I always use 100% cotton thread, maker doesn't matter, I buy whatever is on sale.

I always get light, medium & dark gray, white, black & natural.

Also, if you are not buying spools at a fabric store or walmart, etc. (with those, you get all purpose, or 50 wt).... then when looking at the thread, remember the weights (wt) is backwards in a way.

90 wt is very fine..used in bobbins for embroidery machines.

60 wt is fine...also used in bobbins for embroidery & sewing machines. For longarm quilter's Bottom Line (a Superior thread) is used sometimes for very small stippling, and other intricate designs...to avoid thread buildup).

50 wt is what is usually used for all purpose sewing. Coats n Clarks all purpose thread is a 50 wt, 3 ply thread.
most serger cones are 50 wt, but are a 2 ply thread, so may look thinner, but they are very strong, and work well for piecing quilts and general sewing.

40 wt cotton or poly thread is usually reserved for quilting or embroidery (top thread for the machine..and in embroidery, usually it's rayon or poly).

35 wt is usually used in quilting when you want the stitching to really stand out.

30 wt...same as above.

Now, Tex 27...that's probably equal to 50 wt.

If you go to http://www.superiorthreads.com you can find a lot of great information on threads. Which needle to use with which thread...tension issues, etc.

Whatever you do, don't use quilting thread on the spools (Coats n clark, etc.) on your machine...as I mentioned earlier, it has a coating on it & will gunk up the machine over time.
Marge

I use a cone holder set off to the side and works like regular thread. I would go broke using big $$ thread. I do use Superior King tut for the quilting.

I'm bookmarking this - some great information here!

Yes I think I will be too. Thanks again!

For piecing I use the Essentials thread from Connecting Threads. I love that thread. For thread painting I love the Marathon Thread. Its fine and has a bit of sheen and makes wonderful thread work. I use Bottom Line in the bobbin.

I do all the time. Got one of those thread lifters from Walmart so can use any size cone. I pay $1.98 at Joanns--must be cheapest thread going but it works great in my machines (not quilting machines, just regular sewing machines.) Years ago when I bought my first Bernina the seller impressed that I must not use "cheap" thead --only something like Gutterman. I did for a bit, then had my daughter give me back the grocery sack of thread I'd given her (which she was not using) and I ended up using it all. I now keep a collection of Gutterman's (I think) in a variety of colors that I use for machine applique. (Another JoAnne's sale item but a lot more expensive than the cheap stuff I use for piecing.)

Don't use machine quilt thread - it's too heavy for piecing. Use a GOOD all purpose thread C&C, Mettler, or my favorite Aurifil. Not cheap $1 a spool stuff. Use the Machine quilting thread for the actual quilting on the top.

I love Aurifil thread, you get more on your bobbin and almost no lint and better 1/4 inch seams. I use light grey called dove most of the time it blends with almost all colors except white and black. A little more expensive but goes a long ways..

I like YLI soft touch for piecing. it is fine and doesnt take up the seam any. Plus they are an SC company. I am supporting and in state and a US company.