Incorrect use of thread net/sock.
This is an incorrect use of a thread net.

The quick answer to that question is no, and I cringe when I hear others recommend using thread socks.

There isn’t a better way to mess with perfect tension then to put a thread sock on. Put one on, then gently and consistently pull your thread through your thread path just above your needle. You’ll feel differences as the thread is pulled off different areas of the spool. In the worst situations, we’ve had to replace needle bars because when the thread caught in the sock, the thread was pulled hard enough that it caused the needle to be deflected, hitting the needle plate and bending the needle bar.

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How do Quilters Use a Thread Sock?

Quilters use thread socks if the thread wants to “puddle” around the base of the spool. Glide Polyester, monopoly, and metallic threads are notorious for this. The thread can then get caught on the bottom of the spool and lead to thread breaks and frustration. With the Innova sewing machine, the disc below the thread prevents it from catching on the bottom of the cone.

Metallic thread slipping to bottom of the spool.
Some threads will unwind and fall to the bottom of the spool, sometimes catching on the spool and causing tension issues and breaks.

This is the WRONG way to use a thread net, it will add drag and tension to the thread as it comes off the spool and catches on the cut edge of the net.

Incorrect use of thread net/sock.
This is an incorrect use of a thread net.

What’s the Right Solution?

All you need to do is to prevent the thread from getting caught. The Innova sewing machine has a great soft base for the spools that prevents this. You can create your own with a circle of batting with a hole in the center to slip over your thread post, or by creating a shallow bowl with batting or a thread sock as shown.

This image shows a batting bowl.
Create a bowl of batting that fits against the base of the spool but does not come into contact with the thread.

What you don’t want is for the “bowl” to come in contact with the thread on the spool, just prevent the thread from catching on the bottom of the spool.

This is a thread net folded in half and mostly tucked up inside the cone to make a bowl where there are no exposed edges of the netting that might catch the thread.

Thread net formed into a bowl.
Thread net bowl.

Here, just a few circles of batting prevent the thread from catching under the spool.

Base of circles of batting.
Cut a few circles of batting with a center hole to form a base that will prevent thread from getting caught on the spool.

Sewing Machines at Jukebox Quilts

So when it comes to thread, make sure you’re finding the best solution for your sewing machine. If you need to use something, we hope that our thread net and batting bowl provide a practical solution that helps you with your next quilting project.

At Jukebox Quilts in Fort Collins, we have a wide selection of sewing machines and other quilting materials to help you with any project you have. Also make sure you follow our blog for more great quilting information, including:

By: Kelly Gallagher-Abbott from Jukebox Quilts

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