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Wanda Steiner
Winnipeg, MB
I use a domestic machine and I am a Certified Sulky Teacher, Certified McTavishing and Free Form Feathers Teacher, and a Certified Canadian Quilt Judge. I have been teaching Beginner and Intermediate Machine Piecing classes in Ontario and Manitoba for 7 years. I really enjoy teaching Thread play and special project classes of all levels. I have been recently absorbed in heavy machine quilting. I have been trying finer threads so the work is fine and the result is not as stiff and board-like. The Glide thread which Karen McTavish gave me is the best I have used. It is very strong and never breaks. It flows through my machine like a dream. It has a lovely sheen and it doesn't fall off the cone. When I cut the end of the thread it doesn't fray and become hard to put through the needle. When I use my automatic needle threader, the thread doesn't stretch and distort. I use it on the top and in the bobbin as well. I plan to use it from now on. I have already talked to 2 shops about carrying it and I have promoted to people I have been teaching. Good job Fil-Tec!
Lisa A. Spereman
Kodiak Quilting,
Omaha, NE
I was at the MQS show in Kansas City back in May and was at Fil-Tec’s booth. I wanted to pick up a free sample but they were out. The rep told me to e-mail the company and they would send out a free sample. I was a little hesitant about doing this, but then figured what the heck, it was free and I’ll try it. They had said good things about this at the show, but then so does everyone else about their product.
The day it arrived I was in the middle of loading a quilt on my machine. I saw the colour that was sent and figured it would work for the top, and the Magna-Glide bobbin colour would work for the quilt back so I proceeded, with great caution I might add, as I was tired of getting samples that would break, loop and just not measure up what they were saying about them.…..WELL… I was surprised and awestruck; it did everything they said it would do. The Glide thread just seemed to pop with its sheen, but also kind of melt into the background and the Magna-Glide bobbin was WONDERFUL. I had no problems doing that quilt and another one and even another one with both products (just wish I had had more colours at the time).
I was so pleased with both products, the Glide thread and the Magna-Glide bobbin, that I called all of my quilting friends and told them all about both products, especially the bobbin. I couldn’t say enough about them and I just can’t believe the difference a quality thread and bobbin can make. I am user for life.
Lynn O'Neal
Creative Clutter Quilting,
Seabrook, SC
I am a Statler owner and new user of Glide threads. I love them because I have often had issues with tension (mostly my inexperience I'm sure) but have not with the Magna-Glide bobbins - perfect every time! I also love the sheen - gives a little "umpf" to solid threads. However, recently even my Magna-Glide bobbins let me down, and after exhausting all "user error" fixes, I gave up and just wound from the Magna-Glide to one of my bobbins so that I could complete my project. I then called Fil-Tec customer service - and that is exactly what I got.
I am a trainer and Customer Service Skills is one of my specialties. The staff immediately helped explain the probable cause of my issue - not providing an excuse, just an explanation - then refunded my money, let me keep the bobbins I had, and sent me a sample of their newest product - yummy thread and matching bobbins. They maintained my self-esteem and helped me solve the problem. An A+ in my book.
Linda Bailey
Newton Falls, OH
First, let me thank you for sending the samples of Glide thread and Magna-Glide bobbins. I received them early this week and couldn't wait to try them. I must say I'm impressed. Magna-Glide bobbins are my first experience with pre-wound bobbins. I'm looking at convenience, price and, above all, stitch quality. I love the convenience... I had no idea how much I'd enjoy not having to think about or fiddle with the winding process. Considering the amount of thread you've managed to wind on that bobbin, the price is very comparable to self-winding. I'm also pleased with the stitch quality. The tension was consistent from the beginning to the end, an improvement over self-winding. I noticed a few skipped stitches, usually at the end of the bobbin, but I could see it immediately from the top of the quilt as I was working, so it was easily corrected. Magna-Glide bobbins pass my test.
Most of my quilting is very traditional; therefore I use fairly traditional thread. I don't use much variegated and next to no metallics. I like a thin thread that disappears into the fabric. Thicker threads appear clumsy on delicate "Victorian" feathers, micro stippling and tight work. All the variegated threads I've used are too thick for my taste. The sample of Glide thread was beautiful. The sheen added a subtle luster I don't get with cotton. The stitches (with Magna-Glide bobbins on the bottom) were uniform and perfect. Without the glitz of metallic, still, my work literally shined! And, as an extra benefit, the price is super.
I placed my first order last night. I ordered several colors of Magna-Glide Delights (20 per jar), some matching Glide thread, and the big box of white Magna-Glide bobbins. I appreciate the reasonable $30 minimum order. The other supplier I use has a $150 minimum, making it prohibitive for me to order one or two colors to match the quilt that just came in... forcing me to buy retail, thus never developing the needed list to fill the minimum... and, I'm happy to buy American. Thanks for "keeping your ear to the ground", listening to what the "little guy" needs!
 
Kendra McBroom
Goddard, KS
I have used the Fil-Tec bobbins in my domestic machine with satisfaction and just recently purchased several 5,500 yard spools at a recent quilt show to use in my Gammill longarm. It feels silky and smooth to the touch and I wondered if it was too lightweight to match the speed and power of the longarm. I was blown away with the performance! I completed a Christmas wall hanging in record time with absolutely no ripping, no balled up threads on the front or the back, no lint in the bobbin case and only one thread breakage (due to operator error). I quickly sent in another order before this project was even finished. I knew this was going to be my only thread to use from now on. Is it possible that this thread comes with built-in pixie dust? The quilting even looks prettier! Thanks for making this available to us.
