I actually prefer a heavier thread for hand quilting. If I am going to go through all the effort and time to hand quilt I want it to show. I really enjoyed using Valdani 35wt cotton hand quilting thread but you definitely won't find that at JoAnn's. It has been so long since I have been to a JoAnn's I don't even know what they carry. Do you have a quilt shop in your area? You may be peasantly surprised to find what they offer there for hand quilting thread and needles.