I use Maxi-Lock for general sewing, longarm quilting, free motion quilting on my domestic, and garment construction. I have not had a single problem with it.

Yes, it is thinner that all purpose thread but it does have great strength. Just try breaking it between your hands.

I like using the maxi-lock for piecing because it is thinner and when pressing seams you don't have a large "ditch". I also do not have to worry about thread shrinking in the wash. Some cotton threads will shrink as much as 10% in the washer.

This is just my own opinion and experience. I've only been using maxi-lock for at least 7 years (maybe longer).

I had never thought of using it. I can get large spools of thread from Connecting Threads and prefer to use that.

I use the cones all the time in all my sewing and love it and have no problems what so ever. I beleave that the Link that BellaBoo gave is the right advice..