Geri MacRoy
I recently attended the SUGAR conference in Columbia, MO. I am a Statler Stitcher owner and that was the purpose of the conference. I met lots of nice people and many were raving about Fil-Tec's Glide thread. I had never heard of it before this conference. Frankly, I was a bit frightened to try it when I heard that it was polyester. I have had nightmare experiences with other brand poly threads and stopped using them. This past weekend I did my first Glide quilt. From the very first stitch to the last I had perfect tension and uniform, beautiful stitches. This thread is wonderful! The colors are beautiful. This is a thread that will be an asset to my custom quilting.
I will be recommending this to my customers.
Amy Moroney
Platte City, MO
I received a sample of Glide thread and a couple of Magna-Glide bobbins when I was at MQS. I thought, "What the heck, I'll try it". I got it home and set it up on my Gammill and WOW! The stitching was beautiful and the tension was perfect. The thread was a yellow/gold and it looked outstanding. I was really impressed with the tension on the back of the practice piece I had; no eyelashes or loops. That was enough for me to decide to buy the set I did. Thank you for an incredible product!!
Rena Wehling
Enhanced Designs,
Hales Corners, WI
Until recently, I've always tried to use whatever thread my customers requested. My APQS Freedom long arm machine has been a patient friend while I've dealt with some of the tension issues involved in trying to please my customers.
In the last month, I've discovered the INCREDIBLE Magna-Glide bobbins. The tension is perfect! My mind is now on creativity instead of wondering when the next thread break will happen. It's easy to get excited about quilting when you're sure that everything will run smoothly.
After giving those magic bobbins a work-out, I ordered more colors, along with some cones of matching-color Glide top thread. My next order will include some Affinity variegated.
Susan Pagano
Edge to Edge Quilting,
Philadelphia, PA
I love the Magna Glide bobbins! I never have to make any tension adjustments when I am quilting and there isn't any lint build-up like there is with other thread brands. I have put away my bobbin winder because I only want to use Magna Glide!
The Glide thread looks great on the quilt top – it has such a nice sheen to it and I have used it with my embroidery sewing machine, too! I now have to have every thread color!!
Lisa Calle
I love to quilt and I tend to quilt FAST! The one thing I hate is when my thread breaks or I have tension issues. Since I quilt for customers, this costs me money when I have to deal with either of these two issues. My longarm, affectionately known as Miss Prissy, LOVES Glide thread. I have no pesky tension issues or thread breakage. When I received my first order and opened the box, I felt as though I were looking in a bag of jelly beans. The colors were gorgeous and the sheen just added to it! I wanted to dive into the box. I have a two-year-old and I find that he takes my Glide Color card and puts it with his books, so I know I am not the only one in my house that enjoys this thread! On top of having a great product which is important, Fil-Tec’s customer service is out of this world! I commend you and look forward to doing business with you for many years to come.
Kathy Detke
Quilted by Kathy,
Grand Forks, ND
I got my first order of Glide thread after several members from the Red River Machine Quilters guild said how much they like working with it, and I have joined the ranks of being sold on this product! The stitches are precise and the sheen adds a wonderful quality to the quilts. The Magna-Glide bobbins are incredible - multiple thread color changes using the same bobbin and no "pokies". Thank you for another option in threads, I placed another order today to build up my color choices of Glide.
Karen J. Thompson
I love, love, love Fil-Tec’s Glide thread! The colors are simply gorgeous, each with a slight sheen, and best of all, I never have tension problems using it. I have two longarms, both with Intelliquilters, and I can run Glide thread on t-shirt quilts, batiks, and minky with no problems. I use it for customer quilts in my longarm business, and I regularly recommend it to customers of my online pattern business, Intelligent Quilting (IntelligentQuilting.com), for use on their quilts.
My goal is to have Glide thread on hand in every single color!
Cindy Horan
Austin, MN
I can't say enough about the Glide thread. It sews wonderfully, looks gorgeous and is a great value for the money. I had not heard anything about Fil-Tec or Glide thread before the MQS show in Kansas this year. It was all the buzz at the show. Once I saw it and felt it I understood the reason why.
Glide is a dual-purpose thread as it looks beautiful when quilted and shines as an embroidery thread. The colors are great, too. So many colors to choose from but so many that are neutral and yet add that special touch to a quilt. There isn't a color I don't like and yes I want them all!!!
The new mini spools are going to enable me to have my heart's desire. I can hardly wait for them to be available later this summer.
Glide thread is absolutely wonderful and I'll be buying more and more and more, well you get the idea. Also, the Fil-Tec staff are so helpful and friendly. There is no better deal on such beautiful thread for the money.
Thank you Fil-Tec for Glide thread!!
Jude Michalak
Bobbins 'n Threads Quilting & Smocking Studio
bobbinsnthreads@gmail.com
Laramie, WY
I used my first cone of Glide on a Very Hungry Caterpillar quilt which had dimpled Minky on the back. I was very pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to use! Since I am not a huge fan of shiny threads, this was an experiment in using Glide vs. a metallic and I was very, very happy with the results. There was absolutely NO breakage or shredding and my machine loved it. So...I bought a few more cones. ;)
Then I used it on a Sock Monkey quilt and had the same experience. It ran like a champ, very easy to use, perfect stitches and no tension problems. And it gave just the perfect amount of sheen.
I am opening a quilting studio in town and hope to carry Glide threads and bobbins. Haven't tried the bobbins yet but I hear so many good things about them that I might *need* to have those too. ;)
Great thread, gorgeous sheen without being too flashy, lovely weight and easy, easy, easy to quilt with! Since I am also a hand smocker I am thinking I might have to try it for that, too.....
Janet Stone
Overland Park, KS
I design and make quilts specifically for show and quilt on a domestic sewing machine. I have used about every thread out there, some okay and some with terrible problems, such as bad tension, breaking and shredding. I heard about Glide thread on one of the Yahoo groups I belong to and went to your website to check it out. The colors are lovely, the price is great, and shipping was quick! I used the thread doing some free-motion embroidery and it was fantastic! I haven't tried the bobbins yet, but I'll give them a try when I reorder more thread! Glide makes me a very happy quilter! I just wish I knew about it several quilts ago!
Wendy Culbreath
I love Fil-Tec's Glide thread! Because the tension is always perfect, I don't have to spend time fiddling with it and can get right down to quilting! The other thing that makes me extremely happy is the way the quilting looks...it glistens...and makes the quilt look even more gorgeous! Glide is just outstanding and so reasonably priced. I know a good product and a good deal when I see it and Glide has it all! Customer service is also excellent. Thank you Fil-Tec, you've got a customer for life!!
Irene Dubeau
Irene's Quilted Vista,
Porthill, ID
I must chime in here and add to the other great Glide thread reviews. I had sent for a sample. It came and I was not too impressed with the color (cream/ivory with a hint of gold). I put it to the back of the shelf. Along comes a customer and wouldn't you know it, nothing in my thread collection suited her project. As a last resort, I retrieved Glide and sure enough that's what the quilt needed. I prewarned my customer that I had not worked with this brand before and did not
know what to expect. I am pleased to report that I had no tension issues, no breakage and no tweaking! The rich sheen adds a lovely finish to the stitching. It is absolutely awesome. Needless to say, it no longer sits on the back shelf.
Naysa Withem
I work with Hillbrook Quilting as a Trainer for Gammill Long Arm Quilting Machines. Three years ago we were approached by Fil-Tec to test their threads and bobbins. What fun! In our first tests we learned much about the quality of Fil-Tec thread. I began using Magna-Glide pre-wound bobbins at that time. The bobbin tension is quite often the biggest challenge for quilters. I noticed that when people look at quilts they want to see the back. They are looking at stitch quality. This makes quilters very careful about achieving the best possible stitch. Magna-Glide bobbins immediately allow the tension to be perfectly managed. Most recently, I am excited about the new Glide Threads. The colors are “eye candy” for the quilter. The gorgeous shine of the thread compliments our art and decorative quilting. PERFECT TENSION-BEAUTIFUL STITCHES-AWARD WINNING QUILTING!!!!! The REAL reason I use Fil-Tec!
Kathryn Fuller
Wow! I "was" a hard-core believer in winding my own bobbins until I tried the Magna Glide bobbins in my Gammill Optimum Plus. The first thing I noticed was perfect tension, no matter what thread I used on top. I was able to complete two quilts and was halfway through the third when my initial bobbin ran out. It is amazing how much thread is packed onto one bobbin! My customers frequently ask for thread that blends and that means a finer thread that sinks into the fabric--the Magna Glide bobbin threads do exactly that; they sink into the fabric. I fell in love with Magna Glide and immediately ordered an ample supply and, once they arrived, I put my bobbin winder in a drawer.
Initially, I was feeling a bit tentative about trying out my sample of Glide thread. After all, I was happy with my favorite top threads and how good could it be? Well, I'm a convert to Glide thread, too! When using a matching thread color, Glide vanishes into the quilt top, giving beautiful texture. Conversely, its beautiful sheen can provide a complementary accent that really pops!
If you haven't yet experienced Magna Glide bobbins and Glide thread, you are missing out on one of the best tools of the long arm quilter's trade.
Doris Rice
I LOVE my new cones of Glide Thread and love the way it looks on a quilt even more. The quilts look awesome with that added sheen the Glide Thread gives it. As a longarm quilter, what I like even more is that there is minimal breakage and no lint build up that other threads have. I have a computerized Gammill Statler Stitcher and I didn't even have to change any tensions, needles or speeds of my machine; the stitch was perfect!
And... my customers are even happier than I am. They love the new thread and the choices of colors. I have several quilts hanging in my studio and they are instantly drawn to the two that have the Glide Thread used on them. Needless to say, I will be ordering more Glide Thread!
Sandy Gorbe
Glide thread and Magna Glide bobbins have become my favorite and only thread to use. I am fairly new to long arm quilting. Needless to say, there is a lot to learn and a lot of trial and error. I used another thread but was always fiddling with the tension, but no more; I just set it and forget it.
Your service is excellent! The staff is great to talk to and they are very helpful. I can't wait for the release of the bobbins to match all the yummy colors of the thread. All of my friends who do long arm quilting also use your thread. I am one very happy customer and will be as long as I am doing long arm quilting.
I also use your thread for embroidery...what a difference it makes...the designs just pop!
Thank you for a wonderful product.
