Machine Beading & Freemotion Couching - Needle & Thread
December 7, 2007
During last night's "Bonkers For BERNINA" webchat on www.TheQuiltShow.com we spent some time talking about thread, and someone asked about the threads Nina McVeigh uses for machine beading (yes, you can stitch single beads by machine!). I've checked, and she's using monofilament in the needle and lingerie thread in the bobbin. In the video the small cone of monofilament on the machine is YLI Wonder Invisible Thread. She's also using a very fine needle - size 60/8 - that fits easily through the holes in the beads. You'll also need an embroidery hoop, and a magnifier might be a good idea for those of us with "mature" eyesight. (Those beads are TINY!) 
Someone also asked about the cord Nina uses with Free Motion Couching Foot #43. She's using one of my favorite cords for freehand couching, Hilos La Espiga #18, a 2mm nylon cord usually used for macrame and other knotting crafts. If your local shop doesn't carry it, your BERNINA dealer can order it for you from Quilters Resource, Inc.
To see how these techniques are done, check out the Free Motion Machine Beading and Free Motion Couching BERNINA videos at www.TheQuiltShow.com. Then use them to embellish your projects - quilts, clothes, crafts, everything can use a little adornment!
Posted by: Jo Leichte at 11:26pm
13 Comments
Topic: Accessories
Tags:
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13 Comments
Bernina should consider making a free motion couching attachment for the BSR!
Is anything in the works?
Thanks
I just watched the beading video, that is so scary, but I am going to try it. I'm just afraid I will buy the wrong size bead.
Roni
Pam - I don't know if anything is in the works, but I know that the folks at BERNINA International know that there's interest in a BSR Freemotion Couching Sole.
Many, many moons ago when I still had my 1130, Ellen Anne Eddy had a class where she showed sewing on beads using the machine for embellishing quilts. It's not as frightening as it looks, is so much fun and so easy. Haven't hand sewn a bead since.
very interesting, but I don't agree with you
Idetrorce
I am interested in the Hilos La Espiga
#18 Nylon cord but don't know where to
get it.
Hi Marjorie - Sometimes I can find Hilos La Espiga in craft stores, as it's often used for macrame. Quilters' Resource, Inc. recently started stocking it, so now your local BERNINA store and other independent sewing shops can order it from them for you.
Can anyone tell what models this #43 foot would work on?.....I have
never given up my 1130......it does all I really want to do.......to hold memory
better would have been nice.....but not really necessary....Julia
Hi Julia - Freemotion Couching Foot #43 is one of my favorites :) But it only works on the current machine type: activas, virtuosas, auroras, and artistas. New accessories are usually made available for older models after a while, but I don't know what the plans are for this one. Jo
I'm having trouble with my bsr foot, I was using it on the bsr 1, it make a noise and the screen move to bsr 2. I can not get it back to BSR 1
Help anyone.
Hi Karen - Try turning your machine off and then on again; it may just need to reboot. If you continue having trouble, contact your local Bernina store; their technician can determine what the problem is.
Greetings all, Need BSR suggestions....
While quilting my quilt (70" x 80") with my BSR, I noticed that my threads are skipping. How can I correct this frustrating skipping from occurring? Should I use King Tut thread as the manual states? Looking forward to your feedback. Thank you, KinMN
Hi Kay - Check to make sure you're using a new needle, in the correct size and type for your needle and thread. For regular weight quilting thread, such as Mettler 40 weight quilting thread, I use a size 90 Quilting needle. Are you also getting skipping when you free-motion without the BSR? Your machine may be slightly out of timing, which shows up more when you're stitching through all the layers of a quilt. Have the technician at your local Bernina store take a look to find out what's happening. Jo
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