Hand Quilting thread question
 

If I want to hand quilt a quilt top, what thread should I use? I have previously used YLI hand quilting thread but it's so thick and wiry I was wondering if there is something else I can use?
What about silk applique thread? Is it too fine?
Any/all suggestions appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
GEMRM

I am a hand quilter and I use YLI too and find that it is a bit thick I have heard of people using DMC thread I personally have used that if I want my stitches to really show up. But recently came up on a cotton quilting thread on http://www.connectingthreads.com/thr...ml?startRow=25 I am going to order some and see how it works. I will let you know how I like it.

YLI just came out with a 2 ply quilting thread...Ihaven't had a chance to try it.

I use Coats Dual Duty Plus Hand Quilting thread. I really like it and haven't tried anything else so I don't know if I would like something better. It doesn't seem too thick to me. My current hand quilting project is a GFG and I picked white thread so it obviously doesn't show up well on the lighter fabrics, but I think it looks great on the dark fabrics. Please pardon the uneven stitches, they are getting better as I go.

I always use Coats & Clarks Hand Quilting Thread.

Connecting threads is great thread for everything. My second choice is Gutterman. Never Coats and Clark it is terrible. I also use aurifil some times. Try all different ones and then decide. I buy Connecting Threads on sale when they have it.

Each time I have tried hand quilting, I have bought a different brand of thread. I'm really liking the Treasure thread from Superior threads the best. It is glazed, and it hasn't gotten knots in the middle of sewing like the ones I've tried in the past. Some of the threads I've used in the past were the right weight, but didn't have the glaze. For me, that makes a difference. Even with the thread conditioners or beeswax, I would still get knots.

I use Gutterman thread. Your quilt is only as good as the thread you use to stitch it together.

i used coats & clarks hand quilting thread for years...that's all i could find in stores. i started using guterman & liked it better. i like thick heavy thread for hand quilting because i like the look, the antique quilts i've seen used it & when you search online for hand quilting thread ...it's all heavy. 30 wt or lower as 25 or so. i don't like the prewaxed hand quilting threads like coats & clarks. the wiry stuff. i currently use valdani. i love the huge variety of colors, their varigated & overdyed colors. no knots or bad spots. my favorite thread. i order online because in my current area of residence i cannot find hand quilting thread. one lqs that i love does carry valdani quilting thread, but only in white & offwhite - small spools.

I use Gutermann, for piecing by machine/hand and Gutermann quilting thread for handquilting. I have found it to be consistent and reliable, works for me - nice quilting sarahrachel.

I'm a hand quilter and I use YLI hand quilting thread and King Tut quilting thread. Most hand quilting thread is a 40wt/3ply and that is thicker than what I use for piecing ...... my piecing thread is a 50wt/2ply or sometimes a 60wt/3ply. The lower the wt. the thicker the thread.

I use Gutermann. I haven't used YLI, but if too thick is a concern...I used Gutermann all natural cotton 50/3 wt. to quilt my last project, it wasn't a bed quilt that may be washed a lot, but I liked the way my hand stitches looked with the thinner thread. JoAnn's has Gutermann and I buy it on sale or use a coupon...the thread has worked well for me and the ridge along the spool ends is great for securing your thread between cuts.

I use primarily Gutermann but also Coats & Clark as well as JoAnn Fabrics brand - Americana. The Americana is very thick/heavy and since I normally use Roxanne #11 needles it's sometimes difficult to get that thread through those eyes. These are the brands that are local to me so it's what I use. Color is frequently important to me and as such, I have a hard time with online ordering as I'm never sure if I'm going to get the color I think I am.

I use YLI glazed cotton - because it is glazed and doesn't knot up when i'm hand quilting. I have used the Gutterman glazed cotton thread and it's ok, but YLI is cheaper.

I'm currently using King Tut on a quilt and can't wait to finish. I don't like it - but it's not a glazed cotton and i feel like i spend my time fighting the thread knotting up. Yes, I take my time to run my thread thru thread conditioner or beeswax to help w/ the knotting, but that takes time...I want to quilt!! LOL!!!

Cutting shorter threads does seem to help. Next time I finish a quilt for someone, I'll just tell them I'll supply the thread.

I have always used C&C. I am from the Dinosaur age and that was all that was available back in those days. I haven't been doing much hand quilting so haven't had the opportunity to try new threads with no LQS nearby.

I use:
YLI Glazed
Mettler 40 wt cotton (I use wax with this)
Sulky cotton 30 wt.
Coats and Clark quilting thread
Sulky 12 wt. cotton
perle cotton #8
Even YLI Jeans Stitch polyester
and a metallic thread once (what a pain!)

I have NOT used silk for handquiting, only for applique.

Jan in VA

I use Coats and Clark for my machine piecing and quilting. I've gotten others because of some reviews but always go back to the C&C. Not terrible for me.

I use Mettler quilting thread on the brown spool.