Those of you who hand quilt. Do you use a single strand of thread or double?

I'm quilting again after about 10 years. I used invisible thread before, single strand. Now, surprise surprise, I'm 10 years older and can't see the invisible thread. No joke required at this point, lol.

So I'm using Coats & Clarke cotton. Just regular, visible thread. One strand seems so fragile. I want to use 2 strands. But I don't want it bunched up.

I know there are no quilt police and I should do as I wish, but I will want to make these for gifts and I want them to look as nice as possible.

I guess my question is: Is 1 strand strong enough?

I've always only used single thread. Seems to me double will tangle alot and drive you nuts. Why not use hand quilting thread, it's stronger.

I used hand quilting thread from Joanne's and only one strand. It worked well and the quilts I hand quilted have stood up well to alot of use.

Are you using quilting thread? There is a standard quilting thread that is normally used for hand quilting. It is sturdier than regular all purpose sewing thread.
peace

I guess that's my problem. I'm not using the correct thread. Yes, double strand tangles some.

OK, I'll get thread specifically for hand quilting. I really didn't know the difference.

Thanks for your replies.

Oh, 'nother question.

The thread at Connecting Threads. They say it's designed by quilters for quilters. Is this strong enough?

Link:

http://www.connectingthreads.com/thr...Thread--600902

The Connecting Threads Essential cotton is for machine piecing and quilting. You need a thread that says HAND Quilting thread.

Ditto.

I hand quilt using Gutermann handquilting cotton. I have no experience with the Connecting Threads products (I am in Australia) but I did look at the site (thanks for the link).

The thread you were looking at appears to me to be machine quilting thread. Handquilting thread is a bit thicker. I found an interesting thread tutorial, while I was browsing their site. It explained which threads go with which applications. Here's the link:
http://www.connectingthreads.com/tut...read__D89.html

Thank you for that tutorial page. I hadn't seen it. I guess where I get confused is some sites say thread is for quilting but they mean it's for machine or long arm quilting. I have no clue what the difference is unless they specifically say "machine" quilting. I will find thread specifically for hand quilting.

I hand quilt using Coats & Clark hand quilting thread. It is glace. Single strand.

I've always just used a single strand C & C heavy duty quilting thread (for about 25 yrs) - it is heavier than the regular sewing thread. Seems to last OK.

I machine piece the quilt top...but always handquilt the quilts...1 strand of thread is sufficient for me...never had a problem!! :P

In my experience, thread suitable for hand quilting always specifically says "suitable for hand quilting" or "hand quilting" somewhere on the label. Thread is manufactured by a weight designation. The LOWER the number the HEAVIER the thread. So a 35wt thread is much heavier than a 50wt thread. Most multipurpose threads are 50wt or 60wt and I prefer using a much heavier thread for handquilting. For Machine quilting I have used very lightweight threads, even silk which is 100wt (very fine!)

So for your handquilting project seek out a thread specfically made for handquilting. And if you really want your stitching to show go for something that is designated as a 35wt or 40wt minimum. One strand is all you need.

Yes, you want to use specifically designated 'hand quilting thread'. I've used many different brands and don't have a particular favorite. Just find the color I want and go from there. That said, JoAnn's carries a line of hand quilting thread 'Americana' that I do like quite a bit and it is very reasonably priced. Some nice colors as well.

single strand for quilting.

Thanks, folks. I went to the local store today and got HAND quilting thread and yes, it's considerably thicker.

As I was chatting with the store owner, I mentioned how I couldn't believe how I couldn't work with invisible thread now when it's all I used years ago. She told me invisible thread is thinner and harder to work with than it used to be. It's a relief to know it's not totally my eyes and age.

Ditto from all that was said. You want to use a hand quilting thread. (I use Gutermann or YLI). You can search with Google or some other search engine for Hand Quilting Thread and come up with websites that sell.

When I'm going for effect and really want the stitches to show, I have been known to quilt with No. 12 hand dyed embroidery thread.

I use gutterman's hand quilting thread. I buy it on sale at Hancocks.

Hand Quilting thread is usually "coated" or "glazed". The coating allows the thread to pass through the fabric numerous of times and remain strong and it won't tangle. We agree with the others, it must say "hand quilting" somewhere on the spool. Hand Quilting thread is available in solid as well as variegated colors.