I'm primarily a hand quilter and basically use whichever hand quilting thread comes in the color I need. Most of the time I use Coats glace 100% cotton.

I recently finished a whole-cloth quilt that was quilted in the same color as the top...white thread with white top. When it was done I really wasn't very happy with it because I would like to see the stitches a little more. After it was all done, I wished I had used a variegated thread to help it show up more.

So for my next quilt, I decided I wanted a variegated thread to help the stitching stand out a little more. In the past, when I have wanted variegated thread I have bought machine quilting thread and ran it through wax or Thread Heaven.

But this time I did a search for actual hand quilting thread since it is usually thicker than machine thread. The only brand that I could find that makes variegated thread is Star which I ordered online from Joann.com.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/p...RODID=prd62098

Yesterday I finished loading the quilt into the frame and started quilting with the new thread.

OMGoodness...it glides like it is going through "buttah". I have never quilted with such smooth thread before!

I think this is the brand I will be using from now on! :) What I don't understand is why there is such a big difference between this thread and the "regular" hand quilting thread made by Coats as it seems they are both made by the same company, even though this one is under the name of "Star".

No affiliation...just a VERY HAPPY customer!

This is the quilt that I am using it on...

Thanks for letting us know. I don't hand quilt but just wanted to say that's a beautiful quilt.

Good to know. I used a variegated 100% cotton thread by, I believe, Superior. Beautiful thread but a bear to work with as it was so thick.

What a coincidence!! I was looking for some thread the other day and found this in my stash!!!!!!!!
I wondered how it would work- now I know, THANKS!! :D

Always interested to read about others' finds for a quality product. I handquilt...nothing as lovely as yours, tho...and haven't found a thread that stands out. Will have to try this. I recently ordered some of the Star thread for machine quilting. Haven't found one that is a "keeper" there either.

Thank you! I've been getting tips from this board becasue I am doing a GFG but I've been discouraged because my thread is knotting all the time. I have beeswax that I am going to try but in my opinion the hand quilting thread out there is just not cutting it for me. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. I don't know. I am going to buy a stool of this kind and see how it woks for me. Congrats on your find.

love Star thread it does glide so nicely...i am using a verigated thread from YLI and ohhhh i love it also. There really is something to be said for quality thread..though we can make do with what we have i much prefer the better threads.

I plan on handquilting. So thanks for the heads up.

Thanks for the tip

I am planning to go to Jo Ann's this weekend, and I will definitely look for this thread. What kind of needle do you use?

Thanks for the tip!

I like Star thread for machine quilting and sewing. Don't always find it in Joann's. Lately I've been using thread from Connecting Threads and like it very much, very little lint and hardly any thread breaking while sewing. May in Jersey

I have used the Star thread for years..it is fantastic..but so is the YLI!

Superior now has variegated thread that is thinner than King Tut. It is So Fine and that is my favorite thread. They have also come out with thread specifically for hand quilting. Www.superiorthreads.com

Star thread at Joanns may be under a diferent name by Coats and Clark. But it is the same linty thick thread. Connecting Threads is also Star thread packaged just for CT.

Be sure it's for quilting- they have several brands, the higher the number the smaller the needle.
If you are new at hand quilting I would not get a needle too small yet. When you are further along you can.

My absolute FAVORITE thread for handquilting is Valdani 35 weight. It is not coated so I run it through bees wax to prevent knotting. I can easily cut a 36" length and not have it knot up on me. I simply slide it down the needle every 3rd or 4th needle full. It is wonderful thread made in Romania, I think. Can be found at some LQS and also ordered on line here:
http://www.thethreadexchange.com/miv...tton-35-weight

Our Joann's didn't have the thread in stock...so I had to get it at Joann.com online.

I use Richard Hemming & Son size 10 & 11.

Personally, I've only used YLI once and it knotted so bad that I had to crawl UNDER the frame to get the knots out of the BACK! I wanted to throw it out the window. I still have about 1/2 spool of it and I don't know why I keep hanging onto it. :(

I hear people rave about YLI and I just shake my head...I don't know why I had so much trouble with it.

That's the beauty of hand quilting...it doesn't make any difference if it is linty or not! :)

All I can say is this thread is the BEST I've ever used! :)