I have always liked multi colors so variegated thread is great. I don't use it all over, or all the time, but do use it as as accent. I hand quilt, and with all the work, I want my stitches to show sometimes. Although right now I am quilting one that I'm using #12 needles to give me small stitches and matching thread for each section, so none of the stitches will show. I think it just depends on the look you want.