I always use 50 wt Essentials thread from Connecting threads to piece & to quilt. I really like the thread & the price but would like your input on using it for both piecing & quilting . I was just wondering if a lighter wt or a heavier wt would be better for the actual quilting. Or do you use the same for everything? Thank you for the help

i have no idea but i bet someone will

I believe it's a matter of choice. I love CT essentials and do use it for both. But I also use heavier threads on some quilts. It depends on the 'look' I want to achieve. May I suggest you try a few different threads on some practice sandwiches and see which you like better.

I use Connecting Threads thread for piecing and quilting. Works great for both and I have never had a problem with it.

I only use 50 wt. for piecing, but sometimes use 40 or 30(heavier) for quilting. It's all based on preference and the amount of quilting you prefer in your quilts. If you use heavier than 50 wt. in piecing you will have to change your needle position to get the scant 1/4". If you do a LOT of quilting or thread painting then 50 or even lighter 60 wt. may be more what you're looking for. Honestly, I've got a thread stash going and enjoy the freedom of my different weights, colors and variety to choose from!

I go with Coats and Clark for the most part.

I haven't tried Connecting Threads thread, but I do use 50wt Aurifil for both piecing and quilting with no problems.

I like something heavier than 50wt for quilting :D:D:D

I use Connecting Threads thread for piecing and for quilting. I think it is a good thread to use in Stitch-in-the-ditch work where the quilting doesn't show much.

I also like to use Star thread (from Coats and Clark). Recently, I started to branch out and play with thicker threads and decorative types for quilting.

I use whatever color matches or contrasts with the fabric. Otherwise, I don't pay much attention to the thread name, just use whatever is in my thread box. I have, however, removed the threads that are on wooden spools and am keeping them for crazy quilting where lots of different ones are used. That way no one spool will be essential to the structural safety of the lap robes.
The wooden spools are much older than the more modern plastic holders and I'm not too sure they are worthy of using in a kids' much loved and much washed lap quilt.

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.

I use all different weights, depending on heaviness of materials used and effect I wish to create. Twelve weight is the heaviest cotton that will go through the needle, so to avoid bobbin work I often use twelve weight if I want stitching to stand out and be noticed. If i want it to blend in i use the lighter weight threads.

Wow! Thanks everyone for all of your great advice. I only use Essential from Connecting Threads but think I'm going to try some different threads too. I don't usually experiment much because I'm afraid I will screw something up but after all of your input I'll try different threads.