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Thread (Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 11/4/20 3:54 PM ET
I'm trying to learn how to use my new M7.
I've been playing with the different stitches with different Gutterman threads and trying to find one that works well with lettering.
When I use a thin polyester, the letters are very messy and not very neat.
When I use a cotton thread, the letters are bulky but not pronounced.
When I try a rayon thread (with a polyester bobbin) the bobbin thread pulls through to the top.
Does anyone know which thread type and weight is ideal for stitching clear, neat letters and decorative stitches.
I saw one you tube video that used a combination of cotton bobbin and rayon top for an interesting texture, but really, I'm looking for neat, legible stitching.
Thank you.
I've been playing with the different stitches with different Gutterman threads and trying to find one that works well with lettering.
When I use a thin polyester, the letters are very messy and not very neat.
When I use a cotton thread, the letters are bulky but not pronounced.
When I try a rayon thread (with a polyester bobbin) the bobbin thread pulls through to the top.
Does anyone know which thread type and weight is ideal for stitching clear, neat letters and decorative stitches.
I saw one you tube video that used a combination of cotton bobbin and rayon top for an interesting texture, but really, I'm looking for neat, legible stitching.
Thank you.
Posted on: 11/4/20 4:05 PM ET
In reply to Sewing3Fun
I'm not familiar with the M7 but are you using stabiliser under your fabric? I've never been able to get good lettering on any of my machines without it.
Posted on: 11/4/20 5:18 PM ET
I don't use Gutterman thread hardly ever, but use lots of kinds/brands of thread. When they make the built in lettering in some sewing machine though, they have to pick to make it for some particular thread properties, as sort of a default even. Most times I think it is 2 ply rayon or 2 ply polyester 40 weight embroidery thread. With some thinner on purpose bobbin fill kind of thread in the bobbin. So, try that first. 2 ply rayon or polyester embroidery on purpose thread is really better for built in machine letters (than regular 3 ply sewing thread) if they are made of satin stitches most times. Just since it is softer and bends a lot better and also fluffs out for coverage on satin stitches, in a way regular garment sewing thread just does not, most of the time. And the thinner bobbin fill thread used with it, helps too. And of course stabilizer under the fabric, unless you really want to starch the fabric stiff as board with some spray starch instead. So, I guess if it had to be Gutterman brand, I would try that Gutterman Rayon 40 embroidery thread first. Because it would be 2 ply and 40 weight and made for embroidery on purpose. If letters are not satin stitched shapes and more a single line of running straight stitches, then I think you can often get away with using more varied threads and some thicker threads too even sometimes.
Posted on: 11/4/20 5:19 PM ET
In reply to Sewing3Fun
I agree with Rynv that stabilizer is a good idea. The rayon and poly combo should work, but you might have to decrease top tension until the bobbin thread drops back into the fabric. Also, if the stitches look messy, you might have to play with the balance adjustment. Cheers!
-- Edited on 11/4/20 at 6:11 PM --
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-- Edited on 11/4/20 at 6:11 PM --
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Posted on: 11/4/20 5:57 PM ET
In reply to Sewing3Fun
I mentioned in my review I couldn’t get a great result there either but I’ve experimented a bit more. I did use tear away.
I tried deco bob 80 top and bottom left tension as is but lowered foot pressure by one setting. As you’d expect with 80wt you get the finer more delicate result (using the block alphabet) and nice tension.
I left the deco 80 in bobbin but went mettler silk finish cotton on top. Lowered the tension by two. This looks chunkier but also leaves it looking a bit too much thread on top. I think if you’ve got Same color top and bottom and you like the look you could lower top tension by 1
I tried the So Fine 50 top and bottom ( different colors) lowered tension by 2 foot pressure by 1. This works and gives you even tension and a good look.
If you go with the 80wt combo depending on your fabric you may want a smaller needle size.
It’s a bit subjective on what look your going for and I know So Fine is not that easy to find. I wanted to try with 80wt or 60 wt cotton, which I’m guessing will also give a nice result. I did try the script alphabet on the 80wt combo but I just don’t like the style of the script itself.
-- Edited on 11/4/20 at 6:04 PM --
I tried deco bob 80 top and bottom left tension as is but lowered foot pressure by one setting. As you’d expect with 80wt you get the finer more delicate result (using the block alphabet) and nice tension.
I left the deco 80 in bobbin but went mettler silk finish cotton on top. Lowered the tension by two. This looks chunkier but also leaves it looking a bit too much thread on top. I think if you’ve got Same color top and bottom and you like the look you could lower top tension by 1
I tried the So Fine 50 top and bottom ( different colors) lowered tension by 2 foot pressure by 1. This works and gives you even tension and a good look.
If you go with the 80wt combo depending on your fabric you may want a smaller needle size.
It’s a bit subjective on what look your going for and I know So Fine is not that easy to find. I wanted to try with 80wt or 60 wt cotton, which I’m guessing will also give a nice result. I did try the script alphabet on the 80wt combo but I just don’t like the style of the script itself.
-- Edited on 11/4/20 at 6:04 PM --
Posted on: 11/4/20 6:58 PM ET
In reply to Sewing3Fun
Are you using a washable stabilizer on top of the fabric ?
When I bought a stand alone embroidery machine years ago, the dealer showed me samples of stitched out letters and words with the same embroidery thread with and without a washable stabilizer topper.
When I bought a stand alone embroidery machine years ago, the dealer showed me samples of stitched out letters and words with the same embroidery thread with and without a washable stabilizer topper.
Posted on: 11/5/20 10:55 PM ET
Use either 40 weight or polyester embroidery thread and the Janome Blue Tip needles that come with your machine. The eye is made for embroidery thread. The Blue Tip is also used in their embroidery machines. Use a lightweight stabilizer underneath. Even though the stabilizer is a tear away, cut it away to prevent the delicate stitching from distorting. Hope this helps, and enjoy your machine, you got a great one!
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