What kind of quilting thread do i use?
 

I am hand quilting a quilt for my daughter. But i'm having problems with thread. I'm using a Coats & Clark quilting thread. It has 68% polyester and 32% cotton. It will leave loops on the back side of quilt and i'm pulling it through all the way. It's a strong thread so it's great for quilting but it's difficult to deal with. I thought about getting an all cotton thread to see if it would do better. What would you suggest i do?

Does the thread say for "Hand Quilting " quilting only ? That thread has a special waxy coating on it - BUT you should never use it in your machine - it will gum it up

I use 100% cotton. My favorite quilting thread is King Tut's or Gutermann (at Joann's-----coupon) and if I can't find the color I need I've also used Joann's brand Americana, very pleased and good priced.

It saids Hand Quilting Dual Duty plus.

I love Aurifil; it's great no matter if you are hand quilting or machine quilting. works for it all, even embroidery.

Try the YLI hand quilting thread. My customers swear by it!

To keep hand quilting and hand work thread from tangling I use "Tacky Fingers" or other finget moistioned to run the thread thru. It is better than wax and other stuff. You get it at the office supply store or where school or office supplies are sold. Try it. You will like it. Also inedpensive. I even use it when the thread indicates it is treated or coated for hand quilting.

What weight do you prefer? A 40 or 50 weight cotton, maybe.

I've used that thread as well but it's not my fav. Will use it when it's the only brand available in the color I want. Otherwise I use Guterman's and JoAnn's Americana brands also. I second the opinion of using a thread 'conditioner' even on coated, hand quilting thread. I use Thread Heaven and love it. Haven't tried the Tacky Fingers but might give that a try next time I run out. And don't make your thread pieces too long. I use pieces roughly about an arm's length. Has a tendency to keep the tangling down to a dull roar.

If you're handquilting and getting loops on the back ... it would seem your thread is getting tangled/knotted. I sometimes have that happen when I am just doing regular hand sewing. As Holice suggested try the Tacky Fingers product.

The other solution I find is to simply try a different thread!