What kind of thread do you use?

What size is it and what is it made from?

I was told I should use cotton thread when quilting, and only use cotton material. Is that true?

There are probably as many answers to that question as there are quilters. I tend to do a lot of wallhangings, where the durability of the threads is not important and I tend to select them by color options. If I am making a large quilt that will be washed often O tend to use either Gutterman or Mettler. They are both expensive but never break and last a long time.

I was just looking at the website of Superior Threads (www.superiorthreads.com) and in the Education section they have a guide for the threads they carry that is great as an orientation of what to use each thread for and what needle to use.

Maria

I like Connecting Threads Essentials. I also like FilTec threads. Their new Glide thread is excellent for machine quilting and I've tried them all. I got a free sample spool and I am hooked. Fil Tec has great info about thread types and needles on their site.



http://www.bobbincentral.com/

I like to use the 100% cotton thread also which I used with a Janome. However, my "new-to-me" sewing machine (Bernina) does not like cotton thread, so I am using a blend of cotton/poly. I even had to go to a lighter or thinner monofilament.

So, you might want to check several threads in your machine and assure it will work before investing in too many spools.

Suz

i use dual duty machine quilting. A gal at Joanns told me to use it when i first started.

I get neatly all my thread at Connecting Threads. I love their essential thread.

Pam, you will get several different opinions as to what thread to use. I say, USE WHATEVER THREAD WORKS BEST FOR YOU! Not all quilters are the same and neither are their machines. I, personally, like to use Maxi-Lock thread for piecing because it is thinner and seams press much flatter. Remember IT IS YOUR QUILT! Do whatever you want and like.

Susie,
I have a bernina 440QE and I use cotton with no trouble.
I was using coat and clarks but have changed to connecting threads. I think I like it better.

I have to say that the absolute best thread out there to use is Aurofil!!!!! It comes from Italy and is 100% cotton. It is strong, yet not strong enough to cut into the quilt. It also last longer than any other thread out there, at least in the cotton range. When I put it on my bobbin it last twice as long as anything else. The thread isn't very thick, which is great because the thicker the thread the more you need to adjust to get the 1/4" seam. I know Keepsake started carrying this, though I've begged and begged and now I can pick it up at one of my LQS. Yay!!

I like the Essential Threads by Connecting Threads. There are a wonderful range of colors, which I also use for applique, but it is also very linty. I usually have to clean out my machine twice as often when using that thread then anything else.

I just took a mini-class on threads last month and the one thing I hear over and over and over again is do NOT use Coats and Clark or Dual Duty. Their threads are made from very short staple cotton and as a quilter, the longer the staple the better the thread, which is why Aurofil is so wonderful.

Whatever you choose, never, never, NEVER use the threads that go on sale at 10 for a $1! Those are not a good quality thread and the only thing they're good for is for basting. Every once in awhile some well meaning relative very excitedly gives me a bag of thread they picked up for a couple bucks. Inside I cringe and outside I just thank them and then use them to baste with so that I don't have to waste my good thread. ;)

I am a bit of a purist and only use 100% cotton when making a quilt, unless it is a baby quilt or for someone with Alzheimers. I have appliqued with other types of fabrics, but when piecing I stick with the straight cottons. Now my hubby has a quilt his grandmother gave him when he was a little boy and it is all polyester fabric from the 60's. Darned if the colors aren't as strong and vibrant as the day she made the quilt and I'm often tempted to try making a quilt out of it, but then I'd have to buy an entirely new stash and there are still so many wonderful cotton fabrics out there just waiting for me to purchase them so I doubt I'll try polyester anytime soon.

It is a personal preference. Some are cotton purists when it comes to thread and material. Some mix it all up. So far my quilts are made to be used, abused and loved... so I choose to use cottons and cotton threads and hope they will hold up to all of that loving :D :D :D
Polyester and poly blends tend to fray more, and a 1/4" seam may not be enough...typically you are using a 5/8" seam allowance with these.