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Stray threads under quilt top help!


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Are there any techniques out there to help disguise red threads showing showing through a cream colored fabric? I have a red and cream quilt top that has noodles of stray threads. I have tried to clip away all that I can but I know that even so, there will be more strays!

I have one of those tiny crochet hooks to grab threads is that the only remedy?

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The tiny crochet hook works well to fish out stray threads that are loose under the top.

If the thread has frayed away from an edge and it's still attached to the fabric, trying to pull it out with the crochet hook can sometimes pull off extra strands and you're back where you started. In those instances, I use a used machine needle and coax/push the strand back under the seam allowance.

If the stray thread has been stitched down in the quilting process, the crochet hook technique will work best.

Even with systematic clipping of threads before loading, the handling of the top can sometimes cause the strays to appear when you're sure you got them all. 

The strays are much more evident when you have the quilt flat with strong light shining on it. Sometimes in a different setting the noodles will be less evident and not your task to fish them out. Just a thought...

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I use a needle to get them out. Never could get the crochet hook to work. Put your needle directly under the top layer of fabric and scrap it gently across the underside and push the loose thread up through the fabric a bit. Leave the needle in, get another sharp needle and catch the tiny loop of loose thread and pull it out. Not sure if that was very clear, but it usually comes out really quickly that way. Good luck!

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I'm working on a quilt now that is horrible with stray threads.  It's a Triple Irish Chain with the chains in blacks/browns and cream in the open blocks.   I was very careful when piecing to make sure there were no shadows on the seams and clipped threads, but the black/brown fabric is very "ravely".   I try to push the worst offenders off under a seam.   It's my quilt...........not going in a show.........but it is exasperating.  This quilt has given me fits from day one anyway.   It is very close to getting taken off the machine and stashed in the closet.     :angry:

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