gregoryhenry

Hello,

I'm still a newbie to all of this and wanted some input by some people who have experience in this topic. What I want to know about is thread. Right now I'm only piecing and binding. Two questions about piecing. Cotton vs. polyester? Which is better and why or is it just a personal preference that I will have to decide upon. Also, brands. One brand better than the other, any brand to stay away from? The follow up question is for binding. Same question. Cotton vs polyester, any brand better than the rest. Any of the expensive ones worth the money.

I realize I'm probably going to get a variety of answers but I still want to hear what some seasoned peeps have to say. So if you have a minute, please let me know. Thanks so much.

greg

QuiltingGrannie

It is a matter of personal preference. I use cotton thread now for the most part, but had used cotton/poly. In years past it did make a difference. For a good reference on threads check out Superior Threads web site. https://www.superiorthreads.com/ They have a lot of information about thread, charts for suggested threads to use for different applications.

Phyllis
QuiltingGrannie

ellenmg

Welcome Greg! Gee, there are as many opinions on these topics as there are choices! If you search the old messages here, you will find a number of conversations about all these topics. Personally, I do find there are differences in thread. Superior Threads makes some sweet stuff and their website can provide you with an enormous amount of info on thread... I do love Alex Anderson's thread line but it is pricey. That said, even though it may seem insignificant, consider (and another reason to be precise in cutting fabric) even 1/64 of an inch, over say 30 seams is nearly half an inch difference. And in quilting, half an inch is major.
When you ask cotton vs polyester, do you mean fabric? I prefer the name brands and I love batiks. If I am going to put hours and hours of work into a quilt, I want it to last. And I find the better fabrics have prettier designs. Just me though.
Hope you get more info to help you wade through all your choices! We are looking forward toseeing pictures of you projects.
Ellen

QuiltnNan

my personal preference is cotton thread but have been known to use whatever is handy. for piecing and binding, i don't see that it makes a real difference. welcome to the board.

Tartan

There are a lot of good threads to choose from and most use what their machine sews best with. My current favourite is Aurifil 50wt. It is strong but thin and sews like a dream. As for binding, I make my own from fabric the same weight and content of the quilt.

BellaBoo

The wt and ply of a thread is more important then the type of thread. I think 50 wt 3ply thread is too heavy for piecing. Poly thread is stronger so it can be made thinner. Most top brands of piecing thread is poly. Most all bobbin thread used for bobbins is poly. I like cotton 2 ply 50 wt, like Aurifil for piecing. 70 wt poly for the bobbin. Superior threads has the best education site for threads and what needle size to use with each thread type.

Dolphyngyrl

I have used both cotton and poly for my projects. I prefer cotton, but if I need something sturdy I use poly, depends on the project and what I am sewing. As for brands I have used many, gutterman, mettler, connecting threads, sulky, coats and clarks, and all have done well. I use gutterman the most for piecing because of sales and coupons for joanns. My machine isn't picky, but some are so I say use what your machine likes, you do not have to go out and buy expensive thread. Some will suggest it but completely uneccessary. I really like mettler but it is expensive so don't use it much. I like the look of sulky's quilting cottons but haven't used them but for practice and have no other brands to compare. Cotton in very linty compared with polyester, but I always clean out my machine after I am done sewing so I have never had a problem. If we are talking embroidery than that is a whole other subject of thread

Deborahlees

For piecing I use a 50 wt from Superior Threads called "So Fine", I love it because it really sinks down into the seam, making it less bulky, and gives me a flatter seam....however I have been know to use anything that matches the color I need at the time.

Neesie

Welcome, from Texas!

As for thread, it seems there are lots of favorites . . . and some say their machines do better, with certain brands. My machine takes whatever I choose to feed it, with no problems. That said, my favorite is Superior So Fine! 50 wt, for piecing and quilting. Reason - it produces less lint and seems to blend into fabric, better. I also like that I can buy the cones and save some money!

Scissor Queen

Most top thread makers make both poly and cotton. Their usages is up to the user. I don't know of any thread designated piecing thread.

I don't know why there would be any reason to use cotton in the top and poly on the bottom when piecing.

I use Prescencia and Aurifil for piecing, quilting and hand finishing the binding. I have several different weights of both. They're both pretty low lint for cotton thread. I don't even own any poly thread.