irishphoenix

Hi everyone, I have a query with using 40 rayon embroidery thread for free motion quilting.
I am working on a quilt 'Plum Blossoms' designed by Janet Houts. I have stitched in the ditch everywhere using Guttermans Egyption Cotton (50) but really need some advice.
Here is a pic of the quilt without its borders..

[ATTACH=CONFIG]393453[/ATTACH]

Now I have some Wonderfil embroidery thread for my embroidery machine and was wondering if it was Ok to use for the rest of the quilting? Will it be too weak? I was planning on filling the long panels..but I dont know if the thread will be sturdy enough- it has a lovely soft sheen to it which I really liked . So if it is not suitable have you any recommendations of which thread would have a similar character?
I would really appreciate some advice as DH thinks my embroidery thread wouldnt be strong enough.
Also I have to buy my thread via mail order so I am not in a position to see the thread before I buy..Thanks for looking!

granny_59

I personally would not use it. First of all it is too expensive - at least over here. I think it would not be a problem to use it for straigt lines and normal sewing and it also would hold the quilt together as long as any other thread. But only slight pulling with FMQing might make the thread break.
I love to use embroidery thread (I use cotton) for appliques.

just give it a try with a little test piece. Good luck and a pretty quilt you have there.
Granny

feline fanatic

I don't think a test sample would work to determine if it is too weak. Isn't the issue with Rayon is that it can't hold up over time?? I don't claim to be any expert. I only used Rayon once (before I knew it wasn't recommended for quilting) and it was a charity quilt. The quilting went fine but I have no idea if it held up.

There are so many gorgeous polyester threads on the market that offer a shimmery sheen. Some are indeed embroidery threads. Isocord is one of my favorites. It has gorgeous sheen. Others are Glide thread by Filtec, Highlights by Superior, Rainbows varigated by Superior. These are only the ones I know of from experience but I am sure there are plenty of others. Glide color Khaki (which is really a lovely rich golden tan) would be stunning on your quilt, which is very pretty BTW.

Tartan

I have used rayon thread on a wallhanging but it is not as strong as cotton or polyester. I wouldn't use it on a bed quilt because you will probably get some breakage from sitting on the bed and general wear. I have not used wonderfil so I don't know if it is stronger than the thread I used for my wallhanging. Your top is beautiful and I would use a machine quilting thread. As for the best brand of quilting thread, that is really what thread your machine likes best.

romanojg

I wouldn't use it mainly because it may not hold up and you could have problems with breakage. I would recommend Aurifil; it has lots of different colors, different strengths as far as weight and 2 or 3 ply. It does a great job on making lace designs on an embroidery machine and I know that Viking recommends it for the Mega Quilter. I've even used it for some embroidery when I didn't have the right color in rayon or polyester. It is a very high quaility thread and you did a great job on your quilt so it deserves to have a good thread too.

Rayon and Poly threads have a tendancy to cut thru cotton over time which is why cotton fabric should get cotton thread when you want it to last or if its used a lot.

Knitette

I've used Rayon (Madeira) and the like in wall-hangings and a table mat. It was no bother to FMQ, but I did go slower than usual.
I think King Tut's variegated has a slight sheen and as it's cotton it'll hold up well. I think Barnyarns will post to you (sorry - couldn't post a link s the site is down for maintenance today) - they have good range.

irishphoenix

Hi Again..oh thankyou thankyoue veryone that replied. TBH I was nearly crying this morning ( I know stupid isnt it?) over the thread for this quilt. I have some varigated embroidery thread for my 350e and it looked so pretty on the sample as well as a subtler straw coloured thread which had this lovely sheen. I got really excited about it as it looked so pretty and then heard that the rayon isnt as strong and like Judy said -wont hold up for wear and tear with use.
Your advice is great as I have to order online as there are no stores near me with that stock anything barring the Gutterman standard (beige or off white) cotton in small spools.
I bought from Barnyarns last year for embroidery threads and found them good but, as you say, their site is still down since yesterday . I will be looking in later with this list
I cannot tell you how greatful I am for your advice..I was really stuck-you are such a great bunch on here and I really appreciate your help. I like the sound of Aurifil and Superior. I saw the King Tut online last year so I have made a note of them.

annesthreads

When I was having big problems with the tension on my Janome 4800 while doing FMQ, Janome actually recommended that I use embroidery thread (their brand, of course!). I tried it for a couple of wall hangings, and it did work much better - and like you, I loved the sheen on it. For a wall hanging, it's probably strong enough. I now think that the machine was a lemon, because since I gave up and bought myself a new one, I've suddenly had no more problems with FMQ!

romanojg

Good luck with your quilt; it truely is beautiful. The Aurifil is a great thread and the 2 ply is really strong, and great for piecing since it's 2ply you are more apt to have accurate sized squares when the block is done. all of their thread is low lint too.

feline fanatic

this is a myth and has been totally debunked. Poly does not cut through cotton over time.

Go here for an education on thread
https://www.superiorthreads.com/education/

Here specifically to learn that your comment is complete bunk.
https://www.superiorthreads.com/educ...-and-what-isnt

And to the OP, this link can help you decide about your rayon thread.
https://www.superiorthreads.com/educ...-fiber-viscose

BTW King Tut has a matte finish it is not shiny.