If you are unsure about a certain thread company, order one spool of black thread. That is usually the most difficult color to stitch because it is over dyed. When a company has "oops" dye colors, they will take the extras and dye them black. Those are your tests. I like Marathon and Floriani the best, but I have no problem sewing with any style or brand of thread. I have a Brother Quattro and I swear I could sew with bailing twine, it handles everything without ever changing any tension.