As a longarm quilter, it is rare to not have to bury quilting threads. I used to dread this process, but with my easy-to-thread needles, I no longer feel this way.
There are so many ways to do one thing, and I really love that. It means that if a particular method does not favor your style or taste, you can find another way or invent your own.
Here’s my method for burying threads:
Tying and Threading your Needle
1. I tie my two thread tails in a double knot. While tying the knot, I angle it towards the top thread exit hole or the bobbin thread exit hole. This will create a secure knot that resembles a stitch.
2. If I need to retrieve my bobbin thread, I pull the top thread—this brings up a small loop of the bobbin thread. I use my needle to gently go under the bobbin thread and pull it to the top. Now, I have my two threads—top and bobbin—that need to be tied and buried. If my thread tails are long enough, I tie them by hand; if not, I use my needle.
3. After the tails are secured with a double knot, I thread them through my needle’s eye. This is the trickiest and hardest part for me. Here are my go-to needles that help ease the pain.
Snag Magic Tool Snag Magic Needle
I take the double-knotted thread tails and put them through the large loop. Easy-peasy!
Pros: The large loop—this feature allows for a wonderful threading experience.
Cons: The thickness of the needle—this can make dealing with a densely quilted quilt difficult or damage delicate fabrics. I’ve not had experience with delicate fabrics, but I broke the plastic loop when I pulled too hard through the dense layers.
I’m sure it was a user error, but I stand by the thickness of the needle as a con.
However, working with denim, this feature might be just what’s needed.
Maybe we need some needle size options from Snag Magic. 😉
Also, the loop can twist. I've purchased one with a smaller loop and will update soon.
Easy Threading Needles Easy Threading Needle
I take the double-knotted thread tails and pull them down in between the opening on the needle head and into the needle eye.
Yay, a threaded needle!
Pros: There are multiple sizes of needles.
Cons: Shorter thread tails might be harder to manage, and threading the gap can be difficult. Threading one thread at a time helps with this.
Needle with Needle Threader Needle Threader
Using any quilting needle, I insert the hook of the needle threader through the needle eye. With the thread tails in one hand, I place them over the hook. My threads should be right in front of the hook. I hold the threads, making sure they stay in front of the hook, while I pull the needle threader through the needle eye. Yippee! I always love celebrating a threaded needle.
Pros: You can use any needle you have.
Cons: The needle threader can shred threads. Shorter thread tails are hard to manage. And the whole process can be tedious.
Burying Threads
1. I insert the needle into the hole where the thread came out and push it through in-between the fabric and batting layers and back out through the fabric layer. Note: I make sure I have not gone through to the other side by feeling with my hand and turning the quilt over to see if I can see my needle. If I did, I would pull the needle and thread from the insert hole and try again.
2. I hold the threads in one hand and pull the needle completely out of the fabric layer.
3. I remove the needle from the threads and give them a tug until I hear or feel the knot going under the fabric layer.
4. I trim my thread tails as close as possible to the quilt top, making sure not to cut the fabric.
And voila, my thread tails are now buried!
Conclusion
With the right tools and mindset, I embraced burying threads as an essential part of the quilting process. That will ensure the longevity and aesthetics of the quilt. And gets it one step closer to snuggling.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my process. And if you felt overwhelmed with securing your threads, I hope you don’t anymore.
Happy Quilting,
Amber Foret
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