LynnVT

A friend had a Connecting Threads catalog today, and I noticed their Essential Cotton Thread for a very low price. I've been converted by this board to using Aurifil thread, so i'm not sure it would be as good. Have you used it and do you think it compares to Aurifil for general piecing as well as quilting? I don't usually use very heavy thread for FMQ.
I'm sure there will be conflicting opinions, as always, but am interested in what experience tells you.
Thank you.

happymrs

I have been using it & not had any problems, I like the price too. Never used the other brand, so can't help you there...

kathdavis

I love Connecting Thread and its price, but my sewing machine does not. It struggles with the tension at times when I'm using that thread. I hate that because the price is so write. I switched to Aurifil but the price isn't as nice.

Candace

It's not in the same league as Aurifil at all. It's along the lines of Coats and Clark (lower quality). I use it in my vintage machines, but not in my expensive machines. The lint, blobs, knubs etc. are quite visible.

QuiltingKrazy

I love it! One of the most recent spools I bought did not match up to the normal quality I have become used to.
But as with anything, you always have a bad batch once in awhile. At the sale prices, you should really buy some and give it a try. I don't think you will be disappointed!

Dolphyngyrl

I would buy a couple small spool to try because some love it, some hate it, some machines are more finicky than other. You won't know if you like it until you try it. I have not had any problems with the one spool I used, no lintier than others IMHO. Cotton threads are lintier than polyester anyway. I haven't used aurifil, but have used gutterman, mettler, and C & C, and superior. Haven't had my machine not like any of the brands, but like I said all machines are different, my brothers aren't picky

May in Jersey

I've been using it the past several years and I like it, qualtiy and price are good. So far I've used the threads in my Pfaff, Jem Gold, and old little Brother without any problems of breakage or lots of lint. Many message board members like their threads also. As with anything, I've seen some negative reports here lately. Could be a bad batch, or Connecting Threads changed suppliers or, what happends many times, some machines only like certain threads.

dunster

I've gone to a thinner thread for piecing (often using BottomLine in top and bottom) and usually use poly thread for quilting in the longarm, although I have also used CT and have had no problems with it for piecing or quilting. It does have more lint than Aurifil or Masterpiece, but much less than C&C. CT now has poly cones in several colors.

RyanAmysMom

My opinion - stick with Aurifil. Forever. Really.

sylviak

I tried the Essential Pro on my LA and had a terrible time with it. Switched back to King Tut and no more problems. But LAs are very picky. I have some regular Essential thread I need to try. It's a little thicker than I usually use, but if it works I'll probably order more. I've been using YLI Soft Touch (60 wt) for piecing for years and it's a great cotton thread.