No, the smaller the number the smaller the needle. 110 is BIG like for top stitching with heavier thread, ie. blue jeans.

60 is very small. 70 is a little larger. 80 is average for most sewing projects.

I think the 'melty' is nylon........not poly. Superior poly is a fine product as is SewFine(I think that's the brand) and YLI.

I tried Gutterman invisible and it's very thick. Not good for this application at all.

The three I mentioned above are all 0.004 in thread thickness.

That's about all I know so far.............oh, also didn't like the Coats and Clarks for this purpose. Maybe for others, but it's coarser, too.

I'll check my needle size. I don't know why I get confused by those numbers, but I do. The larger size is the smaller needle, right? Also, I am using sharps. would that matter?

I sewed very little tonight. Just piecing a few patches together. I ended up with Bottom line in the bobbin & a superior mono poly in the upper. I didn't think that it may melt. OH Dear. Should I rethink the poly?

I do like the look & feel of the Bottom Line, but the color I bought does not do well with my fabrics.

I'm using Superior or YLI polyester invisible in the top and Bottom Line in the bobbin---which is a lighter weight thread.

I'm new at this, but it seems to be working. Using a size 60 needle.

If you're using the blind hem stitch, you won't be able to use a straight stitch plate, of course. I agree that you will be better off using the same thread in the top and bobbin.

Pat in Rockport, TX

Anne-

Try a size 60 or 70 (the smaller the better) needle with a straight stitch throat plate. If you don't have a straight stitch throat plate, see your sewing machine dealer.

Also, not all invisible threads are the same. Try Madera monofilament. It is a polyester thread and won't melt when blocking your quilt.

Terry

Thanks for the reply. .. Would I use the Superior Poly in both the bobbin & the top? I think I'll go give it a try.

anne, I think you'll love the superior thread once you start using it.
my experience with different threads in top and bobbin is that it's very difficult to get the tension right.

frankly, I wonder why invisible thread was ever invented.

I seem to be having a small problem. I am using nylon thread with cotton in the bobbin. I have my applique pieces starched, pressed and turned under. They are lightly glued to the background fabric. After I stitch, the background fabric puckers a bit I'm using the invisible stitch that looks something like ___^___^.

I read that my bobbin thread may be too tight. I loosened the bobbin and that corrected THAT problem. No more puckers.... But now the bobbin is pulling up and instead of the invisible thread on top. I see the bobbin thread. I've tried minute adjustment after minute adjustment and can't get it balanced. Am I going in the right direction???

I haven't experimented with different threads too often and think that it may be the nylon thread causing me the problem. Today I bought some Superior polyester thread and thought I'd try that. But if anyone has any other pointers, I'd sure love to hear.

Thanks,

Anne in Illinois