact, I have heard that some companies with take the extra un-sold colors and redye them black for sale. This is done with black fabric, too.
Lately I have used Mettler Metrosene (poly), and had good results... but I am sure it depends on your fabric and application. Topstitching would look wonkier than seams:)
Good luck on finding one that works for you!

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Raye Ann

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