I know that most traditional quilters use only cotton thread, but I am the odd man out. When I first learned to quilt, I was told to use cotton thread. But when I started again and got my Bernina I asked the Mennonite ladies at the quilt shop and they recommended polyester for everything. I love Gutermann and Metler thread. I have used some cotton threads because they are variegated. It looked nice, but the lint was horrible. If you are trying to get away from the lint, check with your machine manufacturer and if it isn't contraindicated, try the polyester threads.