Quiting thread that stands out and shows up.
 

Most of the time I use 50/3 thread for quilting and decide on color/contrast whether I want it to show or not. I also have some 40wt thread so I am familiar with it. Now I want to add a very showy feather design on a wall hanging. I'd prefer not to stitch over and over again - rather I'd prefer a thick line to start.

What weight do you use for thick lines and can you recommend a brand? Or do you build up to the desired thickness by quilting over the same lines again?

I am venturing into uncharted territory.......

For a thicker line, I usually use 40 weight, however, I normally use 70 weight, so there's a bigger difference for me. I choose my quilting pattern carefully because I don't like the look of a lot of backtracking with the heavier threads. I don't know if I actually split the previously quilted thread when I lay down a new line of thread or what, but it looks messy to me. I try an use a quilting design with not a lot of backtracking. When I use the heavier thread, I often use the same color in the bobbin, but my normal 60-70 weight. I'll have to look up the brands...
I think you will have to experiment a bit.

I've used Sulky 12 wt with a Jeans needle size 18 on my Juki. It worked very well. But it's better to do a quilting design with no backtracking involved when you're using such a heavy thread.

I have a friend who used King Tut (Superior) on a quilt, and quilted the pattern twice to make it stand out. It definitely did, it was beautiful!

Wonderfil thread also makes a 12 wt you can run through your machine called Spaghetti.

another option to get your showy bit to stand out is to do trapunto and heavy backfill which results in your motif popping up in relief. I am currently working on a project that does just that and the resulting motif really pops. Edited to add, the backfil is done in a highly contrasting metallic so that also adds to the effect.

Ooooh can you post a pic? Inquiring minds would love to see!

I can once I get home. I don't have the picture loaded on the computer I am on right now.

Sulky 12 weight! Wonderful color selection and nice to use

40wt would work. Have you thought of using 2 threads at one time, possibly making one a metallic thread? You'd need a large eyed needle for 2 threads but its doable. Getting ready to try it out myself. I picked up size 21 needles at the quilt show just for this purpose. I use embroidery metallic thread 40wt with no problems or thread breaks.

OK, I'll go with the Sulky - those colors are simply luscious. Thanks for the pointers. Snooze2978 I am not ready to venture into the 2-thread arena. I will be happy to just work with a single strand of the thick thread. Will keep that suggestion in mind though. Good luck with the metallic thread - I hear it's tough to work with.

Here is a picture of what I was talking about. On this particular example the back fill is more like thread painting. I did very tightly spaced back and forth lines and in some places "scribbled". I wanted the background to be gold and shiny as it is mandala radiating behind a goddess. The same effect can be reached with a less dense back fill.
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That is absolutely gorgeous. Mine will be MUCH MORE SIMPLE. I plan to do a simple foofy feather.

feline fanatic, OMG. Hoping you will post it in its entirety when finished?
& that's some spicy trapunto too...going to have to research more of that beautiful technique....

I use Superior's Magnifico for stand out quilting. I liked it when I saw Judi Madsen (Green Fairy) using it.

a 40 wt or 30 tex to stand out.

I use 40wt, but I also sometimes couch pearl cotton in a quilting pattern. Did that on some quilts for the dementia folks so they could feel it.

I use Superior Sew Sassy 12 wt. The whole set of all colors were on sale for 70% off not long ago. Best bargain I found in two years for thread!

Aurifil also has a 12 weight thread. I'm actually currently quilting a customer quilt with it (Clemson). My intention had more to do with the color (orange) rather than the intent of the thread "standing out", but it DOES show up really well.
And, as usual, I'm not having any issues with it (I LOVE Aurifil threads!!). Yes, they're a little linty, but it's worth it to me to know that I'm probably not going to have any issues - no breaks, no shredding, no skipped stitches.

I'm using my largest needle (Gros-Beckert #21) in my longarm for this.
I'll try to post pics once I get home this evening.

Here's a link to one place that shows the available colors:
http://redrockthreads.com/aurifil-th...FdJLDQodDV4M3g

Good to know that there are options.

OMG That is amazing!!!! Love it!!

hats off to Feline Fanatic for a gorgeous guilt. You must have spent hours on this section alone.