You be the judge :D :( :shock: :-o :roll: :wink: :? :cry: :oops:

Found this article and thought it would be interesting to read since the question about thread has come up. :D

http://sewing.about.com/library/week...2100a.htm?nl=1

are you asking about a difference in thread quality or kind?? there is definitely a difference both ways. i took a "thread" class and couldn't believe what a difference using the right thread makes.
differences include the kind of twist - which determines how you set it on the machine - horizontal or vertical. - also the material the thread is made of - cotton, synthetic, etc. I don't know this stuff by memory yet or could be more helpful but you could google thread and see if you get any help there.

I knew there was a reason my machine likes the Maderia Polyneon. :)

Interesting. The woman I bought my Quest from said cotton is too linty and suggested polyester. But, it's not available in big spools at Joannes. I usually get Coats... but there are some old spools that have lost their labels and some unravel at the needle. :?

Thats one of the first things my Bernina dealer told me when I bought my machine. USE ONLY GOOD QUALITY THREAD!!! I'm following that advice.

sandpat--was he specific? Did he mention cotton vs. polyester?

good question barnbum, I'm thinking the same thing myself....and I believe that the all purpose coats & clark is poly/cotton blend....I'm not in the sewing room, so feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I learned on an old Kenmore and was told it was fine to use all purpose thread. I purchased some very nice polys for the embroidery machine and was given zero advice about the recent Kenmore DH purchased for me as a surprise. I have Gutterman because mom likes it best but on on these projects I'm giving away, I'd like to save a bit of money on thread so I can spend it on fabric/batting/tools.

I've had my current Kenmore for a couple years without maintenance (I know, I know) and haven't had any issues. The embroidery machine (Janome) is riddled with problems and constantly clogged up. I put in the closet because I just got so frustrated....I wonder if I've been using the correct thread all along. ???

naturally the dealers say that. they want you to come back to them for expensive supplies to go with the expensive machines.

i have to give the cotton solids, on 1000 meter spools, from Threadart mixed reviews. The variegated cottons on 1000 meter spools have worked extremely well for me. i haven't tried their larger cones of anything yet, and am waiting for my first purchase of polyester embroidery thread to arrive, so can't comment on either of those. a friend of mine has been pleased by the cotton she got there on the cones.

the Coats & Clarke Dual Purpose has proven to be so-so for piecing, and awful for quilting.

this is what really cracks me up: so far, the most reliable thread i've used has been the polyester i get at WalMart for $1 per spool. it works great for piecing in all my machines.
one thing is definite. prices does NOT guarantee quality. the egyptian cotton i have that sells for $9 per spool performs no better than the least expensive cotton i got from Threadart. neither does the fancy shmancy italien stuff i have that sells for just as much.

i need colors for quilting, though, so the search goes on for a consistently performing, reasonably priced brand of solid cottons.

My Janome hates Coats and Clark... all kinds.

Gutermann is a great thread for my baby.

I have used all kinds of thread in my Bernina - from cheap to expensive and all work fine. Now that I am making quilts though, I tend to stick to better thread, because that is what my "teacher" taught me.