I am supposed to be working on my first rag quilt, however, I have become intrigued with the Crazy quilts. I purchased the book "Crazy Quilting with Attitude" by Barbara Randle and this is awesome. My question to all of you experts is.......I only have a basic Singer sewing machine with 11 different stitches including straight and zig zag. Can I use the embroidery thread in this regular machine or do I have to own and embroidery machine?

If I can, I would use regular thread in the bobbin with the embroidery thread on top. Would I need a special needle? Appreciate any input you have.

Depending on the brand of embroidery thread you may have to adjust the tension. I sometimes use Isacord in my domestic machines and I don't have any problem. If I use it on the longarm I have to adjust the tension a little. I don't change my needle.

You'll be able to do all sorts of things with your machine. You will need to use needles appropriate for the size of thread you are using. Basically the thread should fit into the groove on the front of the needle you are using. You may also be able to use a double needle with your machine. You can use regular thread in the bobbin. You may need to adjust your tension slightly.
Check out this website: http://crazyshortcutquilts.blogspot.com/
She's also got a ton of videos on YouTube to do with quilting. Very helpful.
Here are a couple about choosing needles:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/...eedle-know-how
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/...es-an-overview
There are lot's of threads on the board to do with this subject. If you go to 'Search' and try 'needles' or 'thread' you'll probably get lots.
Here's one:http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-51072-1.htm
And another:http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-10544-1.htm
Hope you have fun! Crazy quilts are gorgeous, and if you have any interest in hand embroidery you can do extra embellishment the old fashioned way.
Happy quilting!

I have used poly embroidery thread in my Janome a lot. Does very well and I think it looks so much nicer than the cotton thread.

You might also want to consider doing bobbin work...this can add texture and can be done with all kinds of yarns/threads/ribbons that are hand wound on your bobbin...don't have a link now, but someone else might be able to provide one.

http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/...for-the-needle

http://catharinablog.blogspot.com/20...bbin-work.html

http://www.sewing.org/files/guidelin...bobbinwork.pdf

Here are couple on bobbin work that looked interesting.

Thanks for the info on bobbin work, I have never heard of it, it does look very interesting.

Thank you all for the great information. I am off to the store tomorrow to pick up some embroidery thread to give this a whirl. I am now even thinking of using this machine embellishment technique on clothing...just to spice up a blouse or t-shirt. I will need to practice, practice and practice some more.