Thread Journaling

When using a different stitch or thread, create a 3-ring binder with polyview pages. Each time a new stitch or thread is used, prepare a fabric THREAD JOURNAL to test out the thread, stitches, tension, and needles. Don't forget to note on the fabric THREAD JOURNAL which stitch sample is using a specific thread, tension, and needle. We used to do these on a scrap of fabric (if we tested the stitching at all!), then threw it in a basket with no comments, or just threw it in the trash. By creating a THREAD JOURNAL each time you are practicing a new thread or new stitch, the JOURNAL can be slid into the polyview page and retained for future use. If you are diligent, it will have the tension that created the proper stitch, the needle size, and any other stitch widths or lengths, and especially check the reverse side of the Journal!....

Create many different THREAD JOURNALS and get used to using a thread journal BEFORE we sew it and notice the back looks bad or sloppy! At that point we are left with keeping the sloppy stitching or ripping it out. If you are using a specialty thread used before, go to the pages in your THREAD JOURNAL and see what settings you successfully used.....this is an easy technique. 

HOW TO MAKE A THREAD JOURNAL:
I use plain cotton muslin with PELLON 101F on the back. PELLON 101F is my go-to stabilizer because it is very lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to keep on hand. I cut 8"x10-1/2 blocks and the same with the PELLON. Sit down and iron them together. I cut a lot of THREAD JOURNALS when I am cutting. I keep them on my sewing table to grab when I need them. When done, they go into my binder instead of the trash.

Here is a PDF file for you to download:  (sorry, I am working on getting a PDF here. :()

THREAD JOURNAL®

Needle(s) used: (TS 12, TS10) Length (L:) Width (W:)
TENSION: (Remember to start LOW move UP) 

•   Use a Thread Journal® to achieve spectacular
  competency with your sewing machine’s
  stitches.
  
•   The Journal you create will archive all of the many new threads you use and the adjustments necessary to achieve the required effect.
  
•   You will also want to keep track of different types of bobbins to see how they react with your machine, writing down the results
  
•   Try to use fabric and/or batting that is the same as the project you will be working on. Remember if you are going to work on a quilt with batting, there will be additional “drag” and you will want your Thread Journal® to reflect the same qualities.
  
•   Slide your completed Thread Journal® into a Poly View sheet protector and keep it in a 3-ring binder.
  
•   You can easily pull one out to add new thread to a specific fabric combination....until you need a new one.
  NO MORE searching for those pesky little samples we have lost or tossed out so we know what tension and bobbin to start with.
  
•   Don’t forget to write your settings on the reverse side of the Thread Journal® as you dial your tension setting
  
  Do about 3” of a straight stitch and check the back. If the bobbin thread is not pulling correctly, adjust it and write down your settings, on the fabric.
  Next, do about 3” of zigzag stitches.
  Did you know that the zigzag is the basis for almost all decorative stitches? Get this stitch looking good on your thread journal® and you won’t have to stop and re-adjust any other decorative stitches you use (or a very small adjustment).
  The goal of having a THREAD JOURNAL® gives you a starting place to obtain information. (Superior Threads Reference Guide is a great place to start.)
  

TECHNIQUE: (TYPE OF THREAD/Technique)
THREAD/Bobbin: (Be specific about the thread)
FOOT/FEET: (Remember to note feet)
If your stitches are not correct, do the following on your THREAD JOURNAL®, writing down settings:
1. Rethread both top and bottom threads. Remember to have presser foot UP to thread top tension.
2. TENSION. To begin adjusting your tension, do not start at the default setting and go up and down. Go to your tension adjustment and set it down to “1”. From there you are going to do an inch or so of zigzag stitches and see where your machine tension needs to go. (Refer to Superior Threads Bobbin Tension Guide)
3. Some specialty threads may have to go all the way down to “0”, some may require some tension (i.e.), 1.5, 1.8, etc.
4. Change the needle. Why?
5. SECRET: Top and Bottom balancing (when you
can)
6. Thread Balancing: Top should be heavier then
bottom (but not always....)
7. Change the TYPE of bobbin thread (not the
color) you are using. You need to know now to wind a bobbin on your machine so you can change the bobbin thread.
These are all very simple tasks that may take a few minutes to work through. Be consistent, don’t skip one and you will be able to tame those wild threads and use more texture and creation to your projects.
THREAD JOURNAL®
Needle(s) used: (TS 12, TS10) Length (L:) Width (W:)
TENSION: (Remember to start LOW move UP) 
 Use a Thread Journal® to achieve spectacular
competency with your sewing machine’s
stitches.
 The Journal you create will archive all of the many new threads you use and the adjustments necessary to achieve the required effect.
 You will also want to keep track of different types of bobbins to see how they react with your machine, writing down the results
 Try to use fabric and/or batting that is the same as the project you will be working on. Remember if you are going to work on a quilt with batting, there will be additional “drag” and you will want your Thread Journal® to reflect the same qualities.
 Slide your completed Thread Journal® into a Poly Vue sheet protector and keep it in a 3-ring binder.
 You can easily pull one out to add new thread to a specific fabric combination....until you need a new one.
NO MORE searching for those pesky little samples we have lost or tossed out so we know what tension and bobbin to start with.
 Don’t forget to write your settings on the reverse side of the Thread Journal® as you dial your tension setting

Do about 3” of a straight stitch and check the back. If the bobbin thread is not pulling correctly, adjust it and write down your settings, on the fabric.
Next, do about 3” of zigzag stitches.
Did you know that the zigzag is the basis for almost all decorative stitches? Get this stitch looking good on your thread journal® and you won’t have to stop and re-adjust any other decorative stitches you use (or a very small adjustment).
The goal of having a THREAD JOURNAL® gives you a starting place to obtain information. (Superior Threads Reference Guide is a great place to start.)
TECHNIQUE: (TYPE OF THREAD/Technique)
THREAD/Bobbin: (Be specific about the thread)
FOOT/FEET: (Remember to note feet)
If your stitches are not correct, do the following on your THREAD JOURNAL®, writing down settings:
1. Rethread both top and bottom threads. Remember to have presser foot UP to thread top tension.
2. TENSION. To begin adjusting your tension, do not start at the default setting and go up and down. Go to your tension adjustment and set it down to “1”. From there you are going to do an inch or so of zigzag stitches and see where your machine tension needs to go. (Refer to Superior Threads Bobbin Tension Guide)
3. Some specialty threads may have to go all the way down to “0”, some may require some tension (i.e.), 1.5, 1.8, etc.
4. Change the needle. Why?
5. SECRET: Top and Bottom balancing (when you
can)
6. Thread Balancing: Top should be heavier then
bottom (but not always....)
7. Change the TYPE of bobbin thread (not the
color) you are using. You need to know now to wind a bobbin on your machine so you can change the bobbin thread.
These are all very simple tasks that may take a few minutes to work through. Be consistent, don’t skip one and you will be able to tame those wild threads and use more texture and creation to your projects.