Just started using Aurifil and I LOVE it! So does my Elna!

I use only Aurifil and I love it and so do my Babylocks! The bobbin seems to go on and on and I love the less lint.
It is more expensive, but my quilts are worth it!

I picked up a spool of Mettler quilting cotton, 40wt, because the color was such a good match to a hand-piecing project. Yum. It looks heavyish for piecing but it's making very nice seams for me. Haven't tried it in a machine.

I too, use both of these. Love them both. As for tools, a sharp seam ripper, Clover glass head straight pins, I love my 4inch little scissors & a thimble if you hand sew. Don't go out & buy a bunch of stuff you may or may not need. Take it slow & see what you really use. Welcome to he QB. You will find a wealth of help on here. A great place for a new quilter. Vonda

I like to use one brand so I can fill bobbins and know what's in them later (they aren't labeled). I like 50 wt or higher because a lot fits on the bobbin and it doesn't have a lot of bulk in the seam.

Talking to other quilters and my own experience, some machines work better with one kind than with another.

Different kinds of peacing/applique/embroidery/quilting and the design of them are done/look better with one type thread or another.

So my answer is: just depends. I like the idea of getting a med grey/tan in several different brands/wts/fiber content and test them out for yourself. Find what works best for you.

Thanks for posting the question, Lolabella. Good information posted here.

I use Aurifil 50 weight for piecing only, light grey for everything. Great for bobbin. My featherweight doesn't like it on top (it breaks). It really isn't that expensive when you consider how much is on the spool. Metler (sp?) is great also. I use the polyester much of the time as it has a little stretch.

Aurifil vs Mettler & must have tools!
 

I love Glide thread from Bobbin Central. It is good to quilt with or sew.
Mary in TX

Thanks for all the info on thread.

http://www.superiorthreads.com I love Superior Thread's "Sew Fine" 50 wt. for piecing and quilting. Their web site is a wealth of info. on thread.