Thread for Hand Quilting?
 

What thread do you like for hand quilting?
My Aurfil has been knotting even with wax.
Could it be aging?

What weight are you using? They recommend 28 wt. for hand quilting, but I dislike it. The ends fray, making it hard to thread the needle, and the place where I've anchored it to the eye invariably breaks before I'm done with the thread length. I would not try to hand quilt with Aurifil 50 wt., it is not strong enough.

I prefer to use threads made for hand quilting, so far I've tried Gutermann and Superior Threads' brand. They are thicker and more wiry than piecing thread.

I always used hand quilting thread fro Coats and Clark. Worked great. I only machine quilt now.

My preference is Guttermann's It seems to be the stronger after the fact and wears much better than many others.

I use Gutermann Hand Quilting thread or Aurifil 28 wt thread for my hand quilting both are a heavier weight. I do use 50 wt if I am stiching in the ditch around an applique as I want it to blend in more. I do use Thread Magic on my thread when quilting but I've forgotten sometimes to wax thread and it doesn't seem to really matter that much. What type of batting are you using as a cotton batting is more difficult to hand quilt. I use a 80% cotton/20% poly batting and your needle will stitch through with less resistance. The other thing that helps is to keep my thread shorter (around 18") your thread will have less stress on it and won't tangle as much, your shoulders and hands will thank you too.

I've never hand quilted with regular thread. I use thread specifically made for hand quilting like Guterman or Coats and Clark. It's heavier.

I like the YLI handquilting thread. Very strong and doesn't fray.��

I normally use the coats and Clark for hand quilting.

Coats & Clark's hand quilting thread.

Like most of the others, I use Gutterman or Coats & Clark primarily - both designated for hand quilting. I've also used JoAnn's brand - Americana. I like them all equally well just depends on who has what color I want for a given project. I do also use Thread Heaven conditioner and feel it does make a huge difference for both ease of sliding through the sandwich as well as lack of tangling.

I love YLI and Coats & Clark. My hand quilting group has been meeting for 40+ years and some of the members like to wax their thread. I love the waxed thread because it never knots. Melt Gulfwax in a coffee can in a pan of water. Remove from the heat. Drop in the thread ( leave a piece of thread loose so you can unwind it). When the bubbles stop, remove the thread and let it dry. It works really well. The wax can be kept for the next time you need it.

Thank you all for your help. I’m going to try Coats & Clark and Gutterman
for a while.

Exactly! You have to purchase hand quilting thread as it is stiffer and heavier than regular sewing thread. I love Gutterman's and will use Coats and Clarke if Gutterman's doesn't have the color I want.

@Luvstoquilt - so do you keep the thread on the spool and put it in the melted wax? Trying to see how this is done. I thought you were supposed to used beeswax? Thanks in advance!