Handy Nets Thread Socks are the simple, effective solution for preventing thread unwinding from king spools and cone thread during longarm and domestic machine quilting — mesh net sleeves that slip over large spools of thread to control unwinding speed, prevent thread from catching on spool edges, and keep thread feeding smoothly and consistently without tangles or breakage.
Top 10 Questions About Handy Nets Thread Socks
Q: What are thread socks and what problem do they solve?
A: Thread socks are stretchy mesh net sleeves that fit over large thread spools (particularly king spools like Glide and Omni 5,500-yard spools). They control the rate at which thread unwinds from the spool, preventing the thread from unwinding too quickly and creating loose loops that tangle, catch on spool rims, or feed unevenly through the machine's tension system.
Q: Do I need thread socks for every spool of thread?
A: Thread socks are most beneficial for large king spools and cones where the thread can unwind freely in large loops. Smaller spools typically feed well without them. Many longarm quilters use thread socks on every king spool as standard practice.
Q: Are Handy Nets Thread Socks one-size-fits-all?
A: They are designed to stretch to fit most standard king spool and cone sizes used in longarm quilting. Check the current product listing for the specific size range these socks accommodate.
Q: Do thread socks affect thread tension?
A: Thread socks provide controlled resistance against the spool spinning too freely — this actually helps maintain more consistent thread tension delivery to the machine rather than hindering it. Many longarm quilters find thread socks improve tension consistency, particularly at higher quilting speeds.
Q: Are thread socks reusable?
A: Yes — the stretchy mesh is designed to be removed when the spool is empty and placed on a new full spool. With proper care, a set of thread socks lasts through many spool changes.
Q: Do thread socks work with Glide and Omni king spools?
A: Yes — Handy Nets Thread Socks are sized to fit the standard king spool format used by Glide 5,500-yard spools and Omni 2,000-yard spools.
Q: How do I put a thread sock on a spool?
A: Thread one end of the spool through the sock from one end, then stretch the mesh over the spool body and thread free end through the other end of the sock. Leave the thread end of the spool accessible for threading the machine.
Q: Can thread socks be used with cones of thread?
A: Yes — they stretch to accommodate most standard cone sizes used in longarm quilting. Check the specific size compatibility for your cone format.
Q: Do thread socks help prevent thread breakage?
A: By preventing excessive free-spinning and large loop formation, thread socks reduce the thread delivery inconsistencies that can contribute to breakage during longarm quilting at speed.
Q: Are Handy Nets Thread Socks in stock at Linda's?
A: Check the current product listing for live availability. Thread socks are consistently stocked as an essential longarm studio supply at Linda's Electric Quilters.
Smooth delivery, fewer breaks — shop Handy Nets Thread Socks at Linda's Electric Quilters.