Marilyn Popplewell
Blessed Quilting,
Monticello, IN
Glide thread and Magna Glide pre-wound bobbins are a blessing to use on my longarm machine. Tension problems sit on the shelf when I am using Glide thread. The strength of this thread runs smoothly on my longarm and the shimmer of the thread only enhances each quilt I use it on. The shimmer of the thread makes each stitch look even better than the last one. The only problem I have is trying to pick which color to use from the vast choices of color options. It is truly a great thread and enjoyable to use.
The first time I used Magna Glide bobbins I was amazed at the great tension that was achieved. There were no skipped or missed stitches. The bottom stitches looked just as great as the top stitches.
When you add in the fast, friendly service that the Fil-Tec staff supplies with each order it is no wonder that this thread is gaining such popularity among the quilting, sewing, and embroidery community.
Rene Baron Heimer
Red Baron Longarm Quilting Company, baronhei@aol.com
White Bear Lake, MN
I have fallen in love with all of the qualities of Glide thread and have educated my customers enough that it is their primary thread choice in my studio. I carry a lot of thread because it inspires me as a textile artist and I like to have choices. I have come to the realization that I have been using only Glide thread on my customer quilts for quite some time. I use my stock of previous threads for the wide variety of charity quilts that I make for my community, just to use it up. I no longer like the dullness of the threads; they lack life. The lint-free nature of Glide makes my machine run clean and it has to be better for the longevity of it not to have the lint in there mucking it up.
When I first exposed my clients to Glide they were reluctant to take a chance. It only took one quilt for them to request it by name the next time. It gives a fresh take on the fabric and it is often unexpected. For competition/show quilts, it adds the dazzle in a subtle way and is a nice surprise. I am sold on it and so are my customers. I am pleased that your plans include expansion of color.
I love that you are matching your bobbin thread to the spool in the same winding, perfect. I like the fact that you will be offering a thinner thread, great for competition quilts where you don't want a buildup of thread on the top or bottom. I am so pleased for your company that in this economy you have been able to identify a need, find the audience and run with it. Thank you for listening and being willing to expand the choices and varieties.
I would also like to add that I tried the variegated thread and the Magna-Glide prewound bobbins and WOW! I had absolutely no thread breakage or tension problems and found them easy to use. That is a must in this field. Nice job Fil-Tec. I am impressed and I am not always easy to please!
Patti Marrin
I love using Glide thread. The lovely shades and rich hues lure you in. My background is in graphic design, so color is of the utmost importance to me. I want the colors I use to glow, and Glide thread doesn’t disappoint!
This is a very easy thread to use if you have a long arm machine. You will need to adjust your tension a bit, but it is worth it for the sophisticated look you can achieve. Glide has a low twist, and lays flat. When you realize how the stitched seam looks and the sheen the thread gives your work, you will want it in every color! Pair it with Glisten metallic and you will be delighted!
I have tried many other threads that I won’t name... and none come close to the ease of use and look of Glide, Glisten, and the new Affinity variegated. If you prefer cotton, Bobbin Central has those threads too!
Linda Binns
Oskaloosa, IA
After reading such rave reviews about the Magna Glide bobbins on a longarm forum, I decided to give them a try. They are WONDERFUL. I can quilt right to the very end of the bobbin without any thread breakage or difference in the tension. Along with the bobbin, Fil-Tec sent me a couple samples of the Glide thread. It sews and quilts out beautifully as well. I also purchased a cone of Harmony variegated and Affinity variegated and I’m very pleased with both products. I will be ordering more of everything. I am a longarm quilter. I quilt mostly for myself, family, and my quilt group, but I am now getting into doing some customer quilts as well. The Fil-Tec thread products are just what I have been looking for in both quality and price. I look forward to seeing more from them in the future.
Ronda Beyer
Reasons I was drawn to and love Glide Thread:
1. It is very, very easy to get great tension with Glide thread. Tension is one of the number one problems long arm quilters have with thread. With other threads, you have to tweak the tension with color changes within the same brand, but with Glide, once your tension is set it works for ALL colors. In my opinion, this is most important.
2. Color: the gorgeous sheen of the thread caught my eye. This in itself really makes a quilt sing and adds just enough punch with the sheen to really accent a quilt without using harsh colors (but the colors are bold enough to give Art Quilts that extra sparkle).
3. The overall strength of Glide. As long arm quilters, there is nothing worse than a thread that breaks if we quilt too fast or quilt over a seam. Glide threads are wonderful blenders, meaning that there are several colors that will work on many fabric colors and they blend so there is no need to change colors, which saves the quilter money and time. Glide easily locks the top and bottom threads as we stop and start, making tying off and burying threads unnecessary.
Laura West Kong
I had a sample of Glide Trilobal Polyester thread from Fil-Tec Bobbin Central that I'd been saving to try out on a mini quilt top. As you can see on the cloud appliqué, it satin stitches beautifully. Notice the tight curves and inside points of the cloud. (These are 4-inch blocks.) I LOVE that even though I stacked up quite a bit of thread to cover the corners and curves, this thread was fine enough that it didn't jam up or get caught in the feed dogs.
Glide's shine matches that of rayon, plus it's colorfast.
Shelli Ricci
Wild Blue Whimsy
Apple Valley, MN
Can a Product actually change the destiny of an artist? It did for me! I have always liked the look of thread painting, and wanted to use it in my quilts. Unfortunately, every time I tried it, I had nothing but frustration. The thread would constantly break and I had to keep changing the tension on my machine with every color change. And then, I used Glide... not only was the sheen fabulous, but the thread never broke! On my domestic machine, I was even able to run 2 threads through a single needle and sew through multiple layers of tulle and stabilizers without any breakage. I tried just about everything I could think of to get Glide to break, but the only thing I broke was needles! I almost couldn't believe it!
