sewing thread questions
 

I am a relatively new quilter and I bought several spools of thread...I've noticed that some are thicker and thinner than others....I have a Brother 9500 series machine and I've had trouble with some thread...so my question is.. how do i tell what size thread is...is there a chart somewhere...what thread is best for piecing a quilt...what thread is best for machine quilting...what thread is best for hand quilting???

You'll probably get a lot of different answers...but I'll throw in my two cents. I took the introductory classes offered when I bought my machine and the instructor said not to use the cheapo Coats & Clark...now one could say that she was trying to push the thread that she sells in her shop, BUT my mother-in-law who sews more than anyone I know told me the same thing.

For piecing and other sewing I have only used Mettler, Gutermann, or Aurifil. I currently LOVE Aurifil. I struggled, though when using Mettler for my free motion quilting class. I haven't done much since with free motion machine quilting but I did buy some Isacord and have made some practice FMQ sandwiches that turned out good.

I took a beginning hand quilting class where they pushed hand quilting thread (Mettler). However, when I was visiting the other "local" (45 min away) shop, I asked if she carried hand quilting thread and she told me I could use regular sewing thread. I have been liking the thicker thread (so it shows up) and have used variegated Sulky 12 wt on the two quilts that I have finished so far. I would use something thinner (probably) if I were really wanting to enter quilts in shows but I'm just learning and I like the changing colors. I do use Thread Heaven to coat my thread when I am hand quilting.

To tell the size of the thread, it's usually printed on the end of the spool. The smaller the number, the thicker the thread.

Hope this helps.

I don't know much about thread size either. I know my machine is very picky about thread, though. It only like Gutermann in the large cone. I don't know the size. I would like to learn about sizes, also.

thanks for you in put.. I have no idea the brand of thread I am using...it was a hand me down from my mom..i just know when I changed colors from white to black ...my machine went nuts....and after about 30 minutes of me trying to adjust it...i gave up and went back to a project I could use the white on...

thanks for the tip about the size being printed on the spool bottom...didn't know that...

I'm glad I'm not the only one with this question...maybe we both can learn something

After many many years of sewing, I do think there is a difference in thread. For years I used only Coats & Clark, I have even used Serger thread for sewing and piecing....However I rescently did some extensive research and have now 'discovered' Superior thread. I order direct from the company, they are in Arizona. I am currently using their "So Fine 50 wt", and love it. Very very lint free, super strong, and nestles down into the fabric rather than sitting on top. I purchased their 3,000 yard + cone which will probably last a life time. They also make "King Tut" machine quilting thread, which is outstanding. Go to their website, they have a TON of information about the different kinds of thread, what thread for what function and also about the different kinds of needles....Super great information.

Thanks for starting this topic. I never know what thread is better, I have tried Coats and Clark and since they changed several years ago I find it much better than the old C&C. I also use Connecting Threads thread which is a great price but find it to be a bit lintier (LOL if there is such a word) than the new Coats and Clark. I have tried some of the other brands but my machine does not like them very much. Maybe I need to take a closer look at the other brands I have, maybe wrong type of the brand..??

For piecing quilts I love to use Aurifil a 50 wt. It doesn't make your seams bulky! The best thread I have ever used or piecing. I don't use anything else now.

For machine quilting on my longarm I like Superior thread - Omni, So-Fine, or King Tut.

I have three machines (Kenmore, Janome, Brother) and they all seem to do just fine, with whatever I feed them. I now use mainly Mettler and C&C. Like CajunQuilter2 said, the C&C is much better than it used to be (I've sewn, for over 50 years). I use the same thread, on both top and bobbin.

Keep thinking I'll try the Superior thread but just haven't gotten around to it.