Do you keep your thread single when hand quilting or double it? I've only been quilting since December and I've been doubling, but wonder if I'm doing it wrong (I'm basically self taught). Thanks for any advice!

single thread here

I use single thread also.

I've been using single thread.

I did try double on a block I was wanting to accentuate the design of the fabric with the quilting, but did not achieve the effect I wanted, so still trying to figure out how to make it look like my mental image.

single for me too

Always single here.
In fact, I've never seen it done with a doubled thread, even on the many, many antique quilts I have or have seen.

If you have doubled your thread for strength, perhaps you'd like the threads made particularly for hand quilting such as Mettler 40 wt. cotton or YLI Hand quilting thread. Many brands make a "quilting" thread.

These threads are generally a slightly heavier/thicker weight; sometimes they have a bit of sheen, or stiffner, or 'waxed' feel to them. When I use a thread that does not have this, I run along the cut thread with a little round of beeswax which I buy at Joannes. There is a substance called Thread Heaven, which comes in the tiniest little square navy blue box, which serves this same purpose.

At shows you'll see a high quality of hand quilting, but generally there's no right or wrong way to quilt your own work!

Single thread, use bee's wax or thread heaven.

It's single thread for me. :wink:

Single thread here, too.

[quote=Jan in VA]Always single here.
In fact, I've never seen it done with a doubled thread, even on the many, many antique quilts I have or have seen.

If you have doubled your thread for strength, perhaps you'd like the threads made particularly for hand quilting such as Mettler 40 wt. cotton or YLI Hand quilting thread. Many brands make a "quilting" thread.

These threads are generally a slightly heavier/thicker weight; sometimes they have a bit of sheen, or stiffner, or 'waxed' feel to them. When I use a thread that does not have this, I run along the cut thread with a little round of beeswax which I buy at Joanne's. There is a substance called Thread Heaven, which comes in the tiniest little square navy blue box, which serves this same purpose.


What she said!
Karen

I was taught to use a single thread. My teacher was my MIL who comes from a long line of Mennonite quilters so I consider her my source. All the ladies at the church quilting bees used single threads as well.

There is a difference between the handquilting thread and the cotton thread you use in your sewing machine. NEVER use handquilting thread in your sewing machine because it is coated with a waxy substance that will gum up your machine. There are a couple brands at some popular stores that are easy to mix the two up. I finally noticed the spool was a different color (but not obviously so).

I always use beeswax (even on quilting thread) to make it easier to handle. I always use a tween needle. Wish those suckers could thread themselves. It seems the eyes just get smaller and smaller. :roll: Pretty soon I'm going to have to add a magnifying glass to my needlenose pliers when I'm handquilting.

Sandra,
Were you talking about quilting or piecing the blocks? I am learning too and when I first started piecing I doubled my thread because it felt stronger and honestly it was easier to tie a knot ;-) Now I am using a single thread and I like it better-it doesn't tangle as much. I haven't made it to the quilting stage yet.

Definitely single. You will be amazed at how much easier your quilting will be with just the one strand.

For me single thread, too! I always use hand quilting thread and I love to do tiny little stitches... it looks great when the thtread is a few shades lighter or darker than the fabric.

I have seen professional quilters do it with only one thread so that is what you must use.

I machine piece, so I'm referring to the hand quilting. And one of the reasons I began to think single was the correct way was because of all the tangles.

As for beeswax - I've never heard of this (again, self taught). Do you just put it on your fingers and run it along the thread before you begin?

Some beeswax pieces are sold in a little plastic box with guides for you to run the thread through. Otherwise, place the thread between a finger and wax and pull it through (you are essentially sliding the thread against the surface of the beeswax. Using your finger just helps keep it against the surface. I wish is were closer to show instead of tell. There are other thread conditioners you can use, this is just the one I was taught.

And what does the wax do? I do use hand quilting thread already. Would I need the wax? Thanks for your help on this. I love this site. I feel like I'm getting free lessons. When I say 'self taught' I'm not giving all of you enough credit. I've learned SO much from this site! Thanks again.

I have used several different brands of thread... some tend to get tangled and wear faster, these I use wax for. coats and clark I never have trouble with, and needs no wax at all.

The wax helps to prevent tangles in the length of thread and helps it slide through the fabric easier -- in some cases. Some hand quilting thread does not need it, it comes already "conditioned". You'll pretty much know if you need wax as you use the thread and it frustrates you by twisting and knotting up easily.

I hold the thread length against the wax with my right thumb while slowly pulling the thread along the wax. Then I knot.

Jan in VA

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

Single, and now I am going to try to find beeswax!

I know that I have some of that beeswax in a small container as you describes but with my house in a shambles at the moment I cannot find it.

I did go on this site. Maybe I am a little slow. I could not understand how to find the hand quilting thread on this site. Does all of their thread come on the big cones?????