SharonTX

I'm finally facing my fear of FMQ! Have watched several videos on it, especially Leah Day.

She states in her FMQ Basic video in regards to the thread she uses. http://www.freemotionquilting.blogsp...tart-here.html

Does it really matter on the type of thread? I thought I could use the same thread for FMQ as I do for piecing, but now after watching her video, I'm second guessing myself. What type of thread do you use?

TIA

irishrose

Whatever color works for the quilt. I've used polyester embroidery thread, rayon thread, Gutterman poly quilting thread, C & C poly/cotton sewing thread, varigated cotton FMQ thread. I don't change tension settings, needles or anything, just load and go on a 1956 Singer 301. I did have to purchase an embroidery needle to satin stitch with my Elna with thinner threads, but that's not FMQ.

SharonTX

Thanks irishrose.

It's not the color that concerns me though. So, it would be best if I used a polyester type of thread instead of what I normally use for piecing, which is 100% cotton thread?

Skittl1321

You can use any thread you want.

I find that the thread Leah Day recommends (Isacord) is fabulous for very tight scale quilting, and anytime you are going to do quilting that backtracks over itself (the build up is minimal). But I don't like it on large scale quilting- open designs on big quilts, for that I prefer cotton thread, and I prefer Connecting Threads essential. I think it looks too shiny on these quilts, and that is a less traditional look.

Silk thread hides a TON of mistakes, so it is excellent for a beginner.

The only thread I've tried and don't really like for FMQ is Dual Duty by Coats and Clark- but it does work. I just felt like it didn't stand out OR sink into the quilt, it was just kind of blah.

SharonTX

Thanks Skittl1321.

The only thread I have in my home is the connecting threads essential.

After watching her video, I thought I was going to need to go out and buy more thread. Good to know I don't need to.

Tashana

I use thread of any and every kind and weight. I like my quilting visible so I tend to use thicker thread. I tried it all and everything seems to work. The way I see it, three most important things of FMQ are turning your stitch length to 0, lovering/covering your feed dogs, and useing FMQ/darning foot. Everything else is matter of practice and personal preference. It looks awesome with any thread. Have fun!
P.S. I fell in love with FMQ recently and I am hooked.

Jingle

I bought some of the isacord thread, have not used it yet. I use either coats and clark or connecting threads. It all works the same. I use machine quilting thread if I have the right color. Use the same thread in the bobbin as the top. Whatever you have will work. Enjoy.

Candace

I don't recommend rayon thread for FMQing on quilts that will be used and washed often. It's an inherently weak thread and will shed, ravel and break eventually. But, other than that go with what you like. I only use cotton thread in the 50 wt. to 30 wt. range typically. But, that's my preference. Different weight thread will give you different outcomes.

irishrose

Candace, I won't be buying any more rayon thread, but I'm going to use up what I have.

Sharon, I wasn't recommending polyester, just saying I'll use it if the color is right. Isacord has worked well for me, so has CC cotton, though it's a little linty, IMO. No big deal as my machine is far from computerized and cleans up easily.

Peckish

I've found that my machine (a Janome 1600 on a New Joy frame) only likes certain threads, mostly Superior. You may find after practicing a while that your machine has preferences.