If you get a chance to visit the Fil -Tec booth at Quilt Market, you will see a kimono-shaped quilt with a large thread-painted dragon on it. That quilt, titled "Oriental Dreams" (a.k.a."The Great Walt of China") features various thread-painting techniques done exclusively in Glide thread. It was my pleasure to design and create the quilt especially for Fil-Tec. It was an even greater pleasure to make it using Glide thread.
Glide is the BEST thread on the market because Glide does it all... thread painting, machine embroidery, free-motion quilting AND it works on every machine... domestic, long arm and automated quilting machines. Can Glide change your artistic journey? I believe that it can!
     
Connie Weichsler
I am a professional quilter and run a long-arm quilting and embroidery business. I heard about the Magna-Glide bobbins and Glide thread on our "long-arm" forum. Several quilters were stating how much they loved the pre-wound Magna-Quilt bobbins and the company offered "free samples". Thinking that my quilting friends can't be wrong and "free samples" too, I contacted the company and had a sample package in no time. I was amazed at the customer service and the number of items sent in the "sample" package. I was "in love" with the first bobbin used. To be honest, I tried the bobbin and the Glide thread on my 2 professional embroidery machines first. The tension was spot-on perfect and the thread sewed-out beautifully. The gold thread even had a metallic sheen to it. The Magna-Glide bobbin seemed to last longer than any other pre-wounds that I previously used.
Amazed with the products on the embroidery machines, I decided to use them on my long-arm quilting machine. “Amazing” is all that I can say!!! Long-arms are picky when it comes to threads and tension. I did not have to adjust anything; the Glide thread sewed like a hot knife through butter – just beautifully. Formerly a "cotton only" quilter, the Glide thread and Magna-Glide bobbins convinced me that the "old wives tale" is out of date and modern polyester threads are safe for any fabric. They are soft, tough, and beautiful. It is virtually impossible to see where the machine stopped and started the patterns. The knots are small and easy to pull into the quilt (we knot and bury our threads to prevent the stitching from coming loose). If you're still a "cotton only" quilter, the Magna-Quilt bobbins are perfect and maintain tension with other threads.
There is no such thing as "bobbin backlash" with these bobbins, which can be a quilter's biggest nightmare (bird-nests, tension, knots, etc). I no longer have to bend under my quilt to see if the bobbin thread is sewing-out correctly because I can trust these threads for perfect tension. My long-arm machine is computerized and is tough on thread due to the speed and sharp movements, as is the embroidery machine. Other threads would snap or fray at high speeds so I had to slow the machines down, but not with the Glide and Magna-Glide bobbins; they handled everything the machines gave them.
Fil-Tec’s products and customer service have improved the efficiency of my business 100 percent. Keep the products coming!!! I can't wait to see more bobbin colors to match the threads. I would also like to see packs of bobbins with several popular colors in one tube. I'm off to try out the stabilizers I just purchased from www.bobbincentral.com!!!
   
Chris and Rex McCaskill
As dedicated longarm quilters, we travel to many shows and conferences to become experts in our craft. We learned about Fil-Tec’s Magna-Glide bobbins and Glide thread at a quilt show. We embraced Glide thread immediately but were a little slow to use the bobbins because we had not previously had good experiences with pre-wound bobbins.
Once we grasped the fact that Fil-Tec's Magna-Glide bobbins use a very different technology involving magnets, we had to try them. Now we can't wait until Fil-Tec produces them in every color of the rainbow so we can use them exclusively. They are a great time-saver.
As for Glide thread; it's practically the only top thread we use, taking precedence over any other trilobal, any other poly, and any cotton threads we once used. We have no trouble winning our customers' approval to use this thread on the top or bottom of the quilt. They, too, love Glide and enjoy looking at the large color selection we have in our studio.
We know of nothing else on the market that can beat Glide for its value, its sheen and its strength. All this translates into improved earnings for us; less time changing thread and bobbins or fixing tension problems. That thread just goes on and on long after you'd expect to run out.
Recently, I e-mailed a few questions to the staff at Fil-Tec. Rachel and Chris each researched different questions depending on their expertise and responded with clear, detailed answers. That personal touch is unprecedented in the industry. Have we said enough? If you haven't tried it, now's the time.
Judy Woodworth
Quilting Memories and Creations,
Gering, NE
I love the many colors and the strength of the New Glide thread (#40). It has a reflective glow in the most glorious colors. I ordered a dozen glide trilobal thread spools in the large size (5,000 m), and will be using this thread in as many show quilts as I can.
I've also had very good luck with their Magna Glide pre-wound bobbins in white. The tension is great. I have tried pre-wound bobbins before and didn't like the tension, so I was pleasantly surprised how nice these Fil-Tec bobbins are. I ordered 100 white pre-wound bobbins and can't wait for them to get more colors to match the Glide thread. They tell me they are working on this with their most popular colors.
