I want to machine quilt a quilt using the "hand stitched" stitch on my sewing machine and wanted to know if any of you have done this and which thread works the best. Walmart handles nylon and Hobby Lobby has polyester. I would prefer the softer of the two.

I've never had much luck using the clear thread. A couple of bad experiences (kept breaking) and I just don't think it's worth the frustration. Maybe the new stuff is better? Good luck!

Poly is softer ( in my opinion).

I've had good luck with the polyester.. ( I agree, it seems softer) My only problem was in winding the bobbin.... I had to wind it on the slowest speed to keep ti from strtching and winding too tight....

I love the look of the clear mon line.... and I love the hand stitch mode on my machine

Polyester.....wouldn't melt with the iron.....my Bernina has a hand stich design stitch....love the look. Clear thread on top and color thread in bobbin.....I have also quilted my last couple table runners with clear thread....like that look also, when you want the design to be the focus not the quilting....

Nylon thread has a low heat tolerance (it will melt under high dryer heat), turns yellow over time and goes brittle. Poly has a higher heat tolerance (both will melt when pressed directly with a hot iron), does not turn yellow, nor brittle, with age. Poly is shinier. Choice depends on how you are going to use it and personal preference.
Two good sources of info:
http://www.superiorthreads.com/educa...nt-recommended

http://quiltbaggs.blogspot.com/2008/...polyester.html

I use the poly now! Different brands feel like different thicknesses, even though they all say the same.

Have used nylon in the past, but didn't like it. Wonder why some people put it on their bobbins, too!? I always use my "normal" thread for the bobbin. With this new, fine poly I have lowered the top tension a bit and its just like sewing with any thread. Don't have a problem with breakage or anything.

I prefer to use it for hanging, cushions, etc rather than a bed quilt. (All of these "invisibles" can be a bit scratchy.)

I recently bought some clear from Connecting Threads and I must say I used it with a smaller needle in the top and my regular natural colored thread from Connecting Threads in the bobbin and it was so easy I would say that FMQ that oversized twin quilt was akin to buttering bread. I liked it so much that ordered more thread in the smoke color.

Thank all of you for your input. Now I have to go shopping. I do have a spool of invisible I bought for the serger, but don't know which it is but it is stiff.