I have been a quilter for over 6 years and up to now have always machine quilted all mine, mainly because I was on heavy meds for Asthma which made my hands shake something terrible. Then in the middle of last year I found that I was so de-stressed, mainly thro' quilting and a new home life that I didn't need the meds.

So now I would like to have a go at hand quilting, I have started on Big stitch quilting which is fine but the main reason I tried that out as using an ordinary cotton 40 weight thread, it looks so thin but it also gathers so easily.

What thread would you Ladies recommend?

Here are some wonderful links for handquiting that I found http://www.thriftyideastoday.com/201...dquilting.html

I use a Hand Quilting thread!!

I use Coats hand quilting thread, but I am sure any hand quilting thread would do.

absolutely LOVE the YLI hand quilting thread. It is a glazed cotton thread that goes thru the eye of the needle first time and doesn't fray!! It also doesn't knot up when quilting :)

I do find it difficult to buy locally, so i ordered some online and it was here in about 3 days.

Coats & Clarks was ok, til i tried the YLI. Hate a polyester quilting thread and C&C can be poly - so be aware

JoAnn's carries a thread by Americana that I use. It comes in all kinds of colors and is only .99 a spool. Its a nice weight.

Americana and Star is what I used, but my favorite is the YLI it is the best for me too. Everyone has there own opinion so try a variety and see which works best for you

I use Sulky 12 wt. I love it! It seems to be the closest to the thread my grandmother used.

What does YLI stand for??? Thanks:-)

Almost every thread company makes a handquilting thread but I prefer YLI as well. Handquilting thread have a different construction than those for machine. Id highly recommend buying or borrowing a copy of the book That Perfect Stitch by Roxanne McElroy. She discusses the manufacture of hand quilting tools/materials and ergonomic handquilting techniques.