These comments have all been so helpful. I never thought of using 60 wt. thread like "arenard" mentioned above, but will give it a try. I also liked the comment by "Joan the quilter" on page 4. Yes, you expained it well and it made a lot of sense to me that directly in the seam would weaken the thread. I visualize the needle penetrating the thread in the seam, to possibly split the original thread in the seam now and then, therefore weakening some of the thread in the seams. (if that makes any sense)