I have a question about thread. Is it really important that you use cotton thread when quilting? If so, what is the difference if you do use it. I'm a newbie and have a resource to get Polyester thread cheap. Cotton thread is so expensive. Also what does Mercerized mean and the numbers that look like this "Size 50/3". What is good and what is bad. What will happen if I use polyester instead of cotton on my quilt. Thanks for all your input.

Also, where do you get those fancy signatures to your posts.

libertykm

No, it isn't important at all unless someone has requested it. You can use polyester, cotton, metallic, monofilament... whatever suits the quilt and your personal preferences.

50/3 means it's a 50wt 3 ply thread. You can also use any weight you prefer. I tend to prefer midweight threads. 100wt would be extremely thin, 18wt would be very chunky. I like 30-50wt threads best.

Most of my machines aren't happy with polyester threads and I much prefer using cotton threads. Cotton threads don't melt when you press your quilt block pieces. Matching thread to fabric content seems to make for a better end product. Some polyester threads are just nasty and very linty. I've been quilting since 1988 and have learned lots about thread from personal experience.
If you're worried about cost of thread, think of how much the fabric you bought to make your quilt cost.
Essentials thread from Connecting Threads is good and doesn't cost much.
http://www.connectingthreads.com/thr...did=HomeThread:600902

I think the theory has always been that cotton thread is best for cotton fabric. Unless you are making an heirloom quilt like a Baltimore Alblum etc. I wouldn't worry about it.
Use what ever materials or notions you can afford. Quilts are meant to be loved and cuddled. Cotton thread is not the only kind that will keep you warm.

Check out "Superior Threads", they have some good info on many different threads.

Go to this link:
http://www.mylivesignature.com/mls_wizard1_1.php
and follow the signature wizard instructions.
Once you get the signature you want, then choose 'want to use this signature'
then choose the 'generate BB code', then 'generate code for my hand written signature'. When the code is created, highlight it and copy it to the signature spot in your profile. Follow these instructions exactly.

lots of quilters use poly threads. i use poly, cotton, silk and wool and rayon threads. what ever my project needs is what it gets. the thread that has the color or properties i need. I seldom use cotton thread for machine quilting, it breaks too much, works fine for me for hand work, piecing and quilting. but in long-arm machines polyester is used most often, because of the speed of the machines, it does not break like cotton thread.
the size...40-50 wt is the norm for piecing, the higher the number the finer the thread. most regular sewing thread is about 40 wt...my silk threads are 100 wt...very fine but very strong. i have some 12 wt. verigated my nephew ordered one time by mistake...boy it is thick!

Regarding Mercerised cotton you find some information here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercerised_cotton

Personally, I like to use serger thread (Maxilock). It's thin, seems to be plenty strong and it's inexpensive. Sometimes I will use embroidery thread or monofiliment for quilting. Just depends on the look I want.

Thanks for the info.