quiltsalot1962 Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 I use a lot of spools that are supposed to be on a horizontal spool holder. I read somebody's post in another thread that said that she just uses the vertical holder for everything, and that is what I have done so far, but is there a horizontal spool holder for the George? I do have a lot of trouble getting my tension as good as I would like it to be; of course, I'm trying every combination of thread, needle, tension settings, under the sun and not keeping track of anything!!! Maybe that would be a good idea. Anyway, is there a horizontal spool holder for George? Thanks, Rita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs.A Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 Hi Rita: If you search some old George posts, you should be able to find a photo of the Hartley Horizontal spool holder. APQS sells it (as do others) and it can easily be attached to the George head because it has sticky tape on the base for that purpose. It sells for approx. $50. I bought mine originally for stack-wound spools of thread. I had heard that it was also helpful with delicate threads like monofilament, metallic and fine silk where the shortened thread path might be easier on the threads. I used it for awhile and I believe it MAY have helped with some smaller spools of thread but now I run everything from the vertical holder at the back of the machine with minimal trouble. It really does seem to be more about choosing thread and then matching it to the correct needle & tension settings or being willing to slow down w/some threads. Hope this helps, Nancy in Tucson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neher-in-law5 Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 I'm the one that said I use the vertical holder for all my threads. I have also added ceramic fishing guides to my George so that might be a reason that my threads don't give me problems. I put a wad of batting in the thread guide loop right above the thread and then have the fishing guides in the large spans between the original guides to cut down on the flopping and whipping of the thread. I have used King Tut down to Invisifil 100 wt. threads with this method. Hope you can find what works for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 There are a multitude of "make-do" ideas to add a horizontal spindle to the top of your machine. Tape a paint brush or a medium screwdriver to the top--sticking out to the right just a bit back from the tensioner. Make sure your spool will fit on it. Wrap with a thick rubber band to keep the spool on. Thread back either back to the three-hole or the L-shaped guide. See what works for you. Here is my home-made horiz spool holder. A piece of scrap wood with a metal rod--all taped to the top. Not pretty, but it works! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltsalot1962 Posted July 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 Thank you all so very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeri Posted July 4, 2011 Report Share Posted July 4, 2011 I used to duct tape a crochet hook just behind the lip on the front of my Millie. and used rubber bands wound around it in 2 places to keep the thread spool from traveling back and forth. Just make sure your crochet hook fits the thread spool. A dowel or anything round would work the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MastiffMomQlt Posted July 4, 2011 Report Share Posted July 4, 2011 I picked up a $2.50 locking pin from Tractor Supply & have duct taped it to the top of my machine. It looks hillbilly but it works like a charm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitepinesquilter Posted December 28, 2013 Report Share Posted December 28, 2013 I was doing a search on line for info on spool holders and this post came up in the results. I got my answers I was looking for, but I've now got another question to get answered: I've looked at the ceramic fishing pole guides for the thread guides but how are they attached to the machine? Would someone be willing to post a picture of how they have their ceramic ones attached? Thanks, in advance, for helping me get a visual of this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted December 28, 2013 Report Share Posted December 28, 2013 Hi Marci. Perhaps start a new post with your request to get more replies. I remember that the ceramic-lined guides were a big topic about 4 years ago. The only thing I really remember is that it was recommended to put one on each side under the take-up lever and to offset them--one higher than the other. They really help with the whiplash of the thread. The other craze at that time was another guide just above the needle. It was a part from Janome or Bernina and it fit (barely) around the needle shaft. Lots of stitchers loved that one. Hoping someone else sees this and will reply. I've used neither of these but did buy the ceramic guides. There they sit, in my pin bowl. No different than the new leaders I got for Christmas last year that are still awaiting installation.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neher-in-law5 Posted December 28, 2013 Report Share Posted December 28, 2013 I don't have a picture of my ceramic guides off hand. It is probably on an old computer. I'll try to find one or take another one. I just used a good sticky tape to hold my fishing guides on. The ones I got (at Cabela's) are the circle with a "rod/post" extended about an inch on one side. I used that post and put the sticky tape over it. I had the post at the top with the circle below it. I put one on each side of the path going up and down about 2 inches above the beginning of the needle bar. I also put one on George midway between the 3 hole guide from the back thread holder to the next guide. It is around the area of the up/down button and speed dial. I have had mine on for at least 4 years and haven't needed to use fresh tape or have a problem with the thread catching on anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RitaR Posted December 28, 2013 Report Share Posted December 28, 2013 Hi Rita, I'm Rita now I have a twin name.. lol, I won't load you down with the twin stuff.. lol.. Rita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuiltGuy Posted December 28, 2013 Report Share Posted December 28, 2013 I don't know if this will work on a George but this is one commercially available idea: https://quilttech.com/product/apqs-horizontal-spool-holder/ This one comes in two sizes (3/8 and 1/4) and seems to be more "universal: https://quilttech.com/product/horizontal-spool-holder-38/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neher-in-law5 Posted December 28, 2013 Report Share Posted December 28, 2013 Marci, I have put up pictures on a new topic with the guides. I thought it might be easier to find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katquilter Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 Superior threads now makes a thread stand that switches from vertical to horizontal as you need it to - it sits beside the machine - I just bought it but haven't used it yet - but if you need this, you might want to pull up their web site. It looks quite ingenious! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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