new2q

In my short time in the quilting world, I have found that it first depends on what your machine likes. I was first told to buy the real expensive brands of thread. My first machine that I started sewing with did not like it....but of course I thought it was me. After reading a lot of discussion on this board I tried some other brands (even the real inexpensive ones) and finally found the one my machine likes and it made my life so much easier. If you have done all of the basics....rethread your machine, check the bobbin and have a new needle in place and you are still having problems...try a different brand of thread. I agree that you may have to try a lot of brands to find the right one....but it will be worth it when you find it.

BarbaraSue

Me too. and it is very economical. comes on big spools, small spools, colors out the wazoo. Walmart, Hobby Lobby and others carry the brand too. It comes in different weights. Try one or two with your machine. Use what your machine likes to work with.
You could find that you will be able to sew in the needle from about any brand, but the bobbin maybe limited to 2-3. I have one machine that will not sew guterman thread no matter what I do. So i don't buy it anymore.

conniemaried

I just ordered some of the YLI Soft Touch from Keepsake Quilting. Got it yesterday. However, I just now went to their website and tried to pull it up again, and it wouldn't. But when I opened the Soft Touch bobbins, the thread was listed under "products you might also like" underneath the bobbins. Anyway, they have it in 1000 yd spools in white or natural for $3.99 a piece. Connie

Micha

I would say it depends a lot on what your budget and machine like. I've tried many different brands most work well. I loved the color selection from Connecting Threads. But my machines did not like the lint even though my budget liked the price. After trial and error I decided the Presencia 60/3 fits well with both my budget and my machines. I usually stick with that for piecing. And when I don't use silk, it and metler 60/3 both work pretty well for hand applique.

MadQuilter

I generally use the same thread weight for piecing as I do for quilting and that is a 50 weight cotton. If you want, you can piece with a thinner thread such as a 60 weight (the larger the size the thinner the thread). If you want your quilting to be more obvious, then you can go with a thicker thread such as a 30 weight.

You can also use a 50 weight in the bobbin and a 30 weight in the top. I prefer to use the same weight top and bottom, I just change the colors.

Along with many, I stocked up on Connecting Threads cotton spools when they were on sale. Yes, they are a bit linty but I have a cleaning brush and my machine really handles that thread well. Other than that, I use what is on sale. The only time my machine ever hickuped was with regular Coats and Clark thread. It does like the Star brand which is made by C&C.

KyKaren1949

I was advised to buy good thread when I took quilting lessons and in workshops since. I've been quilting with Gutterman thread, but even it is rather linty at times. Just about two weeks ago, I ordered a sampler pack from Superior Threads. Many of my quilting friends swear by their thread. My logic is that if I don't seem to have any trouble putting $150-$200 in the fabric for a quilt, I shouldn't complain if the thread is a little pricey, especially if it will work well with my sewing machine and is known to last. I've never used an entire spool on one project either, so perhaps you can get two or three from one spool.

connie_1936

i love auifil, no lint, strong but costly. its worth it though

Gabrielle's Mimi

One thing I always ask my students in class is this: If you've spent several thousand dollars on a machine, a hundred dollars on fabric for this quilt, $25 for the class, etc. then please don't try to save money on the thread....how much are you actually saving? Cheapo thread is linty and can clog up your machine. Bob Purcell, owner/president of Superior Thread, has spoken several times locally. He recommends Bottom Line (60 weight, 3 ply) for BOTH top and bobbin. That's all I use now, bought in the large spools for better price. Bottom Line is extremely helpful in getting quarter inch seams, which can be more difficult when using heavier weight threads. Look for 3 play as it is stronger than 2 ply, and long-staple is stronger than short-staple. When I am out of Bottom Line I have used So Fine (50 wt.) and have had good luck with that as well. One thing I have noticed: some machines are finicky about thread. Go with what works best with your particular machine. One last note: Bob Purcell recommended that when using different thread top and bobbin, do not use thread with more than a 20 wt. difference. In other words, if using 30 wt. top thread, do not try to use 60 wt. bobbin thread as you with have stitch quality issues. Use 30 and 50 as your maximum difference. My feeling is, buy the huge spool of Bottom Line to save money, get a thread stand (or use a coffee mug or mayo jar) and use that top and bobbin.

Buckeye Rose

My machine isn't picky about thread, so for piecing I will use whatever I have, be it cotton, poly or mix. I won't always use white or a neutral color either....have been known to use pink, blue, green, yellow as long as it doesn't show through. When I fmq, I like Connecting Threads essentials as it behaves well and looks good too. I refuse to spend $$$ on thread when the cheaper stuff works just as well.

DaylilyDawn

All of my sewing machines use Gutterman , Molnycke and Mettler Metrosene. Coats and Clark will shred the cotton covering and ride up to the needle so when it gets to a certain point, The thread will then break.