Hi everyone,

I always use 100% cotton thread for piecing and quilting - but I had a project that needed another color and I only had 100%polyester mettler thread that came with my machine - how good does it work on cotton fabric for piecing? It seems so small and light - I wonder if it holds up well..

For piecing you can use any color of thread. The only time I even worry about what color the thread is is if I'm using white fabric and I don't want a darker thread to shadow thru. Otherwise I use medium neutrals, ecrus, grays and sage greens all work great.

It should be fine.

Many say only piece with cotton thread, but with all of the embroidery being added to quilts and other decorative elements using thread, I don't think it matters :wink:
These are all done using polyester, rayon, and other thread types :D:D:D

I use whatever I want to use. No quilt police!!!

they say that poly is stronger than cotton- so if you use poly to quilt, the fabric gives way before the thread does causing damage to your quilt in the long run.. So it depends if you would prefer to fix a seam or a tear..

Well that's what they say anyway..

I use what I have. Some think that the poly thread can "cut" the cotton fabric, but I've read that is no longer true. I use what I have and have never had a problem.

If you are doing hand stitching, you may develop a personal preference for a particular type of thread so use whatever works for you, but don't be talked in buying more thread if what you have works for you.

My Viking is not particular, but some folks have machines that like certain brands.

Good luck

I saw a web site or maybe a blog that showed actual damage from poly thread and poly batting in older quilts. I can't find it now of course.

Just remember that Polyester will melt at hotter temps so watch your iron settings. I wouldn't hand quilt with poly but handquilting thread is a heavier weight than most and usually already waxed so don't use it in a machine.

thousands of people sew, and quilt with polyester thread each and every day with great success...some people use only cotton, some people use only poly, some use rayon, some use cotton/poly blends, some use silk, some use wool. there is no right or wrong. use the thread that fits your needs and don't worry about it.