Im just now getting back in to quilting after over 20 years. I think i've forgotten everything I once thought I knew, if that makes any sense.
Is it a rule of thumb that your quilting thread shouldnt show? After looking at some of the quilts on here, im ready to ripe all my quilting out and start over. Im not that far alng yet so its no biggie, but im just curious if the thread should not show on the top of your quilt. I swear, I feel like a beginner all over again. :?

No matter how you are quilting, by hand or machine the thread will show- that is the point. The question is do you want the thread to stand out or blend with the fabric?

I always want my thread on top to show. Sometimes it makes the quilt. If you have been gone from quilting for awhile, you may want to look at some of the sites for all of the different types of thread. I love King Tut from Superior Threads.

I honestly didnt know the difference. Mine looks like dotted designs and being I have black borders and using cream colored quilt thread, it shows.
Being this is the first quilt in a hundred years for me, im just using the random buzy bee stitch. Im quilting by hand. So, I guess its ok then?

Im using coats quilting thread. I dont know one thread from the other right now. I think i can clasify myself as a complete beginner now.

welcome to the board. you will see the same advice repeated on the board... It's YOUR quilt, do what you want :)

LOL Good advice...... Thanks!

That's the look I try for: lines of dots making designs. So if you're wrong, I'm right there in the boat with you.

My dots are more like little short lines maybe 1/16" long each and spaced about the same distance apart.

HI and welcome to the board from Iowa. I like my stitching to show (or blend) depending on what my intended outcome is.

even if you used invisible thread your quilting would show- that is part of the quilting---the only thing to be concerned about is consistancy===as in the stitches should be as even- same size=as possible.
and it's supposed to be an enjoyable hobby--- no point in (sweating the small stuff) even if your stitches don't start out all that even- that's no reason to be undoing- you can only strive to do better as you get more experience.

I have hand quilted some and yes the quilting is supposed to show. I'll bet you are good too. Just get going and enjoy.

Of course your stitches are going to show--some. Depending on what size you make them.

What is taught now is that it is not the size of your stitches that matter it is the consistent size of your stitches that matter. Because stitches that are a different size will not be pretty!!

Just keep going at it and be glad you can do as good as you do.

Chris

Hello and welcome to the board from MO.

I couldn't have said it better. Sometimes you want the quilting to show and other times, you want it to blend in with the fabrics. That is why invisible thread was invented. Please don't be so hard on yourself. There is no reason to berate yourself. Leave that to the quilters who compete in quilt shows!! Post a picture and maybe we can give you additional advice.

Well, thats good to know. My stitches are consistant. I was thinking I remembered the stitches needed to be near invisable and very close together as in near touching one another with a slight pucher between each. Thats the way I used to hand quiilt but these old eyes arent what they used to be,even with readers on.. Thanks for the inspiration. Its nice to be amoung the pros! You guys are good!

This is my quilt I'm working on. Told you it was nothing fancy but I do love the colors.

Sounds wonderful to me!! Welcome back to quilting!! Enjoy!!!

Whoaa.... just saw your beautiful quilt!! Great job...

Thank you so much Running. I truly appreciate the compliment and thank you for the welcome mat too!

I want a little of my thread to show. I am working on a small quilt for my Daughter-in-law. She wants the stitches to be big on it. I guess it depends on the person and what they like.

I made a scrappy quilt years ago and Quilted it with three stands of embroidery thread for my daughter.It turned out really pretty she said. Now it belongs to her daughter who is a 7 y/o.

This is just as right as rain! Welcome back to quilting. As far as the thread not showing, you may be remembering that you don't want your piecing thread to show at your seams. Sometimes if you have loose stitching, when you press your seam open the thread will show. It is not a sin but not as attractive as a nice smooth clean seam and loose stitching leads to weak seams.

Enjoy your hand quilting and let it show ! :thumbup: :thumbup:

EDIT: Just saw your beauty. Could you give me some tips. It is FABULOUS!
peace

Thanks Ube. That helps. Yes, i remember that now. I used to always press my seams to one side to the darker color instead of open. Dd it with this one too.. I pieced this one with a machine and all the seams are nice a tightly uniform so no problems there. I have my tention set at number 2.

ETA. me? Give you tips? I wish I was far enough in to it that I could help others but as you see, im starting from scratch myself. LOL

After all that work, I want my stitches to show! Whether it is discreet (thread blends in with the quilt) or not so discreet (thread contrasts with the quilt) is simply a design decision. Your quilt, your choice.

Thank you Carole. Im liking this forum already. Hehe!

Welcome from another hand quilter. Keep going. I bet you're doing great.

welgome to the world of quilting from iowa

welcome back to quilting. To make the stitches kinda hide depends on the tread you decide to use. so many different colors and types of thread out there. just enjoy and have fun. Don't stress

Sounds like this will be really pretty! Be sure to show us a picture when it's completed. I've been quilting for less than 2 yrs now and I learn at least one new thing everyday from this board, quilt sites, quilt magazines or quilting friends.

Theer are no Quilt Police (at least not officially) so if your happy it's okay. Welcome from Tyler.

Thanks for all the inspiration here! I just read a thread about stitching from the back. Very good idea on some quilts. I'll have to try that next time. Yep, I'm learning quite a bit already and have only been on the board a day.
I love the idea of no quilting police. That drives me nuts. Just plain old good common sense works. Thatnks ya'll!

I am learning to fmq and prefer not to showcase my mistakes, so I use a top thread in a color that will blend in, changing colors where needed.

Welcome from Cajun Country Louisiana! I'm a new quilter too.....I also hand quilt, not brave enought yet to FMQ.....I was always told by my grandmother (bless her soul) that your thread had to blend....so that is what I do.....

The only thing I can think of you are talking about where the thread would not show so much is applique. Where you attached flowers,etc. But, for the actual QUILTING to sandwich the 3 layers together, YOU WANT IT TO SHOW!!!~ Some even use different colored threads to show it off, even heavier weight threads. So, HAVE FUN and just sew and do it! Don't over think it... you'll never get anything done. It's yours, do what ya like.

Hello and welcome to the QB!!! Yes, your thread
will show on top and the back of your quilt.

Agreed... :-)

EXCELLENT! Thanks and thank you for the welcomes!

Hey it is your quilt and you are the designer. No quilt police are allowed.

Hey it is your quilt and you are the designer. No quilt police are allowed. Also A BIG WELCOME FROM EAST TENNESSEE

Howdy ! LOL