I am a totally novice quilter and am totally addicted already. I have machine quilted some tops and started handquilting one of them. I have been using 3ply cotton thread but having lots of knots to work out . Is polyester thread a no-no? Should I be using only handquilting thread for my hand stuff and when I switch on the edge to machine quilt, will any thread do???

i would use hand quilting thread for hand quilting

I don't handquilt anymore but when I did my preference was thread designated specifically for handquilting. Think it was Coats & Clark. Handquilting thread is waxed, feels thicker, doesn't drag and knot as easily. You can also use beeswax to coat thread but it is just one more step and one more cost albeit cheap. JMHO

you can use that thread to hand quilt but it needs some treatment, either bees wax or sewers aide, and only use about 24" at a time, slide the needle to different positions to prevent were at the eye

try running the thread thru finger tip moistioner. The stuff used at the bank to count money....get it at office supply I use it on fingers for free motnion quilting and have always used it to help sliding fingers while holoeing the needle. You can hand quilt with any thread, just have to use something on it as as been mentioned to give it strength and keep it from tangling. I usually use the Thread heaven - in a little blue box but have found the tacky finger stuff works better.

Check out this site. Dr. Bob know a lot about threads!

http://www.superiorthreads.com/education/

do not put hand quilting thread in your machine. it is treated and will gum up you machine rather awefull!

other than that anything goes :D

Thanks for all the help...one more thing, is polyester thread ok?