I have been using "machine thread" Coats & Clark for machine piecing, and Hand Quilting Thread because ... I hand quilt! I test every spool of thread I use - if I can break it with my hand, it goes into the trash. Just received my first order of thread from Connecting Threads and am excited about finally getting the "perfect colors!" Duh, I bought their fabrics, no surprise they had coordinating thread!

i use the same threads for both piecing and quilting...and applique (if i'm not using silk) and basting and...well you see...i don't stress too much over the threads, as long as they match and don't break every few inches they are usable in my book :thumbup:

It's what you like. Everyone has their own favorites... If you feel like it, maybe pick úp a spool of a different weight and play a bit.

I've used Aurifl 50wt for both piecing and quilting and it worked fine.

Right now I'm loving Presencia 60wt for piecing - great stuff, the seams are really flat and sharp with such a thin thread.

Also playing with YLT glazed quilting thread for medium-sized fmq meandering and feather quilting at the moment, and loving the definition of the individual stitches. Preferring it over the Aurifil.

Tried quilting with a Gutermann 12wt, found it way too thick and heavy-looking for my taste.

Happy New Year!!!!

I use whatever thread floats my boat. I don't even know the weight of thread that is on my machine now...it is Gutterman, I know that. I'm steering away from C&C because it is very linty and my machine doesn't seem to like it. I have some CT thread, but haven't used it yet. It's for a special project, yet to be started.

I use connecting threads for both peicing and quilting with no problems. Mind you I don't have a long arm...I use my regualr machine

I also have a question about thread.....can you use serger thread for piecing and quilting??

I've always used size 50 for piecing and heavier for hand quilting. Machine quilting with heavier thread causes me to have to fill many more bobbins.... the extra thickness takes up more room. As long as I use the same thread on top and bobbin it's fine. If you mix sizes, the tension will get messed up. I have lots of thread..... I find thread stashes at auctions, estate sales, and yard sales. I collect the wooden spools and if the thread is still strong, I use it. I have lots of colors for applique that way.

I wouldn't use serger thread for piecing and quilting. It doesn't seem to be wound enough to give the strength you need in a single seam. The strength from serged seams comes from the many strands that are sewn so close together. If you look at serger thread under a magnifying glass it's not as thick or strong.

One more thing..... I always try to use 100% cotton thread for quilts. Polyester is so strong that it can cut your fabric like a knife over time. I figure that if I'm making a quilt from cotton, I should use cotton to sew it..... that's all our great grandmothers had to sew with and some of those quilts have lasted for many many years.

i'll piece w/ Coats & Clark or gutterman thread - it's what's in my stash. I'm using whatever color is in the drawer for piecing.

I LOVE the glazed cotton from YLI for my handquilting. Sadly, no one around here sells it - i['ll have to get it online.