Quilt Prep: Trimming Threads
I just read this article on trimming threads and it gave about a million reasons why this step is important before the quilting step. Everything from avoiding thread bulk to ensuring the back of the quilt top was as professional looking as the front. I’m not going to say that all those reasons are hogwash, they aren’t. There is validity in each point. But in the end, for TCQ, there is really only one, maybe one and a half reasons, why I encourage you to spend a moment or two trimming your threads. Let’s get into it.
Before I tell you my 1.5 reasons, I do want to say it is a good habit to always trim your threads while sewing. Good habits make for better tops and better tops make for better longarming results. Okay - that’s all about that.
The main issue I have with rogue threads is when dark threads lay behind and therefore show through adjacent lighter fabrics. Say you have a navy and white half square triangle and the navy fabric is fraying like crazy. Some of those threads, if not trimmed, may sneak over behind the white. Once they are sandwiched between the white fabric and light batting then quilted, they will show through that white fabric and be visible in the quilt. Booooo.
Take the time and go over the back of your quilt, focusing most on those areas where darker threads from the fabrics’ edge might travel into unwanted lighter fabric territory. Keep a eye on fabrics that fray easily such as flannels, wovens, and some solids. The second thing to look for would be extra long threads, threads that might be distorting the seams, or threads that appear unsecured. Go ahead and address those guys, too.
If you are a perfectionist, or you wrote the previously mentioned article, by all means, keep trimming. But know that this is enough for TCQ’s longarming needs. I don’t want anyone spending hours on this, nor do I want you to trim your seam allowance away.
There is still that half a reason I mentioned earlier. Flip your quilt to the front and check for any thread that might be pulling through to the top. This is most often the thread that is used when sewing - sometimes any long tails that didn’t get trimmed as you were sewing will work their way through. They will not hinder the longarming process, but they can be distracting when they show up on the quilt top and they are much easier to trim before they have been quilted down rather than before my stitches are added.
That’s it! No big deal, not a big task after all, at least not for TCQ. There are some longarmers who feel differently, which is totally fair, so be sure to check in with yours before sending your quilt. Otherwise, enjoy and I hope to work on your semi-rogue-thread-free quilt soon!
-Lilo
