I am at the binding stage of my commissioned quilt and now have a question, I've been reading about threads on the board and who likes what, I usually use Gutermann all purpose thread, so since I've read that you should use cotton thread for cotton fabrics, I decided to take a closer look at my threads, they are ALL 100% polyester!!!! Should I go ahead and use this or should I go out and buy cotton thread? I think the reason I bought the all purpose thread is because the cotton thread says for hand quilting and I'm not a hand quilter. Please help. I want/need to finish this quilt this week. Thank you so much. Quilt top is cotton, quilt back is flannel.

T.

I use and love Gutterman thread.

Even the poly on cotton quilts?

I don't see anything wrong with using the Gutermann thread.

The specific thread to use is one of those quilting myths.
Use what works for you. There is no evidence (and this is from the thread companies) that polyester threads cut the fabric. Thread is made differently now than 30 or so years ago. If Gutterman, Mettler, or the cheep kind works for you then use it. I specifically like the old Coats and Clark mercherised thread. Can't get this any longer. One must be their own tester about thread. I've used old thread that originally sold for 50 cents. Works fine.
Test the thread and if strong then use it.

Me too. I use any thread that works. I have found thread from the GoodWill and used it with no problem. Cheap is fine and so is expensive. I would not through out any thread. Use what you want.

Thank you Holice, I've never had a problem with the Gutermann thread and I've used it since I began quilting a couple of years ago, and I really do like it, but since I joined this board I've learned so much and discovered so many new products, I'm questioning my choices. It's great learning new things.

[quote=Holice]The specific thread to use is one of those quilting myths.
Use what works for you. There is no evidence (and this is from the thread companies) that polyester threads cut the fabric. Thread is made differently now than 30 or so years ago. /quote]

The way I heard the use cotton thread on cotton fabric idea justified was that the cottons will all wear the same, whereas polyester doesn't wear the same as cotton. So you get something made of all the same materials and it stays the same better. Which made sense to me :)

The only thing I won't use is old thread. My mother gave me a whole box of thread that must have been 40 years old. I tried piecing with it and the thread kept breaking....very aggravating...when I mentioned it to a quilting friend she told me that old thread loses it's flexibility so the strenght has been compromised and it breaks easily...you don't want that attempting to hold together your quilt....so if you know it's more than 30 or 40 years old....I say toss it.

I have problems with thread, I could get my stitches even, that's when I realized it was the thread and not me. So if you are getting your stitches the way you like them, then I see no reason to change.

really, you can use any thread you like to use!
if you really look around you will find that (most) long-arm quilters use polyester thread. it is what works best in our high-speed machines and has the best color selection. holds up to anything. i have become very attached to my silk threads for any and all hand stitching. i use silk for hand piecing, for applique and yes for my bindings. I seldom use cotton thread. it breaks way too easily and as far as i'm concerned one of my biggest wastes of $$. often i use up what ever threads are (left-overs) for hand sewing, that little bit left on a spool or on a bobbin. i only worry about fiber content if i am having a problem with the thread...then i look to see what it is...usually cotton; kick myself for buying it again and swear i'm going to pay better attention next time.

I have heard the myth about polyester threads too... I have no problem at all using the ones made today :D:D:D