i used coats & clarks hand quilting thread for years...that's all i could find in stores. i started using guterman & liked it better. i like thick heavy thread for hand quilting because i like the look, the antique quilts i've seen used it & when you search online for hand quilting thread ...it's all heavy. 30 wt or lower as 25 or so. i don't like the prewaxed hand quilting threads like coats & clarks. the wiry stuff. i currently use valdani. i love the huge variety of colors, their varigated & overdyed colors. no knots or bad spots. my favorite thread. i order online because in my current area of residence i cannot find hand quilting thread. one lqs that i love does carry valdani quilting thread, but only in white & offwhite - small spools.