Bev Sievers
Nolting Beta Tester, Dancing Threads, www.dancingthreads.com
Elk Run Heights, IA
I I did a quilt today using Glide. IT IS AWESOME! I am using it with my Intelliquilter. I have done 6 rows across 48" and NO thread breakage. It is beautiful on what I chose to use it on (please see photo below). Glide colors blend wonderfully – the thread looks green on the cone, it looks gold on the gold/cream background, green tint on the green leaves. NOW, I am spoiled, I had to wind my own bobbin for perfect matching. I am so used to using the Magna-Glide bobbins. I have an M bobbin on my Nolting PRO so needless to say, I also do not have to worry about running out of bobbin for quite some time. With Glide thread and Magna Glide bobbins, I have PERFECT tension, top and bottom.
Jane Swanzy
I have been using Fil-Tec’s Magna-Glide bobbins for a couple of years and wouldn’t think about using anything else. Even though I have been buying the bobbins I had never considered buying Glide thread. I had been loyal to another competitive thread since I started doing machine embroidery and just couldn’t see a reason to change. I had picked up samples of Glide at a trade show, but hadn’t tried it yet. One day I received an email from Matt Rhodes of Fil-Tec commenting on an article in Impressions Magazine about my work. He asked if I had tried Glide thread. I told him I had a sample, but had not tried it yet. Matt offered to send me some colors other than the white and black samples I had so I would give it a good try. I took him up on his offer. As soon as I stitched out the first design with Glide thread I was hooked. I do a lot of high stitch count embroidery on denim and need thread that will give good coverage and won’t break. Since switching to Glide, I rarely have a thread break, coverage is excellent, and the sheen of the thread is fabulous. Initially I was going to buy the Glide to replace colors as I ran out of my old thread line. But, I like it so much I have already bought most of the basic colors and many of my favorite colors and have just put the other thread away.
As long as I was ordering thread, I figured I might as well give the Stabilglider backings a try. That turned out to be another good decision on my part. I have used the ClearStitch, TearStitch, Classic, HatStitch, and Peel ‘N’ Stick so far. All are great. I especially love the Peel ‘N’ Stick. It has enough stick to hold the denim, but not so sticky as to gum up my needles. In addition to offering quality products, Fil-Tec makes ordering a breeze. Generally it is late at night when I have time to order products so being able to do so online is very important. Fil-Tec’s website is logical and easy to navigate. Viewing, selecting and buying product is a simple process and I really appreciate that. Good product, pleasant buying experience, nice people – what’s not to love!
 
 
 
Pat Noonan
I heard of the Magna-Glide bobbins on a web chat site and decided to go and look at Fil-Tec’s Bobbin Central. Because I'm a long-arm quilter, I am always looking at new products (or at least new to me) and was very interested in the magnetic pre-wound bobbins. I signed-up to be on the mailing list and within a few hours, I received a call from a Fil-Tec rep wanting to know if I would like a free sample. Within one week, it arrived in my mailbox. I tried a bobbin first, as that was what had peeked my interest. I was amazed. It was the first time in about a year that I had absolutely no tension issues. Quilting with the Magna-Glide was so effortless. Within a very short time, I placed my first order with Fil-Tec and started using the bobbins. The thread is awesome and just plain doesn't break. I don't know how they do it, but it is amazing. Now, each time a quilt comes in, I don't dread the fact that I'll be trying to sort out the tension issues. It is so good to find a product that meets all of your needs and is reasonably priced as well. Thank you Fil-Tec.
Karen McTavish
As thread trends come and go, I believe what is fundamentally and historically important to quilters is that threads do not break. A thread that does not break enables the quilter to focus on design and technique. When we can quilt beautifully - and when we work with a beautiful thread with little thought of tension issues or thread breakage - we can move on to the next level of artistry. With Glide thread and Magna-Glide pre-wound bobbins, the combination is flawless tension. Cardboard pre-wounds have been problematic for me in the past and have caused many tension issues for me, so I have always wound my own bobbins. Teaching on the road does not allow for me to wind my own for a large classroom. I have found that Magna-Glide pre-wounds and Glide thread is the perfect combination for hours of beautiful quilting. Glide adds a touch of sparkle to the quilt, which is similar to a very subtle metallic. It can be used as a traditional thread as well as an art thread.
There is nothing better than quilting with a thread that shows perfect tension, doesn't break, and makes your quilting shimmer! This is the thread I use on my own quilts, when I am teaching at conventions, and when the camera is on!
JoAnn MartinColorado Springs, CO
I had very good results with both Magna-Glide bobbins and Magna-Quilt bobbins. The stitch appeared to have consistent tension.
Now I want to rave about the Glide thread. I'm not sure where to start, so I'll start with YUM! While threading my machine, I noticed the body of the thread felt different from other 40 weight threads I've used. The other threads felt limp in comparison. Glide felt very nice and was easy to work with. I was also struck by its appearance. It seemed different to me. It appeared to be a little thicker and the color was richer. I cut a sample of Glide and a sample of my other thread and looked at them under a microscope (yeah, we are geeks that have a stereo zoom microscope in our home). The twist looked tighter and did look a smidge thicker with the Glide. Now for quilting, Glide performed very well in my machine and the stitches were gorgeous. The thread has a wonderful sheen that almost appears metallic. Glide is very rich in color and texture. Love it. I had no breakages at all. I also love the cone’s snap bottom where you can tuck away the loose end when not in use.
Thanks for letting me try out your product. It's a great product and I am already re-thinking my thread choice for my next quilt.
Kathleen Garvey
Darlington, UK
I have used your Clear Glide pre-wound bobbins in my embroidery machine for a few years now, and love how long they last. When doing a large embroidery design it is great not having to keep changing bobbins.
