I use large spools in 5 basic colors for piecing, not cones. I have nothing against cone thread - just don't know where to buy 50# cotton thread in cones. The cotton thread cones I've ordered in the past, I have returned because the thread is too thin (clearly intended for serging). There's a reason why 50# cotton thread is recommended for quilts. :) My 5 basic colors are black, white, light gray, medium grey and beige. I do buy matching thread if the overall quilt color is a specific color, say a mostly blue quilt will get blue thread.

I haven't been able to regularly sew in the past couple of years, but under normal conditions, once a year, I take all my partially used spools used for quilting and sew up a scrap quilt until I run out of thread. My sister occasionally gives me thread that is part of a auction box, but I normally use that only in car quilts where I'm sewing to a foundation. I had too many seams pop due to old thread and it's a nonissue when you sew to a foundation.

I have always used the regular sized spools, but I am fascinated with the big cones. I am sure they last a really long time.

Serging thread is made to be used with three or more threads together making it strong. It will not hold up for piecing. Many call any thread on a cone serger thread because that was the common way for thread to be sold for sergers. You can buy great 50wt and 60wt thread on a large cone from Superior Threads. Most all quality thread is sold on a cone as well as a spool.

I buy the large cones (3,281 yards)of Gutermann cotton 50wt thread. I usually pay about $14 per cone which is a lot less expensive than $1.79 for the small spools.

I like Precensia for piecing and SITD, I bought a large cone of neutral and it seems endless. It's expensive at around $30 a cone (if I recall correctly) but I'm still working on my first one so I'm not worried about the cost. I also like Aurifil, I have that in more colors so I use that for SITD more often, trying to match thread colors to quilt top colors.

I like Connecting Threads' thread for FMQ and any other decorative stitching, because it's thicker and I want those stitches to stand out. That thread is super inexpensive if you catch it on sale; I have purchased one or two spools in every color they offer so in theory I always have the "right" color of thread on hand. It doesn't quite work out that way but close enough for me. I really like having a rainbow of thread in my stash.

I also sometimes use the CT polyester cones, but even though I'm not sure I believe it makes a difference I still hear my grandmother telling me to never use polyester thread on cotton fabrics so I don't quite feel right doing it. I tend to use it mostly on quilts for myself because of that.

I use only Mettler and stay away from any cones. I use the large spool of 813 which is a prefect shade of gray for piecing.

My usual piecing and quilting thread is Superior So Fine! #50, on the cones. The cone is a bit expensive but turns out to be a LOT cheaper than the spool, per yard. I do have a variety of spools, for when I want a smaller amount of a specific color.

I have one large cone that is a heavier thread, maybe upholstery weight. Have used it for quilting and it worked fine. Think I got it for under $5 somewhere on clearance. Put a small spool inside it to fit on my spool pin.

I use the extra large spool/straight cone neutrals by C&C on a regular basis. I wrap a couple layers of craft foam inside the center and just use it on my regular spool pin.

If I'm wanting a particular color thread then I use my array of regular/large size spools of thread.

Mostly use the neutrals now that I'm getting away from my "thread must match as closely as possible" garment construction background mindset.

The best cone or spool thread holder is this one: I gave all my others away even the ornate pretty one from Connecting Threads (my granddaughter wanted that one for her room). Forget the price, you will never regret having this holder. http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/...srAaAt8S8P8HAQ