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.

Go.....go...go to their website....great information

the numbers on a spool of thread are your (keys)
if your thread says---- 50/3 it is a 50 wt thread made with 3 plys-
if it says 40/2 it is a 40 wt thread with 2 plys---the higher the number the thinner/finer the thread-
12 wt thread is alot like string- 100wt thread is very fine (generally silk)
the ply is the number of (threads) spun together to create the thread- generally 2 or 3- but sometimes more or less
generally we use 40 or 50 wt thread for most piecing/quilting applications-
60 wt is often used as a bobbin thread.
visit Superior Threads- they have FREE charts you can print off which tell you the differences in the threads- the sizes/weights- the needles to use with each thread- and what they are generally used for- it is a very good resource- they have alot of invaluable resources - including Thread University.

I use Coats & Clarks Dual Duty Poly covered Poly. My mother always used C & C and my Great Aunt who died 15 years ago at the age of 93 and who was my quilting mentor only used C & C. I don't have any problems with it in my Janome. I clean out my bobbin case routinely to remove the lint. I have used Gutermann and Sulky if I am wanting to use a variagated thread or C & C doesn't have the color I am looking for. Thread is a machine and personal preference.

I have had 3 brothers,they don't care gutterman, C & C, mettler, sulky, connecting threads. Just make sure its the same in bobbin and top. That is the key with thread. The size should be on the end of the spools it should look something like 50/3(50 weight 3 ply). I wouldn't use lower than a 50 to piece. What I did in the beginning was write down my thread type and tension settings and kind of keep like a journal, it really helped me to get to know the ins and outs of my machine. A machine should be able to use most threads unless they are hand quilting or really thick you might need to really loosen your settings or have a special bobbin case. You machine should be able to use any thread. I haven't had a picky brother yet

50 wt 2 ply is thinner then 50w 3 ply. These are the common sizes for piecing. Lower sizes means thicker thread and they are best for machine quilting when you want the stitches to show. Very thin thread 60w and higher is great for bobbins and for machine quilting when you want the stitches to sink into the fabric and many use the thin thread for piecing. Example: Aurifil cotton 50w is 2 ply. Connecting Thread Essential cotton thread is 50w 3 ply.

For 50w 2 ply and higher weight thread you need a small size needle, I use size 80 or 70. 50w 3 ply thread is generally used with a 90/14 size needle.

Thread is an education all in itself. Here is a good place to start and also a great brand to buy to start learning about thread: http://www.superiorthreads.com/media...HOME_12-11.pdf

I have several different machines but for the most part I only use one thread; Aurifil. It is only 2ply, 50wt but very strong and very low lint to mess up your machine. For piecing I normally use either a natural or beige or tan color no matter what the fabric is. That's the nice thing about piecing; you don't have to match the thread to the fabric like you do when making clothes. I also like the Aurifil when doing hand applique; it hides in the fabric very well.

I hand piece and hand quilt and prefer YLI thread. Doesn't tangle very often and if it does, it's easy to untangle.

There us good info at Marathon thread. There are differnt weight & uses. For piecing 50wt/3ply or 50wt/2ply works very well. Thicker thread takes up more room thus altering your 1/4" seam. For decorating/quilting depends on project. I uses lots of embroidery thread-rayon- metallic & poly when doing decorative stitches on candlemats/tabletopper. (I make lots, I do craft shows I have Brother, Viking Janome Singer & Elna & don't seem to have problems even with C & C or metallics.

Check out all the information available at Superior Threads website. www.superiorthreads.com. I use their Masterpiece thread for piecing, they have great variegated colors and a wide variety of weights. Don't let your creativity be limited by just what you see at LQS or Joanns. Don't represent them just like their thread.