I use YLI Soft Touch 60wt to piece with. However, I'm having a hard time finding it online. The LQS where I was buying it went out of business, so I'm looking again. I'm getting ready to try the Connecting threads. Maybe my machine will like it OK. As far as lint, I just clean my bobbin area and the area around the foot each time I change out my bobbin. Same thing on my long arm. I just consider it good maintenance. Using 60wt in the bobbin will extend your bobbin time and you won't have to change it out as often. I also have an assortment of JoAnn's serger polyester cones that my LA doesn't like and I may try that for piecing on my reg. machine. It's very inexpensive and you can make a stand for it to sit on.