can you use serger thread to sew your quilt and would it be ok to quilt the quilt with the serger thread?

Thank you :)

Going to watch this post as I am curious also.

i have not pieced with it but i have quilted several quilts with polyester serger thread

I have pieced with JoAnn's cone (serger) thread for a long time. I have had my Bailey Home Quilter to almost 4 years and it uses the same thread. I have never had a problem. I make a lot of charity quilts and do not think the more expensive thread is necessary. I also use sheets on the backs of my quilts and that is frowned upon by some quilters. If I were making heirloom quilts, it might be a different story. For me, thread is thread.

June in Cincinnati

I use serger thread to piece all the time. I have never used it to quilt, but may try it. No quilt police around so use what ever thread, machine, fabric(s) you want. Remember our "fore-mothers" used what ever they had to make their quilts and some of those quilts are still with us. Enjoy your quilting time.
D

loves_2_quilt well said. Don't have a problem sewing with serger thread. Use it for all of my sewing. Serger thread works for me. Like things that work.

I have used serger thread to piece. It works just as well as any other. Some purists may disagree, but I use whatever is on hand.

about 20 years ago my mom bought up a whole (going out of business) store's maxi-lock serger thread- i bet 2000 cones- all different colors- we have been using up that thread for 20 years- neither of us use a serger- we sew with it- we quilt with it- we use it- it is strong- fine- great colors-
you can use any thread you want- as long as it works for you= there are as many different threads to choose from as there are patterns- well maybe not that many- but there is alot of wonderful thread on the market- try it all! you may just fall in love with something new. :thumbup:

Use serger cones all the time for quilting. You can find great deals on Ebay-never had a problem with any order from anyone when purchasing the 6000 yd cones.

I've used it a lot! It works well. When I first started sewing someone gave me three huge Rubbermaid tubs (the huge kind) full of unopened Serger thread. I use it. Works just fine.

But realize that it is usually 100% poly.

I know quite a few people who've made the mistake of using it. It's not strong-it needs 3-5 threads to serge a seam. The folks I know have had their quilts fall apart after repeated laundering.

My experience with using a serger is that it needs several cones in order to make the over-lock stitching system. In this use, there are several threads, but I do not feel the weight of the thread is inferior to any other threads. I cannot imagine anyone making a mistake by using it since so many people have used it for many years. I think it is more preference. It is a choice to say a person would say they choose to use only the more expensive threads. If you consider how many stitches go into a quilt while quilting it, one broken thread is certainly not going to be a disaster. The quilt will NEVER fall apart. I cannot understand that theory.

We all have ideas of what works for us and because I make my quilts to give away, the price of thread is taken into consideration. And I doubt the recipient would know what kind of thread was used.

June in Cincinnati

I'm going to be using it to quilt with as a top thread-- I like some of the varigated colors.

Marcia

I've tried quilting on my mid-arm with serger thread and ended up turning everyone's ears blue with my language. It kept shredding.

Count the threads that actually make the seam to hold the fabric together with a serger: 2 Count the threads that make a seam to hold the fabric together with a normal straight stitch: 2

If two pieces of thread can hold a seam together on slacks, they surely can hold it together in a quilt top.

I have used it for piecing, quilting, making clothes and crafts.

Actually on a 5 cone serger, there are only two threads that make the chain stitch seam. The other three represent the overcasting where the fabric is cut off.

I use serger thread, even embroidery thread for what I need done quilting and sewing wise and have had no issues. I have a small quilt that was done entirely in serger thread about 6 years ago and wash it at least 2 times a week for the past 6 years and it is still holding up well. In fact, I found no noticeable difference between in and the thread from Connecting Threads.

I use it alot! It is stronger than most give it credit... plus lots less lint with poly thread.

Thanks everyone on your input on the serger thread....

I was given 4 very large totes filled with serger thread of every color... and as I don't use my serger very much I wanted to know how it would be for quilting..

I guess I will use it for my quilts and will try using it to quilt the quilt also...

Thank you all so much :)

I have used it with good results on both piecing and midarm quilting.

