I don't understand if I am to use cotton thread or polyester thread.
fabrics are cotton.

I was always taught that it should be cotton thread being that it is cotton fabric.

Two LQSs that I frequent have differing opinions .... One says cotton only. The other promotes using polyester!

I'm still pretty much cotton most of the time. Partly because I have it in "inventory"!! :)
... though I have total confidence in the polyester LQS person!

I'll be interested to hear what others are using.

I took a class on thread once and they said it was a matter of preference, that the life of each was comparable. Cotton does tend to leave more debris in the bobbin area of your machine so it's a good idea to clean out your bobbin area a couple of times during a project and definitely clean it out at the end of a project no matter what thread you are using.

Right now I am using polyester, but am considering changing to cotton. From what I have been told, the polyester is a stronger thread and eventually will wear down the cotton fabric over time. The cotton is a compatible thread and will actually help the quilt last longer.

It might depend on whether you want your quilt to last until the baby grows up or for 100 years! If it is going to be well used and loved, it probably does not matter.

I also would like to hear what everyone else thinks on this topic.

I prefer the cotton-covered polyester, like Coats & Clark dual-duty. Cotton definitely wears out faster, and I want the thread to last at least as long as the fabric!

Got a coupon for Joanns next week,,,all thread on sale 50% off.

Older polyester did seem to cut into the cotton fabric. The way they make it now is different, so it is fine :D:D:D

I prefer all cotton. I buy gutermann on sale at Joann's (most of it is poly so I have to make sure I'm getting the cotton stuff) or if I'm feeling like I have too many $$ I go to the lqs and buy wonderfil konfetti.

Thanks, Trisha! I'll plan on getting some there! Love those l/2 price sales!

use what thread you like to use- in the color that works for your project- and save stressing for something that matters the choices in threads are as personal as the choices in patterns and fabrics- some machines are picky and do not like some threads- long-arm quilters mostly use poly threads for quilting- i use what ever is handy for piecing as long as it is strong. my favorite thread is silk thread-but too expensive for utility sewing-

:thumbup:

Bob at Superior Threads has great information for threads, needle size for particular threads, tension, etc., I found this page for you:

http://www.superiorthreads.com/educa...-and-what-isnt

Now Bob is the master of threadology but personally I use all his advice except I do use cotton thread (his King Tut)...and it is a purely personal choice as I am not fond of anything polyester. I do use rayon for my embroidery work and also silk for specific things.

You can go all over his website and find all kinds of fabulous information in reference to what brand thread, needle size and so on. It just boils down to personal choice as we all have our opinions about what we prefer. So yours is not an easy one size fits all question as you can use whatever makes you happy and what you are comfortable with. Remeber it's your quilt and your way and there is nothing wrong with whatever you decide to do.

Bob has awesome short videos..from how your thread should come off the spool, to explaining threads and needles.

personally, i use what i have on hand..i just did a project, that when i was half way through..i wished i had used a shiny poly thread..it would of looked so much prettier!

the only thing i can tell you about thread,(poly or cotton) and piecing, is the thinkness of the thread will effect the seam allowance.
i use gutterman, connecting threads spools,thier cotton and poly, and bottom line thread,master piece etc... i am not fussy. just personal preference.

It's a matter of personal choice.

I say, 50wt cotton for piecing and whatever floats your boat for quilting :)

Yep personal preference. I prefer poly for things that will get a harder life. Such as kids clothes. Poly is simply stronger.
Cotton is softer but will also fray faster.
They both have their pros and cons. I have a mixed drawer of both.

I to am confused But, my dealer at Viking said that Quilts made with Poly will come apart in time, the poly will 'cut' the fabric as the cotton ages so they don't last as long as a all cotton Quilts and its best to use cotton so you leave a Legacy! 8-)

Poly will melt with a hot iron, so if used you need to be careful of that. I stick to cotton for piecing and usually use cotton for quilting. Unless it's an art type quilt and then anything goes.

I don't think it matters which thread you use. I've been quilting for over 30 years using both; all the quilts have been washed many times and they're fine.

I'm a Bottom Line devotee
http://www.superiorthreads.com

I use Aurifil 50 as top thread when I need to use cotton; e.g., my Jems won't take BL on top if it's in the bobbin.

I use both, but mostly cotton for regular piecing. Poly has come a long ways, and it is nice to use. Though I do not use Gutterman-don't like it. Superior's threads are fabulous! I also use Connecting Threads stuff, Signature, and Aurifil is my favorite! :)
Just use what you like, and what works well in your machine. :)

I usually use thin poly thread in my bobbin and cotton for the top thread. I use both in any combination or alone.

My problem when using a JOANN's COUPON
when thread is 50% off.
I have no idea what colors are needed if haven't gotten to new quilts yet.
If you buy to stock up you may run out of the right color in the middle of the quilt.

Actually it is NYLON that melts easy.

Read a lot about this in the last two weeks. Collectively it seems there are several myths about cotton vs poly thread, including the one about poly cutting the fabric. This is true if the tension is not correct. Cotton thread shrinks more than cotton fabric, which may be nice if you like the antique look. Rayon is recommended for embroidery, but there are several new threads that will also work. Nylon thread will melt, but the others are safe unless you actually scorch the fabric as well. The big thing is using the correct size of needle to match the thread to match the type fabric, i.e. silk, quilting cotton, flannel, denim, etc. Cotton (thread or fabric) will leave a lot more particles in the lower part of your sewing machine.

Cotton is for piecing - 50 wt. Rayon is for quilting-it add color and shimmer on the surface. You can quilt with cotton if you want, but it won't show up so well (machine quilting). The one thing you do not want to do is piece with Rayon thread. It is not strong enough for the long haul.