An excellent source for perle cotton...and lots more.
http://www.abcstitch.com/threads/fib...81012&name=DMC Pearl Cotton Balls - Size 12

I've done big stitch with sizes 5 and 8 perle cotton by hand and often use sizes 8 and 12 for machine quilting.

Thank you, ghostrider. What do you use in the bobbin when using the 8 and 12 for machine quilting?

Here is the link to Simply Quilts videos. Hope it helps!

http://www.hgtv.com/simply-quilts/video/index.html

If you go to Youtube and search for ' quilting with perle cotton ' you'll see some great video's, amongst others by Sarah Fielke. I did some lessons on Craftsy by her and I love the way she explains what she's doing.
A search fot ' big stitch quilting' givessome other results as well.

I use a matching color, regular cotton thread (30wt or 40wt) in the bobbin. The size 12 perle cotton can be used in the bobbin, but since I mostly make wall pieces and the back isn't seen, it seems like a waste for me to do that.

I normally avoid any handwork but took a class in Big Stitch/perle cotton/utility quilting and really enjoy it...don't tell my mom, she'll roll over in her grave! It is the same as what they used to call utility quilting.

She called Sulky and asked if they would send her a spool or two of the 12 to try out (she bought them) and they did. Pays to ask.

I made a Bonnie Hunter scrappy quilt and hand quilted it using the utility stitch (large). I used perle cotton #8. It is perfect for my scrappy look. My stitches are too large, but it works for me. I probably will not hand quilt one again because it took forever, but I love my scrappy quilt. I wanted a quilt the kids could take out in the yard or on the boat, so this one is perfect.

I've been doing big stitch quilting with #8 perle cotton for years.
I've also used Sulky 12 wt. threads, old candle wicking threads, Sashiko threads, and #10 crochet thread, often in contrasting color to show off the stitches.

I prefer John James #3 -5 between needles (I have some nerve issues in my hands and have trouble with feeling a needle with my fingers.)
I quilt with wool batting or Quilter's Dream Cotton Select. My stitches are about 6 inches to the inch (counting top of quilt only).

Love, love, love this method!!

Jan in VA

I took a class in big stitch last year at the Gathering in Nashua, NH. I love sulky 12 weight for hand embroidery, too.