I prefer SoFine #50 most of the time, but will also use Glide, which requires a larger needle but does have a sheen. Glide is not a Superior thread, but is readily available to me. I also like MicroQuilter from SoFine when I'm doing lots of microquilting or want to do heavy quilting. I also like Permacore if someone wants more of the look of cotton thread. I do not like to use cotton thread at all! I'd echo what others are saying about working on adjusting your tension also if that is the problem.