I only really notice the lint after free motioning, and the OP asked about the thread for piecing anyhow. I think it's great for both really, but yes, it does lint. Is there a thread that doesn't? Some might more than others, but I don't think it's really a big deal to have to clean out the lint a few times during a project. It's better than having the thread break several times during free-motioning, an issue I have WAY too often with Coats and Clark.