Question about hand quilting
 

Hi, I would like to know what kind of thread and marker pen are your favourite for hand quilting.

YLI thread. I use the same marking pen for hand quilting as I do for machine quilting (Crayola Ultra Clean).

I also like YLI quilting thread the best.

I buy hand quilting thread, can remember the brand right now, but I usual mark with masking tape. If it is curved then I use a special quilting pencil. It is a mechanical pencil for marking quilts and it was given to me many years ago.

YLI hand quilting waxed thread. Mark with a HB2 pencil, or a cayola washable colored marker where you cant see the pencil lines

I primarily use Gutterman thread as that is what is easily locally available to me but I also use Coats & Clark and the JoAnn's Americana brand. I also use Thread Heaven to condition the thread and reduce tangles.

For marking I generally use a plain old #2 mechanical pencil for marking on light fabrics and also have a Bohin mechanical pencil with white lead for marking on dark fabrics.

I use Gutterman thread and I like to use an air soluable marker if possible or a water soluable if I need it to stay on longer.

I use Valdani 35 wt thread for hand quilting. Roxanne #11 needles. For marking I use many different tools. 1/4" masking tape for echoing seams and wider for cross hatch, clover chaco liner (use only white!! The colors don't always come out, I learned that the hard way), ceramic lead mechanical pencils, hera markers, chalk (both regular school style chalk in white and chalk pencils in gray and white), Saral and Transdoodle wax free transfer paper and I have even used pencil over starched fabric. Pencil is risky, it doesn't always come out. I have been very lucky and the starch acted as a sort of film on the fabric to keep the lead from embedding into the fibers. Back when I hand quilted I marked as I went. One time I marked a quilt in its entirety and a lot of the marks had rubbed off before I got to that area as I quilt with a lap hoop so the quilt rubs against itself and is manipulated a lot.

I use the same Gutterman as I do for piecing (great way to use up ends of spools and bobbins.) I mark with faint pencil, white chalk or air disappearing purple pen.

For applique I use "Invisifil" thread which is about the thickness of hair! (or seems so)

I don't hand quilt much anymore but back in the olden days, all that there was was C&C.

Thanks for all your answers. Gutterman and Coats are the only threads available in my area. I'll be looking on the web for your recommendations. Thanks again.

I prefer Mettler quilting thread. It glides smoothly through the layers without needing Thread Heaven or whatever. I do find it important to use a shorter piece of thread to help with tangles - a foot or so max. I don't usually mark as I usually outline my pieces about 1/4" from the seams. When I do mark, I use painter's tape (the blue kind with a rough surface). I never have luck with blue marking pens washing back out, but I also have trouble washing out pencil lines, even tho our foremothers used pencil.

All the above. I use what matches/contrasts depending on the quilt. I have had great success with the Ultra-Washable Crayola Markers. BUT I always wash my quilts before gifting.

I was a Frixon pen lover. I have had some not completely iron out recently. Have a friend who couldn't get her lines to go away. She tried ironing, washing, ink remover and couldn't get it off. Just be careful. I'm not using them any longer.
I do realize it might be what the fabric is treated with but not taking the chance
Robin in TX

I always use 100% cotton thread when I am hand quilting and I have used various brands with good results. I like to use marking pens than iron out and if I am using a stencil for the quilting pattern I like to have a sharp point. One of my favorite markers is a used piece of bath soap. I let the slivers of soap dry out and they are perfect for marking on darker fabrics and I always wash my quits when they are finished so the soap is gone without any residue.

I use "hand quilting" thread because it is a little thicker (or feels like it) with the coating on it. I usually use C&C.