I felt the same way when I first started. Most quilters in my sewing group insist that you should only use cotton thread for cotton quilts. I have been using poly thread but you do have to be careful and wind slowly on your bobbin because it stretches and will leave puckers. To pick colors, i lay several possibilities out on my fabric to see how it blends. I even sew with different ones on my scrap pieces to see the result.

I agree with Klue. I rarely used white (even when I'm sewing on white. I use a neutral (ivory, cream, gray, etc.) It's a good way to use up those bobbins. Then when they're empty, I reload with the neutrals. I also use colors that blend into the prints. Actually the only time I'm particular about matching thread is for machine quilting.

HMM, I didn't know about the stretching of the poly thread. So that's why it puckers. Thanks.

If you HAVE to buy thread - I use a grey or beige neutral. BUT if you are doing a scrap, or one that has lots of colors and it's hard to identify a specific color - it's a great chance to use ANY color that would suit. Use one color on top and another in the bobbin. I prefer to sew with a slightly smaller stitch - 2.0 on my Pfaff, so unless I actually force the seam open to see the threads, I can use almost any color. Great way to use up ends of spools - and buy new thread. My favorites are Aurifil 50 wt. Superior Threads So Fine and Masterpiece by Alex Anderson.

Hi Gail, Louise Cutting had a shop for several years here in Orlando. I often took classes from her. I was talking about the seams puckering on my slacks and no amount of pressing could get them out. then came the poly info. No matter what your age, (I'm 81), you're never too old to learn. She said that the new machines which I have, wind so fast and poly stretches.

Sounds more like a tension problem with the machine that could be adjusted, or perhaps you might be stretching the fabric as you sew it, and when you release it, the stitches pucker. I have a new machine and have had no problem with polyester threads - unless you get those really cheap ones - a few for a dollar or whatever.

Well, I'm almost 69 and have a degree in Home Economics. Don't remember ever being told that little bit of info. (Of course, at that time my head was "in the clouds" most of the time.) Good to know. I was always trying to adjust my tension. You're right about those puckery seams.

Hi quiltmom. No, It's not a tension problem. When we went to the sewing expo last Feb. I ask several thread people there about it. They all agreed that with the speed of the new (especially computer) machines, that can be a problem. They talked about revolutions etc. which kinda went over my head but I got the general idea.

I'm like you, Gail. Back then, the machines were slower. I have no stretch problem on my trusty Featherweight cause it is SOOO much slower.

I was always told......cotton on cotton on cotton. That means cotton fabric, cotton thread and cotton batting (like Quilters Dream Cotton Batting). I always use a neutral threads also - beige for lights and greys for darker tones for. I prefer Mettler products and also YLI 100% Cotton Long Staple Thread, 40/2 ply. I get a lot of my YLI from Red Rock Threads on line.

American thread is not made as well because it has short fibers in the thread and can break easily. European threads are better and stronger because the fibers are longer. I've been quilting since '96 and was taught all of this and firmly believe this information. These are for piecing. For quilting the tops I go crazy and use Mettler Polysheen because it is strong and the threads won't snap (unlike rayon).