I have recently started using your Magna Glide bobbins in my APQS Lenni longarm quilting machine. I must tell you they are fantastic. I am finding it so much easier to set the tension, without having to use a backlash spring in the bobbin case, which is due to the clever little magnet. They also last much longer than the bobbins I have to wind myself. I would definitely recommend your Magna Glide bobbins to new and experienced longarmers,
I have been reading on the Quilting forum how people love your Glide thread for their top thread in their longarm machines, so thought it was time I tried it for myself. I am so excited for my order to arrive. I am very pleased to hear that soon we will be able to buy matching bobbins to go with the Glide thread!!!
I would just like to add that I live in the UK and have found your website easy to navigate and place my order. I also appreciate that orders are dispatched quickly with a tracking service.
Nora Alquraisha
I learned of Fil-Tec Glide thread and Magna-Glide bobbins from a close friend. I tried the Glide thread and Magna-Glide bobbins and it was like quilting through butter. The tension is perfect and consistent from the beginning of the bobbin to the very end. The stitches are glossy and just beautiful. The company is great to work with and I love the fact the thread is made right here in the United States. If you are a long-arm quilter, try the Glide thread and Magna-Glide bobbins. You will love them.
Page Johnson
As a Professional Quilter, I strive to produce a quality product for my customers. At the same time keeping my costs and time invested at a reasonable rate. By using Glide thread I have been able to achieve both these goals. It runs effortlessly on both of my machines, an A1 and a Gammill with a Statler.
The thread's sheen adds luster to any quilt. When used on wall hangings or show quilts it catches and reflects the light to show off the stitching, adding a new dimension. Glide is perfect to outline appliqué and embroideries. When used with Batiks, it completes the "look" I am after. It can be warm and rich, or cool and crisp.
The fine weight makes for an excellent back ground fill. When lines are closely quilted, the detail is precise without the "thready" look of other threads. Small stitches are necessary to show off the detail of micro designs. Glide maintains its sheen and fineness even at 20 stitches per inch.
I have used other threads that break, split, and fray. The downtime of rethreading cuts deeply into profits. Glide's strength allows me to quilt at a faster speed, even with quick directional changes, I have few thread breaks. The twist is just right. I have fewer loops coming off the cone, and I never have to use a net anymore. I am amazed at the time I save. I never want to work with "fussy" thread again.
Glide thread is an excellent value. Each cone holds more thread then other brands. The snap-cone design is wonderful as well. I love being able to enclose the thread ends. I can store the thread without losing yards to tangles.
Tension is an ongoing issue for Longarm quilters. I have found I make machine adjustments much less when I am using the Magna Glide bobbins with the magnetic core. I love the convenience and the time saved over winding my own. Each pre-wound bobbin has more thread then their competitors, so I stop to change bobbins less.
Glide offers both quality and value. The appearance is perfect for show quilts, yet it has the strength and affordability for everyday quilts. Is it any wonder Glide is my new favorite thread?
       
Linda Steller
A friend and I were first introduced to Fil-Tec threads at the Quilt Market in Portland, OR in the Spring of 2007. I tried the Glide thread and loved it, but, because I had never been a fan of pre-wound bobbins, I put off using them. About a year ago, I loaded a practice piece and, being the lazy soul I am, decided just to use the Magna-Glide pre-wound bobbins. I was blown away. I had perfect tension, the stitches just sank right into the quilt and the stitching was so even and lovely. I now rarely use anything else in the bobbin. Another big plus to the Magna-Glide bobbins is the core recycling program. I am very much into recycling and was surprised and pleased to find a coupon and return label in the box with my bobbins! Way to go Fil-Tec.
Linzi Upton
Fil-Tec is a great thread company to deal with. I thoroughly recommend their products to newbie long-arm quilters who are always impressed with how the Magna-Quilt bobbins remove the hassle of messing about with tension. It has been easy for me to ship thread from the USA to the UK. I am delighted to see all of the new thread ranges that are coming out to satisfy the demands of long-arm quilters. I am very pleased with the colour and texture of Glide and the Harmony variegated cotton thread. It will be featuring in a lot of my exhibition work from now on!
Marybeth O’Halloran
Magna Glide bobbins are a brilliant invention and once you try them you'll wonder what took you so long! Not only do they keep the bobbin in place while you're trying to set the case into your machine, but they ensure perfect tension from the beginning of the bobbin to the end -- and with oversized M bobbins, that makes a huge difference in the quilted result. Every time I hear the bobbin 'snick' into place while sewing, I know the magnet has caught and thus prevented a case of bobbin backlash (which can lead to ugly bird nests on the bottom of the quilt). Combine this perfect tension with the minimal breakage of Fil-Tec's top threads, and suddenly you're free to focus on accomplishing the design of the quilting, which lets you be a lot more creative. Thank you for such great products!
Sue Richardson
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Several months ago I read about Glide thread on a long-arm quilting forum. I checked the website and was thrilled to receive samples of thread and bobbins. I love both. The Glide thread has a wonderful sheen and adds sparkle to my quilts. The thread is strong and doesn’t break or shred. I don’t have to waste time dealing with breakages as I have with some other threads. The Magna-Glide bobbins solve many tension problems. The tension is good right down to the last stitch of bobbin thread. There are no more weird stitches towards the end of the bobbin.
