Aurifil 12wt Variegated
 

I really want to try variegated Aurifil quilting thread, but they only make it 12wt.

Has anyone used this for free motion quilting? Does it run through your machine good?

Also, I know I need a larger needle for it. On the Aurifil website they recommend a top stitching 14/90 needle. Does it have to be a top stitching needle, or would a denim 14/90 needle work? I think the denim needles have a smaller eye. Thanks in advance!

Aurifil 12wt Variegated
 

I got 40 wt variegated Aurifil thread from pumpkinvinecorner.com!! Both the 40 and 50 wt threads work great in my machine. I use the 14 needle and do all my own FMQ. I've just started using the Aurifil about six months ago, so I've been trying different wts to see what I like best. I haven't tried the 12 wt yet.

12 wt is very heavy thread and will show up very well if that is what you want. If you make a mistake it will also show up and I speak from experience. Just make sure that is what you want before you begin. I would use a large top stitch needle if you go ahead.

Aurifil variegated comes in 50wt and 28wt as well as 12wt. I prefer Aurifil 50wt for quilting on my domestic machine. I can't imagine using 28wt or 12wt for free motion quilting; would be far too heavy for me. Here is a link to a site that sells all 3 weights of Aurifil variegated (see lefthand column for all Aurifil choices):
http://www.redrockthreads.com/aurifi...-varmako50.asp

Edit: Oh, the variegated comes in 40wt also, as Becky noted!

I buy variegated all the time. http://www.hawthornethreads.com/threads/aurifil

Hawthorn Threads has the entire Aurifil collection -- every color, even variegated (they're last on the list) in every size & weight. I would not run anything heavier than their 28wt through a domestic machine & really that's probably not the best choice for FMQ. 40 or 50wt would be better choices.

EDIT: If you go with a 40/50wt, you can use an 80/12 needle. I've used Microtex, top stitching & quilting needles. I like the quilting needles the best, but the Microtex are also great. For the 28wt, I've successfully used top stitching & quilting needles at either 80/12 or 90/14. I personally haven't had luck with Jeans needles for quilting, but then again, I've never tried to feed a 12wt thread through my machine. I will say that both the Aurifil 12wt and the Aurifloss have given me really beautiful results with handwork (quilting, embroidery, raw edge applique) and they are definitely high quality threads, just super, super thick.

I will have to get some 40wt or 50wt variegated! Thank you! I was mostly looking at FatQuarterShop and Fabric.com. I thought they would have a better selection than they do.

12wt is a very thick and heavy thread. I wouldn't use it for quiting.

I use the 12wt for the big stitch look. It is the same as two strands of floss.