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???
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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.
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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
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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.
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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..??
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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 like Aurifil 50wt for all my sewing the best. It is thin but strong and my Bernina loves it. If you go to the Superior Thread site there is a lot of good information there.
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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. |
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