I've always used an off white thread for quilting and thought I might try a colored thread next. Any suggestions or cautions when doing this?

i usually match my thread to the quilt unless i really want some contrast.
it usually works best to use the same thread in the top and the bobbin.

For machine piecing I use ecru/natural, grey, or taupe witgh same in the bobbin.

For machine quilting the layers together I usually use a thread color used in the quilt.

For handquilting I often use a thread color that will enhance the design of the blocks and the quilting pattern.

Jan in VA

I love to quilt with variegated threads. For the back, it depends. I've matched the color to the fabric. I've used the same as the front, or used off white. If you're new to the quilting part, you might feel more comfortable blending, rather than contrasting. I've quilted with black, but black on black is very difficult to see where you are quilting. I liked the finished look, but did a bit of cursing along the way. :)

The only caution I can think of is the one Diane Gaudynski warns of in one of her MQ books. I can't remember exactly but I think it was something like if you use a dark thread on a light fabric small mistakes will be emphasized and show up much more. I believe light thread on dark fabric is more forgiving in that respect. I have done both and have been pleased with the results.

I always use white on everything. Not fancy but then I don't do fancy.

my sil did this quilt, and she used a teal thread, so it would show up on the black..she wanted it to be another dimension of the quilt..

i love verigated thread myself!

What brand varigated thread do you buy?

Had to laugh at the cursing because....been there....done that. :lol:

i buy whatever is on sale at joanns..since i like to use different thread color combos, i never saw the need to get a big cones of it. it all depends what color the blocks or sashing is.
there is gutterman,sulky..

I am a lover of varigateds too. I think each quilt kind of tells us what kind of quilting and color/type of thread to use.

I bought big lots of varigateds on ebay for less than $1 spool 3 years ago. I have had great luck with them, and they are an off brand :D:D:D

I like the varigated too and it is really popular with the quilters in my area

I'm new to machine quilting (just about finished my second one) and I was told in my FMQ class that thread color depends on one thing. IF you want your quilting to blend in or stand out.

I for one like mine to stand out. So my first one was white thread on green backing and my current one is purple variagated thread. on pinks and purple.

Thanks everybody! I've decided to try different color thread on my next project. I hand quilt so the backing is usually muslin. Using colored thread will add some interest to the backside too. Going to look at some veriegated since my next project is pink, blue and green. Have to make sure my stitches are perfect on this one. :-)

When I want to use colored thread, I lay out my top and then strip off about 2 or 3 feet of thread to lay against the quilt top. That usually tells me if the thread is a "go". I've found that the strangest threads make some wonderful contrasts to the top.

That's a beautiful quilt!! I love the black in it since it makes the other colors pop. :-)

That's a great idea! :thumbup:

If you are handquilting with a variegated thread, let me caution you about needle-eye size. I recently used Signature size 20 cotton thread. I use Roxanne #11 or #12 needles. Couldn't use the #12 with this thread and the #11 was not easy either. It's a beautiful thread and they have many lovely colors but it's very thick. Just make sure you use a size that will fit through the eye of your needle.