What type of thread do you use to piece your quilt top? Should you use Machine Quilt thread or is all purpose okay to use?

Just not sure...

Ayla

I use all purpose for piecing. I save the Machine Quilt thread for Machine Quilting or top stitching.

you can use any utility thread that works well in your machine- quilting thread tends to be a heavier thread than what we peice with. a good quality 40 or 50 wt thread is best for piecing. the thinner threads help the seam to lay flatter.

I think any cotton thread is fine, whatever your machine likes is usually my rule. I always use cotton thread for piecing and quilting anything that will be washed and dried so the thread will shrink along with the fabric. If it's a wall hanging that won't be laundered, rayons and poly are great. If you look at JoAnn's, even WalMart, they have cotton threads that are great for piecing. For color, if I'm using white fabric, I use white; otherwise a muted color of the main fabric color or grey.

Everyone has their personal preference. There are many threads on thread (hehehe). I PREFER all cotton, and either use Aurifil(my favorite) or will make do with Gutterman.

Thank You Ladies! I've been using the quilting thread but the added expence is killing me. I would rather use less expensive thread and buy more fabric :)

I never gave this a thought, (thinner thread flatter seams)looks like I'm changing from quilting thread when I piece to the 40 or 50 wt. I love this board

I use Coats & Clark all purpose or dual duty on top and leftover pre-wound embroidery bobbins for piecing. It helps the seams lay flatter. I only use quilting thread for quilting, top stitching or fancy stitches that I want to show.

I had some 50 weight Robison Anton machine quilting cotton thread that just flowed like oil through my quilting machine. I only bought one spool of several types of thread to try on it and it just loved that one. I've had many battles with the cotton fuzz off Coats & Clark machine quilting thread. I usually win those battles by liberally applying Sewer's Aid to the spools but decided I was tired of fighting the thread when I know there are less fuzzy threads out there.

I've thrown a couple spools of C&C variegated thread away because the weight wasn't consistent all the way through and it gave my auto tensioning sewing machine fits. It was also very weak in the thin areas and would snap so into the trash it went after about the 6th time. It was 2 different very bright rainbow variegated spools that I really liked, too!

I quit C & C quite a long time ago after all the fuzz and slubs/flaws in the thread itself--got tired of re-threading the machines!
Right now I am using up about 20 HUGE cones of unlabeled cotton thread from a sewing shop that quit....wish I knew who made it--it is GREAT thread.....they must be 15,000 yard cones, and most are at least half full--got them on eBay five years ago and they cost $2 cone.

I use regular cotton thread, Guterman or Mettler usually. I reserve machine quilting threads for quilting.

Can you use serger thread on a regular sewing machine?

I generally use a basic, neutral color, cotton thread for my piecing. Planning to buy some of the Connecting Thread big spools next time. That said, sometimes, I simply use up whatever color I have in the bobbin, but I generally stick to cotton.

As far as the serger thread, I believe the answer is yes - as long as the thread isn't Nylon. Nylon doesn't handle heat well.

You can, but fuzz can be a problem because serger thread is made with shorter strands of cotton. It means you need to clean your machine frequently, as fuzz buildup is bad for machines.

I switched to Aurifil 50wt for piecing and now will never go back to fuzzier threads (was using Mettler 60wt silk-finish, which is supposed to be less fuzzy than most). There is no much less lint with Aurifil!

Thread marked "Quilting", like Coats n Clark, have a coating on them to help keep them from tangling during hand stitching. This coating can gum up your machine. I use generl purpose sewing thread...and sometimes Serger cones. The thread is really strong, even though it's only 2ply in most cases.

I have used bottom line by Superior threads, and it's nice also. Easier to get a true 1/4" seam that way.

The serger thread I've seen is a poly and I have used it for piecing but I have to sit it in a jar or mug behind the machine to use it. It's too big to fit on the spindle and it occasionally jerks causing the machine to freak out so again, more trouble than it's worth.

I am really interested in this post as I have just bought a Pfaff select 2 and it sews beautifully but I have just FMQ my first quilt...and bought King Tut on the advice of my quilt shop as being egytian cotton and excellent quality but it has broken far more than any other thread, both in the needle and bobbin...tension was fine and new needle inserted (Organ 14)...so was it the thread, machine,needle or me ?

I would use at least a 16 & possibly an 18 with King Tut. It is a good thread but thick. Also, loosen your tension a little on the top and bobbin if you're putting it in the bobbin. My Voyager came with a bunch of good Organ 16 needles but I had to put an 18 in it for King Tut. I use thinner Bottom Line or Sew Fine in the bobbin. I've also used regular piecing thread in the bobbin when I ran out of bobbin thread.

King Tut performs wonderfully on the high speed quilting machines. I haven't tried it on a domestic machine but I don't see why it wouldn't work just as well if you do the same thing--bigger needle and looser tensions.

Thank you so much....really appreciate your help with this

I do ...shhh don't tell ! It is surprisingly strong! I have gotten just as much lint from some better brand threads.

I use it too--all the time--and usually use it wound on a bobbin for the top--easier than the jerks and broken thread or robins nest! I wind off about 20 or more bobbins at a time by putting the thread into the tension then holding the cone with my fingers only inside it while winding--easy as pie!

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.

I love Superior Thread. They have many types, but I especilally like the "So Fine" because it creates less dust and more goes on my bobbin - It is very thin. I go on line to Superior Threads and buy it that way. The large spools last forever. I have a Horizon Janome and it loves this thread.

I use Gutermann 100% cotton 50wt for all my piecing. I buy the neutral colors and do not change colors except if I need a dark or lighter neutral.

I like a lot of different threads, but really like Superior threads, and love King Tut - it is nice and thin and doesn't have much fuzz! There are still more I would like to try, but are hard to get locally.

Seems that everyone has the same answer that I do. I use regular thread and it is usually C&C. If I am working on something that will not show I use whatever colors I have to use up older thread.

I use CC all purpose and have had no problems.

Same here.

You CAN use Quilting Thread in your machine - but not a good idea if you are piecing. Since Quilting Thread is thicker it can add too much bulk to your seams. The thread you want to avaoid in your machine is Hand Quilting Thread- this is the thread that is coated and will mess up a machine. There are lots of great Quilting Threads out there (including King Tut) that work great for doing your actual quilting on your machine. Hope this helps!

My machine lets me know if it doesn't like the thread that I'm using....and I listen!

Just get or make a cone thread holder, your machine will appreciate it

I use the thread from connecting thread and use it for piecing and quilting and have no problems