Aurifil 50wt is 2 ply. Connecting Threads is 50wt is 3 ply. I prefer 2 ply for piecing and 3 ply for machine quilting. For 2 ply a universal size 90/14 is too big a needle. I use a 60/8 with Aurifil.

Kas is right. Silk thread will make your machine quilting look like a master quilter stitches. Using silk thread and wool batting is the best way to learn machine quilting.

I've had lots of problems with thread in my Bernina. I finally found that Gutermann cones work perfectly for it. No breakages anymore. It's an answer to a 2 year old problem.

I use Mettler or Gutermann when making garments. For quilting, I use Aurifil. My Bernina does not like lint. I clean it often.

I've used every brand there is in my 640, with no problem with top tension or the bobbin. There are a few cones that create more lint than others, so I clean more often when using those. I like using the 3000m cones with a thread stand.

Oh, I love this thread about thread. I own two Berninas. One is an 830 Record from the 70s. Used to use C & C all the time. When I purchased my used Artista E it came with 300 spools of Isacord. It loves Isacord. Isacord on my 830 Record actually bounces out of it track of threading on the upper thread... go figure! On a few of my vintage machines C & C (manufactured this century) throws the tension off and makes a mess of things. My motto or habit, if you will, is if a brand gives me problems repeatedly on a machine... I don't use it, I move it to another machine. Quilters and threads are funny. We are all different and we just have to find what suits us. I have heard alot of Aurifll but since I have lots of Isacord, it will be a long, long time before I switch over.

My Berninas have always sewn well with any thread I happen to have. Rarely have to adjust the tension. I have used a lot of Singer machines, too, and have had the same good results. From my experience, people who are always messing with the machine tension are the folks who have the most problems with their mechines. Maybe my machines work well because I expect them to do so! LOL

I use CT mostly but still have some CC that I use. I don't have a problem but I do have to clean the machine more with CC.