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12 
Member since 8/12/02
Posts: 2939
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Posted on: 1/19/05 5:32 PM ET
I am contemplating making either a jeans jacket or a pair of jeans, and I want to do some jeans topstitching. I have the topstitching thread and needles. My question for the experts here is - what kind of thread do you use in the bobbin when topstitching heavy fabric like denim?

TIA for your help!
Ann
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 372
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Posted on: 1/19/05 8:43 PM ET
I found it works best with just regular thread in the bobbin. What brand of topstitching thread will you be using? I know the Coats and Clark is very thick and gave me fits when it came to using it. I've since switched to Gutterman jean thread (comes in three different jean color threads!) and its very easy to use.
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 8572
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Posted on: 1/19/05 10:03 PM ET
I agree: regular thread in the bobbin, even though it doesn't quite look RTW. I've tried topstitching thread in the bobbin of 5 different - no, make that 6 -sewing machines, and I've never been able to make it work. It pains me, though, to have the inside of the garment look different than the outside.

I don't think I've tried the thread Nancy recommends, so I'll have to add it to my shopping list. I usually use 100% cotton thread (Mettler Silk-Finish) and I've been very satisfied with the appearance, even when I wanted a jeans look.
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“Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and it annoys the pig.” -Robert Heinlein and Ann's father. Thanks for the reminder, Ann.

Where are we going, and what am I doing in this handbasket?

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Member since 2/18/04
Posts: 1349
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Posted on: 1/19/05 10:18 PM ET
In reply to GorgeousFabrics
Ann,
I used to order all the notions for a quilt shop and our customers preferred the YLI Jeans Stitch thread. It's a size 30 polyester that's consistently smooth. I've used it and it works great for both top and bobbin. Use a size 100 needle and you may have to loosen your bobbin just a tad. YLI makes Jean stitch thread in many colors besides the traditional gold.

I'd give you a link to where to buy it but I can't find it on line yet! If you have a local quilt or sewing dealer shop that carries YLI thread, they may have it. HTH!

Peg
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"I hate housework! You make the beds, you do the dishes--and six months later you have to start all over again!"

Pfaff 2170, Pfaff 7570, Pfaff 4852, Babylock Coverstitch, Huskylock 901,Bernina 1090, Bernina 1020, Singer 1936 Featherweight 221 and Gammill Quilting machine
  
Member since 8/12/02
Posts: 2939
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Posted on: 1/19/05 10:23 PM ET
Cool. thanks everyone! I have the C&C, but if it gives fits, I'll just go get the Gutterman. I also will check to see if Mettler makes one. I was thinking of trying cotton thread in the bobbin. Maybe I'll just do test swatches with cotton and regular and see what I like best.

This site rocks! Thanks for the help.
-Ann
  
Member since 4/11/02
Posts: 10809
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Posted on: 1/20/05 7:12 AM ET
Ann,
I don't think cotton thread has enough strength and will end up popping with normal wear.
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"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
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Member since 8/2/02
Posts: 2006
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Posted on: 1/20/05 11:49 AM ET
In reply to GorgeousFabrics
Ann - Newark Dressmaker Supply has yellow topstitching thread that is specifically made for jeans, if that's the color you want.

In the bobbin I've used long staple polyester thread a few times with good results (it wasn't on jean weight demin, however)

The black thread makes the differentiation between each topstitch really crsip.

Phyllis
-- Edited on 1/20/05 12:51 PM --
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Member since 6/29/04
Posts: 1962
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Posted on: 3/14/05 10:06 AM ET
I recently tried the YLI Jeans thread (in hot pink) for the needle (a 16) with regular poly Mettler in the bobbin. For all my regular jeans hemming requirements, I used Gutterman jeans thread in the bobbin and black regular poly Gutterman in the needle (I used it in the bobbin because I had an aversion to large needles until very recently).

I prefer the YLI - it seems to stand out better. Plus, the hot pink looks great with dark denim.
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Cheap fabrics, like cheap shoes, are a false economy.
  
Member since 8/12/02
Posts: 2939
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Posted on: 3/14/05 5:54 PM ET
Vivienne, that's really interesting. I haven't seen YLI jeans topstitch thread locally here in MA. Does anyone have an online source for it?

Thanks!
Ann
  
Member since 6/29/04
Posts: 1962
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Posted on: 3/14/05 7:12 PM ET
I bought mine from A Great Notion. They're on line at A Great Notion

Some prices seem a little high, but for me Great Notion is the only store around that sells this stuff.
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Cheap fabrics, like cheap shoes, are a false economy.
  
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