Large cone or small spools
 

Which do you use most on your DM for piecing? Because I use natural or grey on all piecing, I use the large cones....but, since I got my machine back from its "general service"' it is acting up....i.e., NOW it's skipping stitches, and last night I wanted to zig something and it was not consistent in its zigs. Seems the service did more harm then good.....besides, the repairman (hubby of store owner) just passed suddenly and unexpected....so my little dilemma will have to wait.....fortunately I have a Viking that does everything without a hassle.......so back to my original question..........

I started using serger thread cones so I wouldn't go broke just buying thread. 3K yards for $2.50 can't be beat

I'm too cheap to buy an adapter so I hang it upside down from my chandalier with a paper clip, rubber band and binder clip.

I used well over 3K yards in the quilt I just made so I need cheap thread!

I don't use serger thread, as I was told it is not strong enough to use as sewing thread...in a serger it is one of many in a totally different stitch pattern...? I use a poly wrapped cotton sewing thread....get it from WAWAK usually. Have mine in one of those cone holders.......your thread path sounds interesting!

I use cones and splurged on an adapter for a whopping $5 (I bought mine decades ago so it was probably only $4 when I got it)

http://www.walmart.com/ip/24548339?w...801872&veh=sem

I would, however, advise against using serger thread for piecing. Serger thread is notoriously weak as it is not meant to be used as the only thread in a seam but serged with multiple strands.

LOL Geri B we were posting at the same time! Great minds think alike

I use large cones of ILY thread in light grey for everything. It's polyester and is great (no link in my bobbin area). I did splurge for a portable adapter from connecting threads but have saved the cost of it with using the large cone instead of small spools already. I love this system.

I bought large spools (not serger) of C&C (1200 yards) for about $6. It's mercerized and I've had no problems with it.

I use Essential Threads from Connecting Threads (and it is also what I generally use to FMQ). I use the spools that are $2.79 for 1200 yards. I used 4-5 for the FMQ on my kingsized that was VERY quilted.

I generally just piece with leftovers from FMQ spools or colors that are close that I got on a thread sale at CT.

The thread I've been using feels just like regular all purpose thread to me. It's not that really thin stretchy stuff they use in garments.

Right now I'm using up all the threads that came when my mother came to live with me. Using up all the lightest colors first and moving on to the darker shades when working on a dark quilt. Of course if the thread is on a wood spools I just toss it as I'm sure its too old and will break or at least I'm thinking it will. I was shocked when I noticed how high the price of thread has gotten in recent years so when I find a good sale on white or light colored all purpose threads I stock up. If I can find it in the cone size, more the better. Its amazing how much thread we go thru in putting a quilt together.

I'm also using some quilting thread that came with my quilt machine as it seems it doesn't like it so why waste it. I'm sure it would work now that I've gotten used to the machine and know how to adjust the tension but just never got around to it plus "pink" is not my color and have yet to quilt a top needing pink thread.

I also use cones. I have a stand alone thread stand, and my Viking Diamond has an adaptor that lets me put it right on the machine. I think serger thread isn't strong enough when used as a single strand.

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

For piecing on my DM, I only use Aurifil, large spool. Yeah, it's kinda pricey, but really like it as it help's me get the "scant" 1/4" when needed. I use CT large EssentialPro poly cones on my mid-arm.

DH purchased 15 spools of Serger thread at $1.00 a spool from a thrift store for me. So I am going thru that (maybe for a lifetime). But I only use it for Art hanging quilts and piecing, not quilting. It is very linty and I have to clean my machine often. A friend gave everyone in our Bee an inexpensive cone holder. It was a large empty jar of Jiff Peanut butter with a grommet in the center of the lid. The thread goes up thru the grommet and the cone bounces a little in the jar but it works great. I sit it behind my machine.

For piecing, I've been using Coats & Clark large spools for many years as I inherited them from my sister.

Love this holder too!!

I like to use the cones because they are more economical. I have several basic colors. I have a cheap thread stand that sits off to the right of my machine. I taped a closed safety pin to the top of the machine near the regular spool pins and pass the thread through it and thread the machine as usual. I know thread is rather expensive-especially smaller spools but so is fabric. Good quality thread presents far fewer issues than cheap thread. I watch for sales and use coupons. I use 50 or 60 weight thread to piece but usually use 30 or 40 weight to quilt with. I have started to use Bottom Line (a polyester) to STID and like it far more than the more traditional invisible poly thread.

I have several of the really big Aurifil cones - 6,400 yards or something like that. I have just a regular old thread stand and it works just fine. I expect those cones to last a long long time. I usually will buy Isacord big spools for quilting if I need a color that isn't just my usual neutrals.

The myth that poly thread is bad for cotton has been disproved many times.
There are three different types of poly thread, filament, spun, and tribal. When someone has a problem with poly thread, it's probably because they are using the wrong type for the job they are doing.

I have so many spools of thread left over from the days when I made clothes for my girls that I am still using them to piece quilt tops after 5 years of making quilts! I use what won't show through, regardless of color to piece.

That looks like the one for me. Just watched the viedo and it looks easy enough to use. Thanks for the link to the viedo.

I use Prescencia 60/3 thread on cones for piecing and for quilting. 60 wt. thread is finer than 50 wt, but since it is 3-ply, it is just as strong. I purchased black, white, grey and two shades of beige three years ago for $25 a cone. I was taking a class from Harriet Hargrave and she said it would seem like it lasts forever, and it does. I only use spools of thread when I'm doing topstitching or machine stitching a bindng and want to match the fabric.

I use the Aurifil Cotton 50 wt cones in a neutral color. It is a little expensive for each purchase but in the long run I'm saving money in not buying the regular spools. Do your calculations and see which is cost effective for you. My machine came with the cone holders.

I use both cones and smaller spools. Depends on what colors I'm needing. For scrappies, I use any color threads for piecing, and try to use up smaller amounts on spools and bobbins.
I watch for sales on threads, and buy a few at a decent price. I use various brands, and shop around. :)

When I can, I try to use thread already have, trying to use up the large number of spools I have acquired over the years. If I have to buy, I buy the large cones in a light gray or beige. It's the cheapest way to go.

My go to thread for piecing is Masterpiece...I think the color is graphite. I use a stand alone cone holder at home. When I go to class, I use a large coffee mug, clothespin a wooden ruler, put the thread in the coffee cup, thread the thread thru the top hole of the ruler and then into the machine. I have also seen a picture on Pinterest of a safety pin on the spool pin. You can then thread the thread thru the pin ...voila! Instant cone threader...

I now buy the larger cones in neutral colors that I use most often. I just learned from an instructor at MQX that you can put florist netting over your large spool and the thread will come off the spool more smoothly. When I was shopping the Superior Thread booth, they had a dozen of the nets in a bag for $3 something.

Superior threads and their titanium top stitch needles will solve 99% of all sewing machine problems!

For those of you who like the aurifil, massdrop has a deal going on right now. 2 big cones for $70, no shipping

I also use Superior Thread's So Fine #50 and love it. The large cones are a bit pricey, but if you go to their Try Me specials you can get a smaller cone of a little over 3,000 yards for under $6.00. Last week they were on sale for under $5.00! They only come in three colors: white (their #401), cream (#402) and putty (#403). I stock up when there is a sale!
I also like Connecting Thread's Essentials thread - very affordable and nice thread.

I use Star Cotton thread in large spools, it is 100% cotton, it comes in great colors and I pay $6.99 per spool. I haven't had any problems.

I really like the 100% poly from Connecting Threads. Big cone for about $6.