Using 2 different colors of thread on front and back
 

I have read that using one color thread on the front of your quilt and another color on the back when you are quilting is a no no.
I just completed a quilt that has a lot of white on the front and the back fabric is black. I am not a very good quilter and would rather my thread did not stand out and show, which it would of course in this case. Have any of you been successful at doing this. I understand the problem revolves around a tension issue that is difficult to control resulting in one thread being pulled up and becoming visible on the other side. (like little pin dots)

If you have had experience with this, can you please share it with me.

I use different color threads a lot, as I prefer to use pre wound bobbins and therefore have a limited selection of colors for bobbin thread. but I do teand to choose something that is fairly close to the same value as the top thread. so, it doesn't make for obvious pokies. however, you may have more difficulty with black and white as the pokies would be more apparant. have you thought about using a light gray on the top and a dark gray on the bottom? both would blend to the fabric fairly well and also then blend with each other. just a thought. or if you insist on the black and white threads, you could consider adding an extra layer of batting. I find that the thicker the quilt, the less pokies, since there is more material to absorb where that pokie is and it is more likely to land in the middle of the quilt.

I also use different colors on the top and bottom and also use pre-wound bobbins. My machine auto adjusts tension.

Try a quilt sample first to see how the quilting looks front and back. Good luck!

I would also suggest a grey, Also would use something that is a thinner thread like So Fine or Bottom line. You can try it on making a quilt sandwich on scraps and see if you like it. I always use what works best with the top and then use something on the back, that is not going to show much if my tension is off a bit. It doesn't take much to throw tension off a bit to show the bobbin thread a bit on the top, like going over a thick seam, or around a tight curve, or simply going to fast. I also have used a sort of pastel, dusty color on the top if there is a lot of white depending on what other colors I have used. Like a very pale yellow, rose, green, or blue. Often those do look fine on the white if using a thinner thread and do not look so stark on the darker colors like white would.

I don't have a problem using different threads top and bottom, with my Bernina domestic machines. But have to match threads very closely with my Handi Quilter longarm.

I agree with what the others have said -- match threads as close as you can, and use the thinner threads so they blend in better.

Ah yes, I believe you have encountered Quilt Police who gave you a *Law*

Tell them to suck it

I agree, a predominantly white front and black back will look odd if you use the same color threads. So don't . Make a practice sandwich (as someone else suggested) to make sure you have the tension right and minimal pokies. Then.. don't worry and quilt your quilt.

Many times I've used two different threads, but of equal value in thickness for quilting. When I have to do this, I like Gutterman thread for the bottom as I only have off white and beige cone threads that I use on top or for piecing. It's your quilt ... do it your way!

You need a perfect stitch for two color threads. That is how we were taught to adjust tension in Home Ec class. Using white and black thread in the machine on pale color fabric. I still do it this way when adjusting tension on any machine. There should be but one color thread showing on top and one color thread shown on bottom. The old vintage machines are always perfect stitchers. The newer ones not so much.

I have used two wildly different threads on the top and bottom, but I used a thicker batting. I needed to adjust the tension slightly and while I was quilting it there was the pinprick issue that you mentioned. However, it couldn't be seen from farther away. When I washed and dried it, you really couldn't tell at all. It was close quilting and it puckered the way I like it. My quilts do not come with a magnifying glass.

the main reason that people try to avoid using different color thread on front and back is that if you have a tension issue, it will show because of the two different colors. If I'm working on a quilt where there is a strong value difference between the color on the top and the color on the back, then I will use two different color threads when quilting. When using two different color threads, I take a lot of time checking both front and back to make sure I have no tension issues.

Rob

Well, I'm glad to hear there is hope. I have ordered some bottom line 60 wt thread in a light gray and a darker gray. I will work on a sample as you suggested and try and keep a close eye on my tension. I appreciate your suggestions. They are most helpful.

It's your quilt, do what you want. I have used different colored threads before with no big problems. Sure. occasionally the tension will pull one thread one way or the other, but it is not objectionable to me. If you are entering a show, a judge will probably say something. But for daily use, no one will ever notice.

Most of the time I use different threads on top & backing. I’ve never had problems

The others have had good advice. I only want to add that you should use a new needle, a quilting needle or a topstitch needle. If you do get a poky or two, change your needle again.

Yep, I think with experience you will get a good idea on what works for you. I am mainly a quilter who makes quilts to be used not show quilts so I don't get too stressed out if my tension is a little off or if the bobbin thread shows on top every once in while. My main concerned is that the quilt will hold together with use and washing. You also may want to wash your practice piece to get an idea of how the washing itself will change how the stitching looks. I find often, although I can see a bit of the bobbin thread on top whether I use matching threads or not, when it is washed, the bobbin thread on top becomes less visible. I know how to adjust my tension but find sometimes it is just so much less stressful to use matching thread. I do know long arm quilters who just about always use grey or cream on in the bobbin unless they are doing a white work quilt then they use white of course. I wind my own bobbins and usually use the same thread top and bottom. That works for me.

If I'm using a dark color on the top and white/cream on the back, and if thread occasionally show thru on the top, I simply color it with a black magma pen.

I also think you can do it. I do all my own FMQ on my domestic (Janome) machine and it works for me. Although, I do try to use a backing that is not a solid color as then the whoops don't usually show. Like others have suggested use a practice piece until you get what you like. Good luck!

I've never been able to do it without the opposite threads poking through. If I were going to try, I'd use the thickest wool batting I could find to give me more room in the middle.

I've done it many times. I'm not great at the quilting part, so want my thread to blend in. I generally use whatever color matches the back in the bobbin and Gutermann invisible on the top when I'm dealing with color issues. I use vintage sewing machines, so they aren't really picky about thread. I've never tried invisible thread in the bobbin, though.

bkay

I use whatever color thread matches my backing fabric for the bobbin and whatever color disappears into the top or accents it. Choice is the perfect answer, do what suits you. That being said tension absolutely plays a large part if you’re using different colors.