Silk Thread
 

Can silk thread be used for both hand and domestic machine applique? If using it in machine, what do you use for bobbin thread?

I use Foxglove Cottage straw needles with 100wt silk thread (Superior or YLI).

If I need to use cotton thread I have to change my needle. Learned that the hard way. :P

And if you do use the silk thread, you can tie a knot in it up close to the eye of the needle so that it doesn't keep pulling out and make you rethread so many times you want to scream. I presonally love the silk thread for applique as it practically disappears into the fabric. I just buy one light and one dark color thread. Don't even have to bother buying all kinds of colors to match since it disappears into the applique.

I didn't understand from cindyb's original post if the woman was doing her applique by hand or by machine, as I do both so I am including the answer for both. By hand, I use the Tulip #11 applique needles and use the Bohin needle threader. http://www.amazon.com/Bohin-Super-Au...eedle+threader I switch between YLI #100 silk thread and Metter Silk finish thread, which is a 50/2 100% cotton thread. Before I discovered Tulip needles, I used the John James Gold N Glide Big Eye needles.

If I am applique-ing by machine, I use a 60/8 needle, Dritz Looped Needle Threaders and Mettler Silk finish 100% cotton thread. I use the Dritz Looped Needle Threaders to thread all my machine needles whether I am piecing, quilting or applique-ing.

I have several colors of silk thread including an off-white, black, light brown, light and dark grey and a medium blue for one project, and red, green, yellow and brown for the Baltimore Album quilt.

I used to have trouble getting the needle threaded and one day I was at a quilt show and they had a class concerning different threads and uses for them. The presenter said that using silk thread for hand applique was the best option. It is really fine and you won't see the stitches on your applique and it threads easier in the needle. I also like to make sure I have a solid background fabric when threading the needle as it makes it easier now that I am older.

I like straw needles and silk thread. I try to thread 4-5 needles on my thread in the daylight. I can applique after dark with my Ott Light, but for the life of me, I cannot thread the needle! When my needles are gone, I am done for the evening!

I use a Bohin automatic needle threader to thread all my needles. Works wonderfully! I got mine on Amazon but they are available in stores as well. It has spots for two different sized needles and you can use regular needles in it. Best investment. I don't go anywhere without it and expect to hand sew.

This is the one I was advised to get when I took a class. Works like a charm! http://www.amazon.com/Sewline-Sure-G...eedle+threader
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I purchased one of these and used and liked it until it wouldn't catch the thread anymore. So I bought the replacement cartridge, and it didn't work.