I have one mostly full spool of purple coats and clark hand quilting thread. It matches the colors in the top I'm quilting, but I think I will run out before I finish. Maybe not? It's a small quilt, just 36" by 36".

I also have a couple of spools of turquoise blue coats and clark dual duty thread - which would match the top and the backing, and show less on the back of the quilt. So I'm kind of leaning toward doing the whole quilt in that, but i don't want to if it will really affect the useable life of the quilt.

Is it okay to use the dual duty thread for hand quilting, or should I stick with actual hand quilting thread, and try to find some purple here locally? I've never looked for hand quilting thread, so I'm not sure what is available in my area. I only have the purple because it was given to me. I also have a couple spools of white, but I think it would show up glaringly against the backing material.

hand quilting thread goes a loooong way, you probably have more than enough purple. you can use sewing thread but need to use shorter pieces and use a thread conditioner, bees wax or sewers aide

Go for it! I think you will be ok with dual duty. It may try snagging or knotting up a bit more due to the lighter weight and most likely not being coated in any way. You can easily solve that minor issue by using shorter lengths and/or coating with bees wax or one of the other products on the market. It shouldn't affect the strength of the quilt. Just give the dual duty a good firm tug, if it doesn't break easily I say use it. I am pretty sure I have used C&C dual duty for hand quilting, I know I have a couple of spools of it in my stash.

I do have some beeswax on hand, so I might give that a try.

Thank you!

i am going to try my hand at hand quilting soon just have to get the courage

After a little experimentation, I decided to go with the purple. It doesn't look as good, IMO, BUT I can see the stitches on the back easier and can tell when they're not the same as the front stitches, and that is important at this stage in the game for me. The first short row of stitches I did, only one or two actually caught the backing!

If I do run out of purple I can look around for a quilting thread the same color, or use a purple coats and clark dual duty, which I know I already have.

I had to giggle at this. My very first quilt languished as a pieced top for 3 years before I worked up the courage to hand quilt it. I was afraid I would ruin it. Once I started I couldn't believe how silly I was to be afraid. Hand quilting is really easy to do, it is just a simple running stitch. Funny how we work ourselves up about these things. Anyway I can totally understand your "get the courage" post. But no guts no glory! Go for it, relax, have fun. Besides if you do mess up I know from personal experience, hand quilting stitches pick out a LOT easier then machine quilting. :wink:

If you make sure your needle is going straight down when you make your stitch, it will help you catch the backing. I feel for that needle with my underneath hand, and when I feel the point I rock back to get back to the top.

Good luck!

Well, see, I though I was feeling the needle, but I think only a thread or so got caught. Anyway, now I know to look out for it!