Hand Piecing...Best Thread to use?
 

I am working a Grandma's Garden by hand sewing the hexs using the Brandy method (using templates). I am finding that the thread breaks often while sewing. I have tired several different brands, but the same thing keeps happening. Any suggestions for best thread? Brand and weight?

I hand piece and hand quilt. The only thread I use is YLI. It tangles less and doesn't tend to break.

I've been fortunate to not have issues with any thread I've used. Have you tried using Thread Heaven? It's a conditioner which truly does help with reducing tangling. I use it when I hand quilt. Couldn't tell you if I remember to use it when hand sewing. Most of the thread I have is good ol' Coates & Clark but I have others as well but don't remember specific brands.

I made that quilt too, and hand sewed it all. Maybe its your needle doing that. I never had thread break with me but its been a while and dont remember what thread I used

Is the thread you are using old 100% cotton? It may have started to break down. I have started to use aurifil thread for hand piecing, and I use YLI quilting thread to quilt the top. I like YLI as it doesn't seem to knot up as much as the others.

In the past, I have used any thread for hand piecing, (except for the discount brands - they seem to knot up more) any decent brand works well. I also bees wax my thread length, I have had no discoloration at all.

When I hand piece, I've been using Presencia 60 weight thread - it's 3 ply and very strong. I've also used YLI, but I like the Presencia better.

Janet

It's also possible that your needle is causing the breaks - I try and move the needle every once in a while so I don't wear the thread at the eye.

Janet

I am also working on a GFG. Was having some problems with breaking thread (don't remember the brand etc) so picked up a spool of Gutermann Quilting, all cotton. Its a bit heavier, but seems to work well stitching those hexies together. I like using a bit heavier thread for EPP, but use C&C Dual Duty for regular hand piecing.

I've been doing a GFG with paper pieces. I've had really good luck with the Bottom Line by Superior Threads, a thin 60 weight thread. You can get a "doughnut" of prewound bobbins that has 35 or so colors on it so you don't have to buy full spools and the thread seems to last me quite awhile. It was recommended to me by a lady at a quilt show who does EPP.

I use whatever is handy for piecing my quilts. You might try putting your thread in the freezer overnight. It sort of rehydrates the fibers. But, if you will always tie your knot in the end that comes off the spool first, you will see a notable difference in knotting up issues.