I use Isocord thread for $5.89 for 1000 meters. I get it from sewforless.com
http://www.sewforless.com/category/1...ord_Thread/c88. Isocord is also the thread Leah Day uses!

I like Aurifil 50 wt. I have some connecting threads since it's inexpensive to get a lot of colors, but I've had some problem with it shredding.

I pay $30 for a 6,452 yard cone of 50wt Aurifil online. Aurifil makes a 80 wt bobbin thread on a big cone. Now that will last forever. I use that in my bobbin when machine quilting. I like Isocord for fmq and Glide. A favorite is Superior Silk thread for machine quilting.

Is the needle correct size for thread. It sounds as if the thread is too thick and not all going through the needles eye.
Change needle with a larger eye.
I use any thread no problem when I match the 2.

Good point. After I had all the problems with the CT thread shredding, I switched from size 12 to size 14 needles for both piecing and quilting. The one spool I had that was bad still shredded but so far no others have.

I use the machine quilting polyester from connecting threads with pretty good results and also like Aurafil; if you are having fraying/breakage problems it could be from an incorrect needle, or...cotton thread breaks easily in a 'high-speed' machine, like long=arms which stitch really fast.

I use Aurifil for piecing and CT poly for my mid-arm. Just wish that CT would get the poly in varigated colors.

Just wondering why you would use Polyester over cotton thread? I use cotton to piece and FMQ with no problems. Just wondering what the difference would be.

Longarmers can use 100% cotton thread on their machines....but it has to be a thread meant for use on longarm machines. :D There are many types of threads available for use on different machines and for different purposes.

For a thread to stitch properly, a quilter (or any sewer) needs four things:
1. the right thread for the fabric and machine
2. the right needle for the thread and fabric
3. the right set up on the machine (tension, stitch length)
4. the machine needs to work properly.

Nan IN

I love Aurifil too!!!! Its great for piecing and quilting and was recommended by the Viking Rep. I've never had any problems with it. I also love Inspira needles, the eyes have a flat side that allows the thread to glide over instead of an oval like most do. No breaking or fraying of thread with that combiniation