free thread is free thread -- just be sure the quality was there in the first place. If it's linting, it's losing parts of the thread. On the subject of thread, the companies are becoming quite clever about how they package the thread. Before you disregard the more expensive threads (I use Superior Masterpiece for piecing and binding), look at the $ per yard or meter. It truly isn't that much more expensive per unit when buying a 3000 yd @ $22 cone. In many brands that's 5 spools at $5 a spool. No savings there. I use mostly pale green or pale gray -- and Masterpiece doesn't lint! When I was doing a project for which I needed to match a thread with a color I didn't have, I was shocked at how little thread comes even on larger spools and small cones. Their packaging is quite deceiving. Buyer beware!