I've done quite a few t-shirt quilts using a domestic machine on a quilting frame. I use regular cotton sewing thread in the bobbin and cotton machine quilting thread on the top. However, I have found that the needle size is even more important. The last two were done with a top stitch needle and I have not yet had the thread break which I did when using a universal, quilting, or ballpoint needle. (And I do usually quilt through the print area unless it is that plastic stuff.) I use an 80-20 batt (as low loft as possible...1/8" I think) and a medium meander overall.