You gals seem to share a lot of interesting views and I was wondering what is the most popular thread to use when
piecing and also doing free motion. I was using all cotton
and now use some polyester but don't know which is
really the best.

Hello from North carolina.

Different people will tell you different things so be ready for that. I use 100% cotton thread for everything and like Aurifil and Mettler, but they are expensive so I often buy Gutterman on sale at Joanns.

Next time I do a Connecting Threads order, I'm going to buy some of their threads. It's a great deal (1200 yds for $2.49) and the reviews are mixed, but it's worth a shot :)

Welcome from Arkansas! I can always use a refresher on thread!

HI from Kentucky..we use a poly blend and have never had a problem with it

Welcome Ardell!
I have been using all cotton for both piecing and quilting ... but after a workshop with a local thread expert and seeing her samples, I'm expanding to include other threads ... I had always thought that the 'stronger' polyester would stress the cotton in the quilt.

But I wouldn't go with the cheapest, good quality thread will behave and perform better in your project. Some machines are a tad picky too, some threads end up being 'linty'.

hey from alaska! i started out cotton only and silky finish cotton for top work. my local lqs lady said there's nothing wrong using poly. but, i'd have to say personal preference. and yes, buy good thread.

My favorite thread is sulky rayon, it has a nice shine and does not have all the cotton lint left behind. Now that being said, some machines are picky,some people are picky, we all have our pros and cons as to why we do the things we do, I say use the thread you like for what you are making, if you are piecing no one will see it, if quilting then use what you like the most, just have a good time. Happy quilting

Welcome to the board from Southern California!!!!

Different people use different thread for different reasons. It probably doesn't matter all that much, it's what you are happy with. I was told in the beginning (a couple years ago0 that a good quality cotton thread was the best, so that's what I use. On wall hangings & things that aren't going to get laundered much, I use what I have. I have more colors in poly than I do in cotton, so that is easier. For a larger quilt, I'll purchase the thread I need (cotton). Sometimes I've used invisible thread, as my FMQ is not that great yet & the invisible thread covers a lot of mistakes....:-)

My DH bought out a closing store's supply of good quality cotton wrapped poly thread, including their large thread rack. I liked it just fine, but my sewing machine expert said it was linting more than it should. I found he was right, so stopped using them. Mainly, I use Signature threads, which work pretty well for me. Aurifil is somewhat better, but MUCH more expensive. I also prefer to use the large cones so I am not always changing threads. I detest Star threads.

I suggest you try out what is readily availible to you and make up your own mind.

Hi and welcome from Ohio. I use a variety of threads for quilting, but for piecing I like Connecting Threads cotton.

welcome from s california

Welcome from WI!

Welcome from Louisiana! I am lucky in that my DH worked at a garment factory for 25 years. When they closed he purchased boxes of cones for me. I use that for piecing and FMQ on my Bernina. It will do anything! On my Innova LAM I use King Tut b/c that's what was recommended when we purchased it, and other threads I've tried breaks much too often.

Welcome from Colorado.I use what ever i have handy. :roll:

Welcome from Georgia. I use Superior So Fine thread when piecing. For quilting, I use Mettler Silk Finish on the top and Superior Bottom Line in the bobbin.

It boils down to a combination of personal preference and what you machine(s) like. :D:D:D

Thank you all for the big response on my question.
I learned not to use Coats & Clark as it is linty amd the
better brands do work better.
Now another question.
Does anyone have a Qbot and if you do would you
recommend them to others. I saw a demo and was
impressed but I am waiting for my dealer to get the
Bernina one that comes out in March.

I love NC and visited my brother Pete there several times.
I talk to my sis-in-law every night in NC and she would
like me to come and live there but I have so much
sewing equipment I couldn't pack it all. We went to
Moorhead one time and I loved it there. My brother
Pete was retired from the marines. Thank you for your
reply

Hi and welcome from New York. I use whatever I can find that works with the color of the fabrics I plan on using. I mostly buy cotton threads but have purchased polys and they work just fine also.

Hello from Western Maryland !!

I usually use whatever I have on hand,getting ready to order some from Connecting Threads,I have heard good things about it and want to try it.