Good or Bad Idea to Use Poly Thread to Quilt
 

I do not want to fight the crowds today. The only thread available at home in the color I want to use to quilt a baby quilt is Guttermann 100 percent polyester. Is it okay to use?

Yes. I use poly thread all the time, both in my domestic and my long arm

I prefer poly too.

Gutterman is a good brand of thread. I wouldn't have any hesitation using it. Polyester thread is less "linty" than cotton.

I use embroidery machine poly thread for quilting too. You can check it for strength by pulling a piece and see if it breaks easily. There was a demo on embroidery threads and there was a difference.

just don't iron your seams on high. I've seen all the thread melt.

The owner of my local quilt shop does not use anything but polyester.

I believe it's nylon, not polyester, that melts.

I use poly for piecing and quilting. It doesn't melt. I like it for quilting because it's finer and it blends into the background.

Both of my wedding quilts (1984) were pieced with polyester thread, and it cut through the fabric in less than 5 years. So I don't use poly to piece. But I love poly for machine quilting.

Polyester thread is commonly used for quilting. Threads have come a long way over the years. Back in the 70’s invisible thread was stiff, poky brittle, fishing line- Horrible to work with & yellowed & broke over time. Now invisible threads are wonderful, soft, pliable, do not yellow are not poky are nice to work with. People 25-30 years ago may have had bad experiences with polyester thread but the threads of today are just so much better.

I like the range of colors available in poly, so I use it, too, now and then.

nylon melts, not poly. note on forehead :) I've often wondered about Harriet Hargraves' quilts. Remember that whole book of gorgeous quilts quilted with that fishing line thread? Oh my gosh that was terrible stuff to work with. Do you suppose the quilting on those quilts just finally went poof?

that first book was published in 1994. Truly cutting edge work at the time

“Truly cutting edge work” lol. Entertaining wording while talking about polyester thread cutting the fabric. I guess that really was “cutting edge” indeed. Lol.

I also use Guttermann Polyester thread. I use it to sew garments, piece quilts, longarm quilting and all on types of fabrics. It has never melted and I use a very hot iron on all projects. I have definitely used it on baby quilts for piecing and quilting.

The consensus is that the majority of us use the polyester thread, and it is fine for you to use whether it's the only thread you have available or not!

I have been long arming for 14 years with polyester thread. Works great!

Polyester is a great choice whether the reason to use it is choice or just because you don't want to take the time to go shop. A note about an inaccurate statement above. Polyester thread will not melt or become brittle when ironed. Nylon will do that.

Harriet and her quilts are fine. She lives pretty close to my area now and frequents the LQS. She taught there many times. I use the invisible thread she recommends and have no problems with it.

Are you making it as an heirloom quilt? or for entry in a show? If not, you can do and use whatever you want - you are making it, you get to make the decisions! I absolutely promise you that the quilt police will not show up and cite you!

I think the quality of things have changed but My mother in law made quilt for my daughter and used poly thread and in the multiple washings the thread cut the fibers in the cotton fabric and her quilt was ruined. I would think if the quilt is going to be used and washed a lot it would be a good idea to match fiber contents. But in the end it is your choice. Others may not have had the same experience I have had.
Lynda