I picked up a copy of "Quilt Savvy: Gaudynski's Machine Quilting Guidbook", (after I had machine quilted my first quilt). She reccomends using "skinny" threads and finds #60 cotton threads too bulky.
So, 2 questions, is a #60 thread lighter or heavyier than, say, a #50?
And what are you guys machine quilting with? (on your domestice machine, not long arm machine).
Thanks for any info!
Zoo

The higher the number the thinner the thread. Also, you have to look to see if the thread is 2 ply or 3 ply.

I use Serger thread on both my longarm and my domestic. I prefer Maxi-lock or Signature.

You can also use So Fine or Bottom Line from Superior threads.

Hope this helps.

Diane Gaudinsky actually prefers 100 Silk thread which is like a piece of fine hair.

Hi Crashnquilt!
(love the name!)
Yeah, I read about the #100 silk in her book too...I don't think I'm quite up to the skill level were I need somthing so refined, I mean I'm not making quilts that will be entered into shows, and I've just started machine quilting, I'm looking for a happy medium between #100 silk and the regular cotton thread I usually use.

Tell me about serger thread you use, what ply is it? Ok, and how do you tell what ply it is, or any other thread?! They're so small how do you tell?
What weight is serger thread?
And thanks for the info so far!
Zoo

I use Maxi-lock too. I don't have any problems with breakage, skipped stitches or nuttin'

I was interested in serger thread but thought someone said it wasn't really strong enough for piecing or quilting.

If you look on the spool ends you should see the ply of the thread. Usually it will look like 50/3 or 60/2. I'm not sure what ply the serger thread is and it doesn't say. Serger thread is thin like a 60 or 70 weight thread.

Maxi-Lock is polyester thread and Signature is cotton. I have no preference between the two. Just depends which one has the color I need.

I run serger thread thru my domestic machine all the time. I like using it over regular thread. Because it is so much thinner when I press the seams I don't get a "ridge" on the seams. It presses much flatter.

If you do use it in your domestic machine, you will need to adjust your bobbin case tension.

I've got some maxilock in my machine right now and I don't need to change the bobbin tension to use it. My trouble it's a cone and I really need dh to make me a cone holder.... :roll:

Elizabeth, I have a cone holder that I don't use anymore. If you want it, send me your addy.

Oh my Lori, that would be wonderful, and such a great help, you really aren't using it anymore? :D Thank you.

I use 50.

I use 50 also. If anyone is really desperate for a thread cone and can't find/afford one just tape a safety pin onto the right side of your machine, sit the spool on your table and pull the thread through the "eye" of the safety pin before threading into your machine. Works slick!