I was in a couple of quilt shops lately and looking at the quilts they have on display the thread seems really thicker than regular thread . Is that what longarms take? It was like buttonhole thread. I don't get out much and most of the quilts I've seen in person were hand quilted. This thread really showed up well and looked very nice, none of my machine (regular singer) quilting thread looks like that.

Waiting to be enlightened
kathy

Hi, I'm also wondering about the thick thread I saw on a quilt recently. The stitches really did show up and looked soooo good. Hope someone has info! :lol: The background seemed to be done with that thread - each block different.

I am not an expert... but...

I have tried some fat thread in variegated colors on my test lap quilt, I am making for keeping warm on these cold, cold, san jose nights. Thread size 40 if I remember correct.

You need a different needle for the old sewing machine. A 130 instead of a 90 quilting needle is what I used, the bobbin thread is the standard thin quilting thread.

Since I didn't do every line in this thread, only certain patterns (diamonds echo stitched, if you must know), it really popped out on the dark background, and blended in on the lighter colors. Very interesting effect, no more trouble than using regular thin thread(50 - 60), I didn't need to adjust tension on the Bernina at all. Your mileage might vary. I am contemplating using it in small amounts on the big quilt, if I ever get it basted.

tim in san jose

why Thank You Tim

Tim, Dear ...

you forgot to tell us where you got it ...and - especially - the needles.

i have wound #30 crochet cotton onto spools and bobbins. works fairly well - especially in a machine with a bobbin case so i can adjust the tension there, too. but those special needles would sure make it work better.

Patrice , I'm glad you're here to push Tim around and squeeze info out of him... I wasn't going to ask but make a special 2 hr. trip tp the quilt store to look for it.
kathy

nudge a little, maybe. something tells me he'd push back. i might fall-down-go-boom. LOL

Hand Quilting thread cannot be used in a sewing machine.It is 100 percent cotton and quite heavy. Most of it says glace finish cotton., which I believe is a wax. It would gunk up your sewing machine and damage it.

When you sew on a botton or mend heavy garments it works great. :D

ok Patrice, if he starts pushing back i'll get in front cause I don't have near as far to fall as you do,, I'd be more of a thud!

I have had several quilts long armed and the thread used is the normal thin quilting thread. I think the thicker thread is for a certain look. I have seen quilts done with it. The stitches are more noticible... sort of a folksy-primative look. Barb C