I'm wondering what the typical thread count is for quality 100% cotton fabric. Any one know or have an idea?

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-thread-count.htm
The general wisdom is that a thread count of higher than 100 is desirable --these fabrics are known as percale -- with somewhere above 180 being ideal. While fabrics are available with thread counts up to 1000, anything in excess of 400 is considered by most to be simply extraneous.
**this is about sheets/linens

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Units_o...t#Thread_count
Thread count is often used as a measure of fabric quality, so that "standard" cotton thread counts are around 150 while good-quality sheets start at 180 and a count of 200 or higher is considered percale.

What about quilt farbics? As far as I know a thread count of 75 is quite high for patchwork fabrics and 60 seems to be average. Any idea?

Broadcloth (Kona solids and Moda Bellas) are 60x60, quilting cotton is generally 68x68 and batiks are around 300.

Is there anyway to look at the bolt and see the thread count on the printed fabrics or any quilting cottons for that matter?

Billy

I took my little thread counter to one LQS and the owner about had a conniption. She said you couldn't judge quality fabric by thread count. The thread count on the better cotton fabric at Walmart show on the counter to be about 100 - 120. Same or higher then some of the LQS fabric I have. Kona and Moda are 65 which I think is standard for good quality. I do know that one ply cotton fabric will hold up longer then 2 ply. Always buy 1 ply in sheets.

I'm curious as to what a thread counter is and what it looks like. Off to google...

LOL Google is a good thing sometimes!!

Billy

How easy is it to use your thread counter and where did you purchase it? If you have time, I'd like to hear more about how you use it. Thanks.

I want to see some photos of it if you could post some.

Billy

Yeah, me too. The pictures of the ones I found via google looked like some kind of science project.

What an interesting thread! I've already learned a lot and can tell it my students in the handquilting workshops.Thank you all for you information!

This is a link I found:
http://www.threadcounters.com/

Bellaboo, see what you started? ;-) Now I can just imagine all quilters going
to their LQS with a thread counter in their purse. :D

You learn something new everyday. I never heard of a thread counter. Thats pretty neat but don't think I need one at this time. Thanks to all of you for the info

I know a high thread count is excellent for sheets, the higher the count the better the sheen, wearability etc. My question is, if you used a very high thread count for quiltmaking, would it make it more difficult to quilt (assuming handquilting)?

Yes, I'm sure it is. Have you ever tried to handquilt a batik? I really don't like it, these fabrics are so hard to needle. On the other hand I also have some problems with fabrics with a lower thread count than 60 - my stitches are too small. They "fall" betwenn the fabric fibres and disappear...

in my little corner of the universe, it's more about whether the weave is tight enough to be sturdy, but loose enough to easily get a needle through; how good it does or doesn't feel; do i like it; and whether it fits my budget.

hats off to anyone dedicated enough to also include the thread count on their "will i? won't i?" checklist. that shows extraordinary attention to detail. :thumbup:

me? i'm too lazy to count threads. :lol:

To be honest: I actually don't check the thread count on a fabric when I go in the LQS. It's just the experience that tells me which fabric I take or leave. Mostly I can see it when I look on the bold if I would like the fabric or not and of course I have my favourite brands. I only buy what I really like and what I can afford. But the quality is important for me.

My sentiments exactly, I never have thought about a thread count until I was using sheets for the backing. I always looked at the the weave and texture of the fabric.

Billy

I have several thread counters. I bought one from Hobby Lobby but it's very hard to read fabric threads with it. I have the R.O.S.E. (Roxanne Optimal Strand Estimator) It's much easier to use. ($15) At work I had access to an industrial one, I sure miss the perks of a good job. At home I put a piece of fabric under a little red microscope (the ones all kids had) It makes it super simple to count the threads and see the weave. I use that microscope for thread too. I was shocked at the slubs and thin spots on most all the different brands of thread. I can see how much fuzz is on a strand of thread too. Go to a yardsale and get one of the microscopes!

Thats all fine and dandy but I run out of fingers and toes at 20 so it wouldnt do me any good to take the time and count them. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Billy

MY GOSH! Glad I joined this... if I am not learning something, I am laughing my butt off! Yes, google and starch are big faves of mine... but now have to see this thread counter!!!! Would have loved to see that particular conniption, too!!! OMGosh, glad I joined - needed that good old standby laughter and found it here!

Guess I opened a bucket of worms! I thoroughly enjoy the sharing by everyone.