I have been using so many different brands of threads in my Viking/Husqvarna and the only problems I have had were related to the needle or the stabilizer. And I haven't had any of them fade either - but I use Rayon or Polyester and they are not likely to fade.

Wow, thanks everyone. I feel like an idiot... here’s why. When I got the machine, it had a Cone loaded on the main sewing spindle. I assumed that’s what you did. But it flops all over the place when using the machine, as it’s a wider diameter compared to the normal horizontal spindle. Duh. Duh! The uneven flopping around must cause variations in tension on the thread. Need a weighted thread stand. Thanks all...

You can use the embroidery cones on the spindle. You need a round felt piece on the bottom and a spool cap on the top of the thread. Your dealer should have them available if they are not on your machine.

I also started thinking I needed to buy the more recognized names in thread, but decided to take a change on Thread Art because Amazon sells sets of 40 for a reasonable price, and by buying all the sets, we ended up with almost every colour. Then I went to their website and ordered the ones I was missing. They have a Huge number of colours and if there's something you're looking for, you can probably find one that will work. I have hardly ever had a problem, and as others have said, for me one of the key things was to use a titanium embroidery needle, and slow the machine down. I probably run it at half speed, or less most of the time. When I get thread shredding, it's usually a needle change that's needed.