Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main > For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
What thread do you use for piecing denim quilts? >

What thread do you use for piecing denim quilts?

What thread do you use for piecing denim quilts?

Thread Tools
 
Old 03-03-2013, 08:56 AM
  #11  
Super Member
 
SunlitenSmiles's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,410
Default

orange rope........
SunlitenSmiles is offline  
Old 03-03-2013, 11:27 AM
  #12  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Some where in way out West Texas
Posts: 3,041
Default

Originally Posted by J Miller View Post
I am building a queen +/- size quilt from 6" denim squares. I started it last March, and now am working on it full time.

When I started last March I wanted the strongest thread I could get to hold this denim monster together.

After asking some questions back then and emailing Coats & Clarks I chose the C&C Dual Duty HEAVY thread.
This stuff is way heavier than normal thread and some of my machines will not work with it. However it is quite strong, I can wrap it around my hands and pull as hard as I can, but not break it. And it's not overly linty either.

Well, no biggie, I'm doing most of the piecing with the vintage / old / ancient / antique SS machines anyway. Saving the more modern ZZ + patterns machines for decorating. I just finished 50 some pieces done with the Kenmore 117-812, that machine sews beautifully by the way, and the White Dressmaster which also sews beautifully. I could if I didn't have other machines just use those and never have a complaint.

This is the crux of this post. The C&C DD Heavy thread seems to work very nicely in my vintage machines, but past about the 60s when the ZZ machines became the norm they just don't like it.

So what I was curious about is what thread do you use in the "semi modern vintage" machines to do heavy denim things?

Joe

I personally use the denim thread for sewing with denim or jeans that I've picked up at Wal Mart- our only source here in my town to get any sewing items. At one time they carried the blue denim color and also the dusty gold color like you see on a lot of jeans. I think you could also use the button thread, it is heaviner and stronger than regular thread. I also use my jeans needle (Just for sewing on denim) and sew the denim on my Bernina 930. I made DD a denim jelly roll design quilt for Christmas and my son a denim pineapple design quilt several years ago. I did NOT add batting to either, because of the thickness and weight of the denim. I also did not quilt either, but tied both with emb. thread. Post when you finish, would love to see it, good luck.
Gerbie is offline  
Old 03-03-2013, 03:47 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Southeast Michigan
Posts: 339
Default

I'll probably get a blast for this -- but I use Guterman polyester -- I use this for almost everything anymore. I have about 20 machines (16 working) and this has become my standard.
katykwilt is offline  
Old 03-03-2013, 05:32 PM
  #14  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
Default

katykwilt,

Do you have any idea what size that thread is? Some of the Gutermann thread we have is #50 which seems to work very well in most of my vintage machines.

Joe
J Miller is offline  
Old 03-03-2013, 06:43 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 506
Default

I have found that the reg. coats & clark thread does not hold up very good , I did mine on a kenmore serger back in the late 90's, did not last, the thread just didnt hold { resewn the blocks } .Then son was using it and was stolen from his truck. I used all differnt colors of threads My singer 101 sews with the heavier thread ,guess its time to do another one? DottieBug Ohhhh I use the jeans thread the off colored orange one
Dottie Bug is offline  
Old 03-04-2013, 04:40 AM
  #16  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Tippy-top of a ridge in WV
Posts: 6,355
Default

I have made several denim quilts, including a "cathedral window" with red bandana in the middle, and I just used C&C 's All Purpose Dual Duty thread.
Yooper32 is offline  
Old 03-04-2013, 06:40 AM
  #17  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Charleston SC
Posts: 10,743
Default

I have made two denium quilts for my grandson and son-in-law....I used my Singer 201....
mjhaess is offline  
Old 03-04-2013, 07:59 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: New England
Posts: 865
Default

I haven't made a denim quilt, but I am wondering about topstitch thread. It's a thicker thread than 50 weight and I think Gutterman makes a lot of it. You would need a bigger needle, of course.
cricket_iscute is offline  
Old 03-04-2013, 08:09 PM
  #19  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 2,633
Default

I made a denim quilt and just used regular blue thread. Don't remember what brand was a large cone tho.
amyjo is offline  
Old 03-05-2013, 05:50 AM
  #20  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
Default

The C&C Dual Duty XD HEAVY thread I'm using now requires either a size 16 or 18 needle. If you use smaller the thread binds in the eye.

Joe
J Miller is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tucsonquilter
Pictures
17
06-24-2014 03:25 PM
moedersaar
Main
5
09-20-2012 02:02 PM
grammatjr
Pictures
9
10-06-2011 06:06 PM
himnherr
Pictures
24
05-09-2011 01:39 PM
sondray
Links and Resources
0
05-02-2008 07:58 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter