Are you not confident about your stitchwork? Do you want a piece of decoration to seem animated? Believe it or not, only one item can help you in both of these cases.
Yes, we are talking about invisible threads. This unique yet interesting creation is truly effective on several different occasions.
But every good thing comes with a catch. With invisible threads, it is the difficulty of securing them. Although they can be quite difficult to manage, we have got you covered with our fruitful methods and some tips & tricks!
Want to learn how to secure an invisible thread? Go ahead and keep on reading!
What Exactly Is Invisible Thread?
Invisible thread is an extremely thin thread made of monofilament. It is so fine that it is hard to be detected by naked eyes. Hence, it is termed as ‘invisible.’ Invisible threads are usually composed of nylon, polyester, or silk.
Among the three, nylon is most commonly used. Usually, you can find these threads split into single strands. This is known as the stripped structure.
Again, you can also find it in an unstripped structure. An unstripped structure is basically a clump of the invisible threads that you will need to strip individually to use.
Where Do You Use Invisible Thread?
There are many applications of invisible threads. For its non-detectable and lustrous appearance, it is quite popular in many areas. Here are some common uses of invisible threads-
- Clothing
Naturally, invisible threads are used for stitching or creating any piece of clothing or fabric. Since it is not visible, it is ideal for monochromatic, clear, or lighter colors. On the other hand, it can also be used on dark fabric for a gradient effect.
If you are someone who has not mastered perfect stitching yet, this thread might be your best friend. Since it won’t really show up much, your work will still look neat despite mistakes.
- Decorations
Another popular area of invisible thread application is decorations. These threads, while not much visible, give off a beautiful sheen. Hence, it is ideal for home décor and craftwork.
You can pick up this thread any day for pattern work and lustrous bias bindings. Regular threads can be a handful in these cases. Wall hangings look extra seamless when hung using invisible threads.
- Quilting
By outlining your pattern by quilting, you can give your work a nice finish as well as depth. We suggest you use it with bobbins to make sure that it has a nice texture. Keep in mind that you have to use the right machine to do so.
- Magic Tricks
In the magic industry, artists often use this thread to levitate objects. However, only objects that are light enough to be carried by this thread are used in this.
How to Secure Invisible Thread
Although very effective, it is quite a task to manage invisible threads. It is quite prone to be unraveled. However, there are a couple of ways you can secure an invisible thread. Follow these methods to get a neat stitch!
Method 1: Sealing the Stitches
Since invisible threads are made of monofilament, it is important to keep them tightly sealed in a place. And since it stretches, it is more prone to becoming tugged out of place. Therefore, you should do openwork at the start and tip of every line of stitch.
Method 2: Threading Again
Sometimes, the invisible thread does not perform well even after a lot of modifications. In this situation, you can thread the machine again.
Since it is difficult to detect the thread, you might end up missing some of the coils you have created with it.
Subsequently, you might end up losing the trail of the thread. This will cause a rise in tension and entanglement.
If the thread is too thin, try to add additional trails using a safety pin or a tap. Make sure you place it along the trail in the machine.
Keep it apart from the parts that are moving. A great way to mark your path is by using the loop of the safety pin.
Method 3: Using a Compact Needle
You already know that invisible threads are not just thinner, but also more minutes when compared with regular threads. So, the best course of action here will be to use a compact needle.
Make sure you get a very tiny needle that can fit into your areas of work properly. If it does not fit in, it is futile to get a compact needle.
Many machines have threaders adjusted within themselves. It is wise to get a machine like that. But there are also alternatives if you do not have an automated machine.
You can mark the head of the thread to identify it. This becomes especially helpful when you are threading your needle. Later, it can be removed when you start stitching.
Method 4: Do Precise Bobbin Work
With bobbins, you need to be extra careful. Make sure you only wind it when it is half full, and do it gradually. If you are winding too fast, it will produce heat, which will result in penetration of the bobbin.
Also, any more than half full of the bobbin will cause an increase in tension. You might need to make the tension tighter. This will ensure that your stitches are maintaining good standards.
For doing precise and neat work with bobbins, you might have to adjust your machine. Adjusting your machine will make sure the bobbin tension has been adjusted as well.
Method 5: Using It on Small Ornaments
A good way to keep the invisible threads secure and neat is by using them on smaller ornaments like beads and pearls. Since these objects are small and lightweight, it will be ideal to stitch these with invisible threads.
Whenever you try to stitch a decorative element, you need to make sure that threads and fabric do not cover it.
These objects need to be visible yet remain sturdy. Invisible threads, when stitched properly, can provide great support.
Method 6: Creating Gradients
Invisible threads are not only invisible but also lustrous. The little sheen they give off is one of the major reasons why they are used in decorations and crafts.
When you are using invisible threads in dark clothes, try to create a gradient effect. Too much sheen will look contradictory as opposed to the dark colors. Therefore, you should opt for smokey colors to achieve that gradient look.
Method 7: Adjusting Tension Beforehand
Most of the problems with securing invisible threads come from adjusting the tension. To get rid of this problem, adjust the tension before starting the actual work.
You can use an extra piece of cloth to practice this. The goal here is to maintain the balance of tension.
Time to Use Some Invisible Threads!
This was all we had to share. All the methods we have discussed are full-proof and bear great results. Now that you know how to secure an invisible thread properly, it’s time to use the knowledge into action.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started with your invisible thread already!