Silk thread for English Paper Piecing - good idea or a disaster waiting to happen?
 

I need some advice please... I have embarked on an English Paper Piecing adventure and thought using silk thread would be a good idea as I'd heard people recommending it for applique for its ability to bury itself in the fibers of the fabric and become almost invisible. However, after having sewn a few hex's together I'm starting to second guess myself... Will the silk be strong enough or should I switch to regular sewing thread (cotton or poly)?

Well I don't have a clue but am interested in the outcome of this thread. Sorry I can't help.

silk thread is stronger than cotton thread. here is a good explanation of different types of threads http://www.askpennyhalgren.com/IKM/q...ting+thread%3F

I do a lot of English paper piecing quilts, I like to have something on the go to do on my machine and something which I can do infront of the tv and English piecing is perfect for that. I always use poly cotton thread for actually piecing and Isacord when I'm FMQ my quilts and I've not had a quilt fall to pieces yet.

If cost is a factor, I use silk for appliqué and discovered Superior Threads Bottom Line for EPP. You can buy it on prewound bobbins in a variety of colors for compact travel. It hides like silk and doesn't shred like other cottons and polys that i have tried BTW - I use a size 11 needle with it.

I use regular Mettler for EPP and it's always worked fine.

silk thread is extremely stong

Thanks all, I think I'll continue with the silk then :-)

if you have silk use it...if you need to buy, get some YLI 60wt cotton bobbin thread..!

I'm so glad to find this thread. I am just starting an english paper piecing project, which I have never done. I have a good supply of silk thread from a machine quilting project, and it seems like a very good idea to use it for EPP. I was looking for advice from someone with experience using it. Thanks for the comments.