I have used serger thread (2 ply) to piece for a long time. I do suggest that for strength that you shorten your stitch length. The new piecing specialty threads are also only 2 ply.

Yep, me too! I've never had a problem.

I have been using serger threads for quilting for years wirh no problems. The only times I use other threads are for embroidery (rAyon) or cotton when I sew potato bakers when all materials are to be cotton. I am careful to keep my threads out of sunlight.

I have used several different colors on some quilts that I have quilted. I like the way it seems to sink into the quilt. It is a finer thread, but works just fine to quilt with. I haven't had anything fall apart afterb quilting with it.

I use it for everything including my longarm. I attended an AQS class several yrs ago & the teacher used it for all her longarm quilting. That's when I started using it and I love the varigated from Hancock fabrics for the LA.

Yes, tht is what I generally use. It does hold up well too.

I use Serger thread to piece quilts. Works for me

I use a Pfaff for most piecing and a Bernina for my machine quilting and both machines like the seger thread I use it for both piecing and quilting most of the time I use to se maxi-lock but since they no longer make it I will see what the best brand is I have always been told just do not use the real cheapy stuff

I was given a large tub of serger thread with a lot of variety of colors. I was so disappointed when the dealer where I purchased my new machine told me not to use serger thread with it. After reading these posts I think I will try it anyway.....the machine is due for it's first service next month so guess I'll find out.

no! no! no!
Serger thread is a very weak thread. It does not have the strength to withstand quilting or the use of your quilt.
It is fine for the stitch it is intended for, since the strength is in the stitch, not the thread.
You CAN use it if you are serging your quilt edge before binding. I have done that, it keeps the layers compressed and it is easy to bind.
Please do not use serger thread for sewing or quilting you will be disappointed when the thread breaks and your beautiful quilting comes out.
D in TX

I agree with you!!!

June that is really good to know. I have a Bailey too and lots of cone thread from my serger. Since I rarely make clothing anymore I have lots! I thought about trying the serger thread on my Bailey but didn't want to press my luck.

Here's a site that tells you why you shouldn't use serger thread for quilting.

http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/blog.php/blog_id/3800

"Most serger thread on the market is the cheapest type of spun polyester thread. When used on a serger, multiple strands of this thread are over locked, resulting in a strong and secure stitch. However, if used as a single thread for quilting, it is weak and fluffy. It doesn't make sense to put two dollars worth of thread onto a $300 quilt. Inexpensive serger thread has a loose twist, is not very smooth, has lots of lint, and is not intended for single-strand use."

quality does count I have used it for years in lots of baby quilts multiple washings and dragging around still no broken threads it is mostly polyester so is stronger than cotton and a lot less linty but does depend on your sewing machine as some machines gets along great with it other are very fussy with the kind of thread you use anyway I like it

I have both pieced and quilted with it. If the color and "look" is what I want, and it works, I use it!

OK, confession time -- a few years ago I would have said absolutely no, no, no - cotton thread is the only way to go for everything quilty. But I have had a complete turn-around about thread. Many famous-name quilters are using a good-quality poly thread and I plan on making a change when I get through with what I'm using now. I'm still not sold on the serger thread though - for me. Even when using non-quilt shop fabrics (like JoAnn's) I still prefer using something "not the cheapest" in thread. Withn the cost of anything made of cotton, I would not be surprised if lots of quilters opt for a change away from 100% cotton. Bob Purcell from Superior Thread is really knowledgeable about thread and he says that all the "bad facts" we've heard for years about poly thread simply are not true.

Thank you everyone about your experience using serger thread. I am sure that there is "quality" and "not-so-good quality" in serger threads, too. My eyes have been opened.

Sandy in Mooresville, NC

Yes I use it and never had a problem!!!!!!

I would never piece or sew a quilt with serger thread. I only use the best cotton thread I can find. First, serger thread is only 2 ply and short fiber. Sewing thread is 3 ply and long fibers. If you haven't read about thread, go to Superior threads and read about each kind, then you will understand why we have so many different kinds of thread. I would only use serger thread in the serger or if I was wanting to make something for a one or two time wearing like Halloween costumes for kids.

i use the big cones for all my sewing and quilting never had a problem