If you are just starting out, I would recommend the pearl cotton. With pearl cotton you don't have to worry about the strands separating like in DMC floss. DMC floss does do a finer more detailed job in my opinion. Whatever you use, make sure it is colourfast. Both pearl cotton and DMC should be. If in doubt, wet a length of the thread/floss and place the ball on white cotton fabric to dry. If it bleeds, don't use it. There are many wonderful quilts that incorporate Redwork and patchwork.