I find that using beeswax reduces friction on threads and prevents shredding (and tangling or knotting unintentionally). It does help to use the right size needle, 18 inches of thread or less, and pulling your stitches straight (not tugging them back toward yourself since that tends to put unnecessary wear on threads). I am far from expert but I've done a couple wholecloth quilts.

Whom, That is interesting. I have been using double thread all this time. I guess I need to switch to single thread.

I use a single thread. I always use quilting thread, not regular sewing thread. Quilting thread is sturdier than sewing thread, and is also a little "stiff," which makes it tangle less and is easier to get through the quilt fabric.

My first wallhanging I doubled thread quilted it. I was taeching my self how to quilt. I had no idea! I don't think the pattern I had even mentioned that in the instructions. But I found out when I showed a friend of mine that has been quilting for years - what did you use a double thread for?!!? Now I'll read the rest of the replies and see what they say.

If you are having tangling thread problems, read these suggestions:

www.quiltingboard.com/t-64567-1.htm.

I am new to quilting, but have sewn all my life. I didn't know that it mattered which end of the thread you put the knot in, but apparently it does. I will definitely try this next time!

Oops! See if this link works!

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-64567-1.htm

i use a single strand of quilting cotton. my favorite thread for this is YLI Glazed quilting cotton on the big wooden spools.

Where do you find this thread and does it come in different colors? I have noticed that the hand quilting thread that I use is not as heavy as the ones that my mom used when I was growing up.

You can normally buy good quality hand quilting thread at a quilt store or there are some very good on line sources. One of my favs is jhittle.com...great prices and they have just about anything you can think of. They say they are a wholesaler (and they are), but you can buy from them too.

single thread and beeswax