Thread for free motion quilting
 

I just learned hot to do "free motion quilting". What brands of varigated thread could I use for baby quilts and small lap-twin quilts? Since I am new to this, I'm not sure. I did purchase about 6 spools from a LQS but I didn't know if Joanns has thread that I would be able to use also. Any input qould be greatly appreicated

No doubt someone will be along shortly with some real advice, but for me, my machine is kind of finicky so I just have to try and see. A lot of people (including me) seem to like Gutermann, which you can buy at Joann's.

My favorite varigated thread is called King Tut. The color changes are fairly subtle. There are other brands that provide more dramatic changes.

My machine is not a bit picky so I use whatever comes in colors I like. I've even used cones of serger thread.

If you already have thread that you think will look good on your quilt ... make a test sandwich with the same fabric and batting that you will use and play with that thread. I always make a test sandwich before I begin quilting any item - I want to make sure that all components will play nice, that the thread color will look nice, and if there is a new quilting motif I will be using I practice that as well.

When quilting, you can determine if the quilting will be very visible, or almost invisible by the weight of the thread you want to use. I've quilted with a 12wt when I wanted the quilting to be the star, and I've quilted with a very light 50wt combined with 60wt on the back and you have to look very close to see the quilting.

It's all up to you

what kind of machine do you have?

I have a Janomme 6600 Memory Craft

My machine likes YIL. I have a Pfaff.

I have used the Signature brand that I purchase at Joann's with no problems in my Janome. I know that I have used other brands also, purchased at Joann's, but I don't have any of those left so I can't tell you the brand name.

I think it all depends on your machine and what thread you want to use. Cotton thread will eventually deteriorate - as will the cotton material - years and years from now. Poly thread doesn't deteriorate and is much stronger than cotton.