I don't do applique any more, but I longarm quilt, and had to take my Avante in for service and a good cleaning. The repairman told me there was very little lint in the machine. He said that I obviously used high quality fabric and thread. I told him I use quilt shop quality fabric and use mainly YLI cotton or Aurifil cotton thread. He said they are of fantastic quality and have very little lint. I don't think there is a thread or fabric on earth that isn't going to make lint. but I think the better threads give you less lint. Even when I machine embroider with rayon I find lint buildup. I think you need to just use what works best for you and your project. We all have our favorites.