gable428 Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 I am about to start a full size all batik quilt using Superior Bottom Line thread on the top and bottom. What size needle should I use and any other tips you can offer would be appreciated. I have never done an all batik quilt before and have heard it can be a challenge. I just don't want to struggle through the whole thing:o Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boni Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 My machine is a Gammill so I can only speak Gammillease. However, I will caution you: Don't make a mistake that you have to frog! My experience is that it leaves holes that are not easy to tease back together. Ask me how I know this. There was a thread a while back about quilting batiks. Anyone remember? I also have an all batik coming up, actually two of them. My machine runs best with a size 18 needle and I always use either Signature 40 or poly core. I just make sure the needle is a fresh new one, and adjust tension accordingly. I may even change needles in the middle just to make sure it's pointy enough. Some of your APQS machines can run smaller needles with no problem. I know there are discussions about this. Edit: I just noticed you have a Nolting. sorry Good luck and please post a picture when it's done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Gable, I am working on a batik quilt right now and haven't had any problems. I'm using a 4.0. I normally use a 3.5 but switched to 4.0 because of the thick seams. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltnutt Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 I did a King Size quilt that was all batiks including the backing. I had to rip out a row and 1/2. Took me 8 hrs to rip. I explained what happened to my sewing mechanic and this is what Greg told me. Use a bigger needle. I used a size 20. I have a Nolting PRO also. Use Sewers Aid or Silicone spray on the thread,needle and thread in the bobbin. I used Sewers Aid. one drop on 2 sides of the thread in the bobbin. 2 straight lines down the side of the spool of thread. one drop on my finger and then coat the needle. I coated the needle after each row. I had no trouble after that. If you have a spray,spray the top and back.spray he thread and needle. The spray with not stain or damage the fabric. Hope this helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltingnanny Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Gable, the large needle works for us. Also, if the batik is prewashed it will work much better. I haven't had any problems with prewashed batik and our Pro zips right along. I use mostly Signature or RA thread. The heavy batik is hard to handle though. Good luck ! Glenda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gable428 Posted March 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2009 Thanks for the replies everyone!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonbon Posted March 21, 2009 Report Share Posted March 21, 2009 Hi Gable~ With my millenium I use a 4.0 needle. Occasionally I will have trouble with thread breakage. The trick I use is to spray the top with Sullivans Silicone Spray. It is safe for fabrics, leaves no residue. It helps the needle and thread glide through the layers. Batik is such a tight weave and has no "give" to it. Most often I have no problem, but when I do......I trot out the Sullivan's! I'm pretty sure I ordered it from Kingsmen online. Bonnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra Darlington Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 I quilted 2 batik quilts over in the last 6 months. The tops were not washed, but I did wash the backing batik fabric. I bought the wide backings at a quilt show, but I can't remember the company (they only do batiks and seem to be at lots of shows). Anyway, I used a 4.0 Singer needle on my Liberty and used So Fine in my bobbin and Rainbows on the top and had no problems at all. I did a feather meander (Suzanne Earley style). I didn't use any silicone lubricator and had only a couple breaks. I hope you get lucky with your quilt, like I did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Sandra I'm guessing it was from Sew Batik. Great stuff! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra Darlington Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Heidi, I think you are right about it being Sew Batik. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Sandra I just love their fabrics! They stitch so nicely. You can't go wrong and they have a huge variety too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primitive1 Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 I recently tried a 3.5 needle on my millie and it broke right away, so I went back to the 4.0 and it works fine, I found that if I make sure my fabric is not too tight it works better too. Like Shana said once, it should look like a mole is moving under it when you move your machine...(that advice was very helpful to me). Vicki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 I have done several quilts that had all batik top and an all batik bottom with no problems (without prewashing). But I do agree with Glenda (quiltingnanny) that pre-washing the batik helps to loosen the fibers and make it softer. I recently did my own personal quilt (all batik on top & bottom) I used Rainbows and Signature Pixels all over to quilt.I prewashed both top batik and the SewBatik bottom) and I had no troubles at all. I used a 4.0 needle. I did wash (block) the quilt afterward to get any frogging holes to disappear and make it look nice and fresh again. I am pleased with the end result. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Vicki, I wonder why the needle broke right away. I actually prefer a 3.5 and (oh dear do I jinx myself) never have broken one. When I started I bought a box of 100 of the 4.0 and only a couple packages of the 3.5. I wish I had done it the other way around. Oh well the 4.0 work good too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corey Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 I did learn a lot reading all your posts. Now I know what to do. Thank ya all. Corey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grammie Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 When I'm doing batiks I like using the 3.5 for smaller hole. Some do have trouble with it breaking as mentioned. I love it personally. It doesn't seem to POP pop pop as badly. You know the sound you get with batiks. lol I use 4.0 alot too but lately I'm likely the 3.5. lol Hugs Grammie Tammie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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