I'll be checking out the brands and types as time passes. I've not seen any threads that we have, or the local places have labeled "long or extra long" staple. But I will pay more attention to that as I buy new threads.

Joe

I like Connecting Threads Essential. Nice colors /cotton/ reasonable price and easy people to deal with. I have not had problems with thread breakage. I change needles often and clean my bobbin case everytime I put in a new bobbin. I also clean the feed dogs frequently and this seems to take care of any lint. I do not see that there is more lint than with any other cotton thread and I prefer cotton thread and all cotton fabric. Also use pure and natural batting that lies flat not packaged. I guess everyone just has to use what works for them and their machine. I have a Bernina and contrary to what the dealer says it is not fussy about thread.

I'm a fan of Guterman...they never fail me and I think they stitch beautifully. I also use large spools for white/black threading...and never run out.

We have quite a lot of Gutermann thread. My wife has so much thread it boggles the mind. Some of my machines have broken the Gutermann thread others love it. That was quite a while ago and I think I've pretty much gotten them sorted out now.

I does do the job I guess but I've found it to be somewhat weaker than a standard size 50 thread of yore. Since most of our machines are "vintage", "classics" and or "antiques" size 50 is what they were probably use for in their day.

The Gutermann size 50 seems thinner than the old American size 50. Perhaps the way they are measured.

Joe

Guterman has always been thinner, but it's strong which is my criteria and now that I've started quilting, there is some value in a thinner thread taking up less space in the seam after it's stitched. I am using old C&C on the top on the 15 clone and I see the difference when I press the seam. I also like a thinner thread in the bobbin on the 301 because it doesn't hold much thread to start with.

irishrose,

I've got to take a real look see at my seams. I haven't really given the space the thread takes much thought.

Joe

oh my gosh! I have SO much to learn, about quilting, old machines, thread . . . . . wow . . !

thanks for teaching so sweetly guys!

oh my gosh! I have SO much to learn, about quilting, old machines, thread . . . . . wow . . !

thanks for teaching so sweetly guys!

Joe, my heartfelt sympathy. The night before last, I was using my Singer 401 on a quilt and the same thing happened -- about fifty times and many swear words. As you know, the 401 and 500 are pretty much the same machine. I had quilted the interior with some thread from Thread Art, knowing it isn't the best thread. It did pretty well, not much snapping. When I went to bind it, being sure this binding would be great, oh my! Nothing but trouble. I changed threads - four manufactures. I cleaned out the tension, with which I have not had other trouble. I cleaned the already clean bobbin area. I adjusted tension, adjusted tension, adjusted tension. I changed needles several times, finally installing a titanium #16. I re-threaded so many times, cleaning out every part of that thread path. I could not get decent results with any stitch. That thread - every thread including 40 weight - snapped and frayed every minute or two. I oiled the machine. I did everything short of taking apart the tensioneer, with which there had been no previous problems. I used built in stitches and cams. I finally switched machines.

So I'd like to know too, what happened?

Aurifil is the best thread, according to what I've learned in thread construction classes. I do not use it on homeless quilts, which this one was.

Cricket

After I said the Thread Art embroidery thread was FMQ fine, I had a problem. It was coming off the spool in a spiral and wanted to twist around the needle on the 301. I have no way to install a spool horizontally on this machine, so I finally put it in a drinking glass behind the machine. That seemed to take care of the problem. I still like the strength and the sheen.

cricket, did you adjust the bobbin tension, too? I had to do that to two machines last week - a first for each. Joe says there are bobbin gremlins afoot.