Superior Vanish-Lite versus Vanish-Extra

[Renata L.]

I just searched and read through several postings on Superior Vanish, but there was nothing much on using Vanish-Extra specifically on a domestic machine. Most of the comments related to using Vanish thread to baste on a long arm, especially from Margo (I had missed your beautiful appliqued quilt you basted with Vanish, but got to see it in my search). Lotti mentioned using Vanish on her domestic machine but did not specify lite or extra, and Norma alluded to the fact that Vanish-extra required a little more effort to dissolve in the context of hexagon quilts. The Superior Threads webpage does explain the distinction, Vanish-Lite for domestic machines and Vanish-Extra for longarms, so based on that, I would be purchase Superior's Vanish-Lite to use on my domestic machine.

In the context of a domestic machine, would any of you who have experience with Vanish-Lite, Vanish-Extra or both, tell me a little more about how you use each one? I would rather purchase a cone of one or the other but don't know which would be more appropriate for my use: trapunto, occasional basting and I would not mind trying it the hexies. Or do I need to keep both on hand for different types of work? If there are other good uses for it, please, I'd love to hear about that too. Thanks!!!

[Margo C.]

Renata, I would suggest you get a spool of the Lite and try it with all of the techniques you think you'll be using it on. If it works OK, order a cone.
If you have trouble with it breaking, get a spool of the Ultra and try it. Because the Lite is less expensive, I would certainly start with that one.

Personally, I keep both kinds on hand...and store them in labeled ZipLoc bags to protect them from any moisture, and to be sure that I don't accidentally pick up the Vanish when I meant to use something else!! :shock:

[E.M. T.]

Looking good , Margo !

[Susan B.]

I like the Extra because it doesn't break as easily, but it takes a good soaking to get it out.

[Norma H.]

I would start with the Lite. I think it works beautifully on all the things you are planning. And as Margo writes, try it and see what you think. I don't remember it breaking, but then my memory is not always that good :evil:

[Renata L.]

Thank you, Margo, Sue and Norma! My first instinct was to go with the Lite only because Superior recommended it and they have been on the mark on everything I've experienced so far; but then I started equivocating because they were recommending Lite for a lot of garment sewing and I started wondering whether it would be problematic for quilts. On the other hand, they referenced Extra for high speed quilting like on a long arm and that's when I started over-thinking this... so I will start with Lite and if that works for most of my stuff, I'll explore Extra more leisurely. Thanks for the suggestion!

and... Margo, Marilynn's right, love your new avatar!

[Lotti D.]

I have both. Generally use the lite. Works perfectly well for my quilts. Using Bernie I have managed to break it a few times, that's why I had gotten the extra, because of the high speed the 830 can do. But both work fine for me. As I wash the finished quilts I havn't discovered any problems with the dissolving, and a moistened q-tip dissolved individual stitches/seams in no time. I store the cone, together with the bobbin in a ziplock. I avoid using it on extra humid or hot days ( no A/C, and I like sewing out on the patio in the shade and air -seems a shame to waste the short time of real summer days - especially as I spend all week inside an office), when my hands are moist the soluble thread feels rather tacky - I don't want it to dissolve as I'm working with it / have the threads on the spool stick together.

[Lotti D.]

And remember, DO NOT lick your fingers or the thread to get it in the eye of the needle!! :lol:

[Margo C.]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Renata L.]

And remember, DO NOT lick your fingers or the thread to get it in the eye of the needle!! :lol:

That's good, Michelle! :lol: :lol: :lol: So easy to do without thinking... :roll:

[Norma H.]

At least then you know how it tastes :lol: :roll: :lol:

[Norma H.]

Been there, done that! :lol: :lol: