Each machine seems to like one or two threads the best. Some machines like them all. I use mostly Connecting Threads both their cotton on spools and cones and then their polyester on cones. All depends on the color I'm looking for and what I have on hand. I also use Aurifil but I don't have too many colors due to price. I've also used embroidery threads and embroidery metallic threads. The sample threads my machine came with I had troubles with but that was back when I was just tweaking my machine and tension so it may work now......just never went back to try it again. Cotton thread are linty, just a fact of life, polyester threads are strong.