Thread and thread weights
 

Which is best for fmq?

There is no one best thread for FMQ. It all depends on the look you are trying to achieve. Don't want to see thread, just texture or do you want to ditch around applique and not want the thread to show? Go with a 100 wt silk or polyester. This thread is also great for when you have a very dense design and lots of backtracking as thread build up will not show.
Want the thread to stand out and the quilting to be "in your face" go with a 12 wt cotton (and yes there are 12 wts you can run through your machine, like Wonderfil's Spaghetti). Do you want your thread to shimmer and shine, go with a 40 wt trilobal poly. Want the thread to show but not be so obvious? Go with a 60 wt cotton or matte finish poly.

Need a touch of bling? A metallic or holographic thread will really make a difference.

Additionally there is no reason you can't use several different types of thread on the same quilt.

I highly recommend you see if you can get you hands on this book (either purchase or see if your library has it) https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Machine.../dp/1574327968
Diane devotes an entire chapter to thread and how different types make the quilting look different with wonderful close up pictures showing the same FMQ design done in different weights and types of thread.

Sticking with just one type of thread for all your quilting is like just using one fabric for all your piecing.

Super helpful post. :)

FelineFanatic ................ nailed it! :)


Going beyond threads ......
Be sure to match your needle size and type to the threads you use.
Plus adjust the tension accordingly.

I was recently told that embroidery threads are great for fmq as well, who knew?

Yes, super helpful post! Timely as I just ordered a Dream Big panel :) Found the book recommendation on one of my favorite used book sites and it's on the way too!

Thank you so much feline fanatic :thumbup:

Thanks for the tip. I will check on that book.

I have that book and it has great info but it is very out of date about the new threads available now. The thread industry has changed dramatically in the last five years as well as the guidelines to using them.

I’ve only been quilting since Christmas so would love to know more about thread. Are there any more modern/up to date books that might cover this?

Really? I have not noticed any dramatic changes in that recent period of time. About the only thing I can think of that was new and innovative are the holographic threads (like Superior's glitter). Other than that, the other examples I cited have been around for over 10 years.

With Trilobal polyesters improvements in manufacturing has made it stronger and while primarily introduced as Embroidery thread it is now perfectly acceptable to quilt with it and users don't experience any of the breakage issues that used to be common. I do know Glide recently introduced a 60 wt version but I still feel Diane Gaudynskis book, along with a users own experimentation, is just as applicable today as it was 10 years ago.

Can you be specific as to what dramatic changes have happened in the thread industry? Hate to think I am missing out on something! My thread addiction is almost as bad as my fabric addiction and I am always open to try new and innovative products when it comes to thread.

Depends on look, thinner threads blend, thicker threads show off the quilting you can always do a mixture as well depending on look attempting to achieve

I have stuck with one thread (Aurifil 50 wt), both top and bobbin, and am ready to expand my horizons! Can different weights of thread be used for the top and bobbin? I'm pretty sure the answer is yes - but are there certain guidelines I should be aware of when experimenting?

Also, while I am not showcasing my quilting at this point (I tend to either stipple or other simple meandering stitches), I don't want it to be invisible either. I would like to try polyester (perhaps something like So Fine). I tend to like solid colors, so that rules out So Fine #40 from what I see. Would So Fine #50 disappear into my quilt?

Yes you can use different weights ... you will need to adjust the tension.
Make a sandwich of the same fabrics and batting, to practice til you get the tension figured out.
Plus a good chance to get used to whatever quilting design you want to use.

Threads ... generally, the closer the colour match the more invisible your quilting can become,
and let the oopsies disappear!! Likewise the finer the thread.
I have done miles of FMQing using 100 wt Invisafil.

The coarsest I have used is 35wt.

only big changes I'm aware of is that some new, strong but very fine poly threads have been added, like the Superior Microthread. I'd also add that Superior thread (maybe other companies too but I usually choose Superior) has printable charts for thread, needle usage. Even if you use a different manufacturer, you can match to the Superior chart to get correct needle size.