I have found Fil-Tec to be a great company to deal with. They are responsive to the needs and requests of their customers. Questions are answered promptly in an efficient and professional way. I will not hesitate to recommend and use Fil-Tec products.
Alan Foster
All A's Advertising Specialties
I have not been doing embroidery for very long but can see that your products are what I will be using in my business. I have experienced a tremendous decrease in the amount of thread breaks and have had numerous compliments on the work I have done using your products. Thank You so much and keep up the great work.
Bryan B. Ferguson
Willowtree Embroidery
Fil-Tec continues to produce a great products. I love their service and attention to detail. Willowtree Embroidery will exclusively use Fi-Tec. The only reason I would buy another competitive thread is if they don't have the color I need. I have not experience this issue, though. On the "About Us" page of our website we mention Fil-Tec as our pledge to purchase American made products.
Shannon Miller
Smooth Athletics
We LOVE this thread. It runs without looping at all, has great coverage and on difficult fabrics or hats with buckram. We NEVER get a fray or break. Sometimes we jostle just a little bit to see who gets to use the Glide stock that we have! We all want to use Glide, and cannot wait for our order to arrive!
Glide has totally increased our production...especially on hats!"
Mickey Wahoo
We Embroidery
Just did a quick test of the Glide thread I ordered from you. I picked a competitive thread I've had problems with in the past. I wasn't sure if the digitizing, needle, hooping, stabilizer, or tension could be contributing to the problem. For my test I sewed the word "Peanut" in a curly font with the competitive thread, then replaced it with Glide and sewed it again just under the first sew out. The competitive thread had a noticeable loop, a few specks of bobbin thread showing, frayed twice, and had to be re-threaded once. Your thread sewed perfect with no stopping. I usied the same hooping, needle, and needle bar. I even got out the magnifying glass! I found a few more loops and bobbin thread in the competitive thread, but none in yours. Glide is going to make my life easier and my production better. I plan to phase out my thread collection and replace it with Glide. I may even have to put the other brands up for sale on Ebay to speed up the process! Thanks for a great product. I'm always glad to buy Made in America.
Robert W. McGinnis
RWM Embroidery & More
Just received my order! Your thread is awesome! It has a better shine to it then the current thread I use and even has a better look to it then what the other leading threads do. You also have an excellent variation in your thread selection.
I use shear backing for my sports shirts and such. I ordered your Clear-Stitch. It seems much nicer, thicker then what I have been getting. Needless to say, you have a new and very satisfied customer.
Lorri Forrester
Hummingbird Gifts
Fil-Tec's Glide is the best product on the market. I was doing 200,000 stitches per patch patterns which were taking me as long as one and a half days because of thread breaks with my normal thread, which I get from one of the leading companies. The time saving with having few to no breaks is amazing. I tried the Glide product since I always had such good success with the Magna-Glide bobbin, and was able to do the same design in as little as 4 hours. WOW on the colors' vibrancy and high sheen. They are adding new colors weekly and I am looking forward to more Glide colors. The Magna-Glide bobbins are a money and time saver. The staff is more then helpful, they are all outstanding, willing to take the time to answer all of my questions. I am a true believer in your product
Chris DuHaime
Big-D Custom, LLC
I use polyester thread and recently changed to Fil-Tec. This thread looks great and sews like a dream. I have had a lot less thread breaks and less tension problems. They also make the magnetic core bobbins and using them both together is a plus all around.
Anita Vigeant
Anita's Custom Embroidery
I was having problems with the tension on my Tajima Neo 2. No matter what I did, I could not keep the tension correct. I
had a tech come out and he did not have a solution. That same afternoon a sample of your new thread arrived by mail. I tried it and my Neo has never run better and the tension is a snap to adjust. I have already placed an order for some of your thread and your bobbins. Thank you for taking care of my tension problem and sending me a sample of your thread.
Sandy Stretton
Black River Embroidery
I have found the greatest new thread. This stuff is really strong. Get a sample and do the pull test. Glide puts all others to shame.
Cintas
We brought in one case of bobbins to perform trials. Imagine our surprise when our operators not only were receptive to something new, but adamantly refused to switch back to the other bobbin after seeing the staggering increase in
stitches per bobbin we received with Magna-Glide.
Land's End
Embroidery operators complained in the past about how the following shift operators would reset tensions and how they constantly had to reset it to their personal liking. Since our change to Magna-Glide, tensions remain at initial settings.
We no longer hear tension adjustment complaints from operator to operator.
Gear For Sports
We were absolutely shocked to realize that depending on the stitch pattern we were sewing, that we got 80,000 to 143,000
stitches per bobbin with Magna-glide. Currently we throw out our standard paper-sided bobbin at 40,000 stitches.
Ensign Emblem
I have never seen such a uniform stitch throughout the entire bobbin. We have significantly reduced thread breaks. Our business is based on fast order-response and high quality work. Magna-Glide is a must for both.
Camp David
Our test is complete and the operators are begging me to order the Magna-Glide Embroidery Bobbins in. I will be contacting our purchasing department about ordering today.
ZSK
The eight-head machine we ran in our booth during the Imprint Show has a design pattern of 148,000 stitches. Incredibly we completed this entire design with only one Magna-Glide bobbin change!
Atlantic Coast Embroidery
With Magna-Glide I am able to get 20% more stitches per bobbin. At first we did not believe our own test data. Magna-Glide has a more 'even-flow,' and is not as jerky as other prewound bobbins.
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