What kind of thread is the best to use when quilting? Do you always make sure it is 100% cotton or does cotton/poly work? I don't want my quilts to fall apart after a few washings. Do you match the thread to your fabric or just use a neutral color? I'm also confused about what size needle too use in my machine. I have no idea what the differen't sizes mean.

Thanks Everyone :D

The thought is to use cotton thread with cotton fabrics. Poly thread can cut the fabric after a while.
I use white thread for the lighter fabrics though some people prefer a very light grey color, a dark color for dark fabrics, audition thread colors with your fabrics. I like to find one color that works throughout the whole quilt.
I use an 80/11 needle for piecing and sometimes go to a 90/12 when I sew on the binding.

Regarding the thread to use, you are going to get TONS of opinions on that one. I, personally, use Maxi-Lock serger thread in gray. This is a polyester thread and I've not had any problems with quilts falling apart, becoming torn with the thread or anything. Some folks will say 100% cotton only personally I say, what works best for you and your machine.

Regarding what color, for piecing I use a neutral gray or natural color. No stead fast rules on color to use.

On machine needles the lower the number the smaller the needle. For piecing I use a 10 or 11 quilting, embroidery, or microtex needle. These all have sharp points and IMHO give the best results. If I am using a heavier fabric in piecing I will bump up to a 12 or 14 quilting or embroidery needle.

You will find needles marked UNIVERSAL. These needles can be used in stretch, knit fabrics or woven fabrics. I only use Universal for knits.

Hope this info helps.

For more than you ever thought you needed to know about thread go here http://www.superiorthreads.com/ Click on the education tab and just about any question you have will be answered there.

I agree with Cookn - Superior threads are super - I like to match thread to color of fabric, but I hand quilt so it's easy to change thread color. I use Hemming or John James english made needles - usually 9 or 10. hope this helps

I like to match my thread to my fabric if possible. If a quilt has lots of colors I like to quilt with variegated thread. I get my thread from Connecting Threads.