Since my stitches aren't perfect, I usually try to find something that is not a high contrast to anything in the quilt. I've use a varigated, but generally go with a creme or beige unless the quilt is dark in which case, a dark grey works well.

Baste from the center out.

Thanks, everyone, for all your advice.

The videos are Sharon Schambers. Here is a link:
http://sharonschambernetwork.com/Classes.aspx
Just look for the basting video.

I usually use a color that will show up good. If I'm going to all he work to hand quilt I want it to show up. However, on white or off white blocks I use white or off white thread and it shows up fine. I finished a queen sized one this summer that has autumn colors in it and I used a gold colored thread. Looks good.

Thanks, Jenna. Actually, I found that yesterday and figured it was the one you were talking about. Did you try wrapping fabric around boards? How did it turn out. Also liked her way of basting. Thanks much.

I use king Tut variegated cotton that fits the colours of quilt.

When basting ALWAYS use www.sharonschamber.com method ,cannot speaknhighly enough of it ,with her help and a visit to DIY wood dept it is SO VERY MUCH easier and can be contolled so well.

I have not tried her method, someone else mentioned her so I supplied the link :). I like a lot of the things she does, but honestly have not tried too many of them yet!

When you decide to use a certain color, be sure to lay a single strand against the fabric. If you use the entire spool, you won't get a realistic view of what will or won't be visible.

I usually use several colors to quilt, depending on the colors in the top. For example: the last quilt that cam off the frame was done in various shades of purple - from lavender to dark, and greens - mediums to dark. I quilted both colors with a medium shade of purple and green, respectively.

I don't baste. I have a three-rail frame. A wonderful thing, that.

I just tried this method on a 86x97 queen, put the leaf in dinning table and went to work. It was the easiest and most comfortable way to baste! no moving all the furniture and crawling around the floor.