I am just learning to hand-quilt, so I'm not sure this is any help, but based on all the good comments on this board, I went with Americana brand from Joann Fabrics. It works beautifully - strong and glides through the fabric.

Now that I've read this thread, I'm looking forward to trying the YLI. :)

Use whatever you want. You need to pay close attention to the direction of thread (yes, thread has a direction!!). In other words, you want to be sure that you are pulling thread on the smooth side, not against the grain. Just feel the thread. One direction is smoother than the other.

I've tried waxing threads, using special additives, wetting, etc. etc., but once I discovered about thread direction, nearly all my tangling issues ended. Now it only happens when I don't pay attention and load the thread on the needle backwards.

If you use a high quality thread you don't need to worry about the direction of the thread. Since most handquilting thread is glazed, coated or treated, additional was should not be necessary. Good luck with your handquilting. That's next on my list.

Ricci

I use to use coats and clark! It worked well and held up forever, in fact I have quilt 30 years old quilted with it and it is still fine. Use shorter lengths of thread when quilting, too long and it cause trouble, too short and you have to rethread too often.