Using Embroidery Thread to Quilt
 

I'm pretty new at quilting. Right now I am quilting my first pieced quilt and having a lot of fun. (I have sewn for 52 years though. I'm not that old--am I? :shock:)

I lucked up on a complete stash about a year-and-a-half ago for a pittance. I now have a HUGE collection of rayon embroidery thread. The colors are stunning. I have many different variegated and metallic spools as well. The other day I thought, "I wonder if rayon embroidery thread can be used on the top (not bobbin) to quilt?" So I pose this question to all of you experienced quilters. What do you think?

I agree with Tartan. I wouldn't use it on any bed quilt or baby quilt that would have to insure many washings.

I also agree, it is beautiful but I know it breaks easily. I wouldn't use it for piecing or quilting.

What are your thoughts on using polyester embroidery thread for quilting? Have a lot of embroidery thread and never thought about using it for quilting!

Good quality polyester embroidery thread is fine for quilting. I have used Isacord, Floriani, and YLI a number of times, just because I had it and the color was perfect. The rayon is not colorfast and is too weak.Pam

Thanks! A good way to use up some of those colors that I bought for a "project".

Rayon thread might fade in time and as someone else mentioned not as strong. I also embroider but use polyester threads. Have used these threads on my Innova quilt machine with great results. Also my metallic threads are also embroidery thread purchased from BFCreation as my brand of embroidery thread has been sold out to Floriani and their prices have doubled so going to switch to BFCreation's brand when I start to run out. I purchased most of my dealer's stock of the colors I used the most so I'm good for quite some time.

Serger threads are about the only ones I know never to use as they are weaker than most threads. Maybe that's why they use 3-8 threads at a time.

I have several colors of polyester embroidery thread and thanks for the tip. Now I can use for quilting. Should I use in bobbin also?

I've used it in the bobbin for small things. It's too expensive for me to use as bobbin thread all the time.

Thanks all!

In my opinion, rayon thread is not strong enough nor always colourfast. If it was good quality rayon, I would have a different opinion.
I think the rayon could be used for surface embroidery but not for sandwiching. Check for colourfastness as well. All the best with it.

I have a commercial embroidery machine and I often use polyester embroidery thread in my quilting. I have used it on top and in the bobbin. It has a beautiful sheen.

I use Isocord embroidery thread all the time to piece and I have never had any problem with it at all.

Serger threads aren't as weak as one might think. I've even made FSL on my embroidery machine with it, I just slow it down and use a larger needle and no breaking thread. The reason sergers use more than one thread is fist of all, there are no bobbins the wind, instead one or two of the spools go thru loopers to complete the stitch with the needle(s). All of the other spools of thread are used depending on what stitch or technique you are using. Mine does chain stitching and overlock plus lots of deroative stitching. I personally use cotton thread to quilt with especially if its a quilt that I want to last a long time because it won't cut thru the cotton fabric. I do agree, I would not use rayon thread due to the strength and also it doesn't hold up as well for washings or high heat, like ironning.

http://seamslikealot.blogspot.ca/201...many-uses.html

Lots of thread info here.

I have been using the Sulky rayon thread in FMQ. Do you guys think that's strong enough... ?It hasn't been through the test of time here, but I love how beautiful it is and how easily it sews. However I hate to think I'm doing my quilts a disservice.

Works great! I love it for quilting. Leah Day used it exclusively last time I knew.