Joanofpa

I thought I was smart buying invisible quilting thread at the Joanne Fabric sale. After reading a post regarding this not being good for the fabric I have questions now.
1. Can I use regular thread or must it be quilting.
2. If I would try the invisible quilting thread should it be threaded from top or bottom.
3. The biggie for me! Do you all change thread color everytime you move to another color area of the quilt in the works? That one baffles me when I see all the contrasting fabrics you use.

Thanks! I am learning so much here. Have two table runners to quilt and so seeing that post was really good timing

k3n

I use quilting thread in the top and piecing thread in the bobbin. I like using variegated thread for FMQ, in colours that tone with the top. I've got a goldy/tan/cream one that I use a LOT! In the ditch or echo quilting I'd normally use a neutral - cream in a light quilt or grey or beige in a darker one. :-D Can't help with the invisible I'm afraid, never tried it.

beachlady

I bought some invisible thread and then did reading on it , so have never used it.

Maride

I have used invisible thread only on wallhangings that will never be washed. I made some quilts with hand embroidered centers and used it to quilt over the embroidery. If I don't do that, it looks bulky. Other than that I don't use it for much. As of which thread to use for quilting, also depends on the quilt. If the quilt will be washed often and used daily, I will use 40 wt on the top and bottom. For a fancy wallhanging, I will use thread as fine as 60 wt for the top and bottom. About colors, this time it depends on what you want your quilt to look like. Sometimes I want my quilting to show. This is not well accomplished in a quilt that has many colors and printed fabrics. You do this better with mild prints and solid colors, and you can use a shinny thread or a very contrasting one. If you want your piecing to show more, use a more muted tone for the quilting. If possible, then change colors when changing the area of the quilt, but make sure your stitches are well anchored at the start and end of each color, and be very careful if jumping from one area to another. I only do this if my quilt is basted or heavily pinned. I don't like basting or pinning, so I mainly stitch adjacent areas rather than jumping around, even if that means frequent color changes.
Hope this helps.

Maria

amma

I would be leery of using this thread on items that are going to be washed often.

marlet

I have seen it recommended that you do not use the nylon invisible thread on quilts, but to use the polyester invisible thread since the poly is softer and less likely to "poke" - if you are quilting a bed, or baby quilt. The nylon, of course, it fine for a wall hanging, but I have had both and truly prefer the poly one no matter what I'm quilting, since it is just softer and easier to use, in my estimation. I must say, my nylon invisible thread is being ignored in my thread stash.

Jim's Gem

I quilted with the nylon thread once or twice. Never again. I like to use a varigated thread and then I don't have to change thread colors on the top

MadQuilter

I quilted one quilt with the invisible thread and it held up well. However, it was a pain and I didn't like the end effect. I prefer to see my quilting and often use a variegated thread. No, I do not change the color. I may use a different color in the bobbin than in the top, but in general, I try to match the top and bobbin thread weight.

Joanofpa

I have sure learned some good information here (as I always seem to!) I don't understand what varigated thread is, don't recall ever seeing anything like that.
Thanks everyone!

k3n

Joan they are threads that change shade every few inches. Some are more muted and the change is subtle and some are really bright. Trying to attach a link. :-D

http://www.marthasquiltingcorner.com...g-tut-thread-1