Ok now what do I do with those giant 100% cotton spools I just bought? What a great tip. My machine has to be cleaned all the time then I have trouble getting the bobbin case back in right. Why didn't the sewing machine people tell us this ???

I just love all these tips

I just got some of the Superior super fine thread at a quilt show because they had a really long line. Ladies in line said it was the best for quilting so I got in line. It seems really fine and works great in my machine. Is it "quality thread"? I really think the cotton fabrics make lint more than thread could. . .

I've used poly thread for many years and have not had a problem. After joining this board I decided to try the cotton thread since I have started doing FMQ. I have a lot of lint build-up with the cotten but I do clean my machine after every quilt so it isn't a problem.

The polyester threads I've used (Mettler mostly) seem to have just as much lint as the cotton ones. Aurifil is finer cotton and doesn't shed as much. A lot of my lint in quilting is from the batting.

I just bought my viking mega quilter this past year and was told the viking rep said the best thread to use that will cause the least breakage, etc is the aurofil. it comes in a variety of colors even though when I'm piecing I normally just use the neutral (suggested by all of the teachers that I've had) It is agreat thread; only two strands which gives me more of accurate seam allowance which is importand when you are doing small blocks. I just took a class with Normal Campbell and she also says use cotton, neutral color and we were doing 14 shades of blue, red and white. It looks great.

This isn't with all machines. I'd go ahead and use the thread you have. After taking countless classes and going to different quilt shows you will always have a debate as to which thread to use. it is as debatable as which machine is the best. I was told to use the type of thread that is the same as you fabric. My machine is only a year old and both sew great with cotton. The viking recommends aurofil and I have no problem with breakage. I keep a small paint brush handy and clean my machine often; no matter what thread I use.

I agree that everyone has their own favorite thread and a good reason for using it. I always use Gutermann cotton thread and do not have any problems with breakage when using it on my new machines or my Featherweights, and yes I clean the lint deposits out of the bobbin areas quite often, which I would probably do anyway. Gutermann thread was recommended by the teacher(a Bernina dealer) at a beginning quilting class I took when I first started quilting.

I have a Viking 400 which I've had about 12 years. They recommended I use Gutermann 100% polyester with it which I have always done. It works like a charm for me but I realize others may have a different favorite thread. That's what makes the world go round.

I use cotton almost all the time too because when I first started quilting all of the teachers I had, said "Never use poly threads on your cotton fabrics!" Then not too many years ago when I bought my first Janome, the dealer told me to use only poly because of the lint from cotton threads. The problem was that I had stocked up so much on cotton every time there was a sale that I couldn't afford to just toss them all out. So, I use the cotton, and clean whatever lint that is there very often. But honestly, unless I'm sewing with flannel there isn't ever an awful lot.

:roll:

I use whatever I have on hand!