What Thread To Use
 

What thread is best to use for quilting? I don't mean for sewing the blocks together but for quilting the top? I am using King Tut 100% cotton and it keeps breaking. My quilter is a pain in the you know re-thread. Also what size needle...top stitching maybe???

Are you using a longarm or DSM? If you're using a longarm, you might try a size 16 needle. I usually use an 18. Other things to consider - are you moving the machine or quilt too fast? Is the thread old? Have you checked the thread path for burrs?

I have opinions on thread and needle, but would rather hear if you're using a DSM or long arm first.

King Tut? A topstitch needle only!

I like Aurifil 50wt 2-ply when quilting with my domestic machine, Glide thread top and bobbin for my midarm on the frame. Glide is 40wt poly and creates very little lint. Love it! http://www.bobbincentral.com/glide.html

My machine didn't care too much for King Tut, either (but I sure do love the blended/varigated colors). LOTS of lint left behind. I'm going to try different size/type of needle as others have suggested and see if it helps. Thanks for posting!

I am a huge fan of King Tut thread , it is a bit thicker thread so use a top stitch or metalic needle , they have a large eye for the thicker thread.

I am using a longarm Viking/Husqvarna Mega Quilter needle size 13

You are so right.....lots of lint! I am using the variegated which I love.

I will try a bigger needle.

I have never heard of glide thread. Where did you get it?

I had been told that a top stitch needle leaves big holes? Is this true? I have to admit that I can't see what difference it makes if you are using a lot of print fabric.

I'm a Superior girl myself, but if you Google "glide thread" you should get plenty of hits. I doubt you'll find it at places like Joann's, it's more of a LQS product.

Holes will disappear when you wash & dry the quilt. Small price to pay for solving the breakage problem.

Its not the fact that its a topstitch needle but rather the size of the needle. Comes in different sizes.

larger needle- a 16 - 18 is good....visit Superior Threads web site- they have free charts you can print off that tell you about all the different threads, the different needles, what needles are best with what threads and what projects each is best for. I pretty much never use cotton thread with the long arm- they go fast- the cotton threads break- I do use cotton if quilting with my domestic machine- but they also create ALOT of lint. for long arm quilting I choose a good polyester, Aurafil or silk...depending on the project and what is the best choice. also, I generally quilt with a 50-60 wt thread...some people choose a heavier thread- 30-40 wt...it's really a personal choice- project dependent- and every machine has it's own personality, likes & dislikes- a thread I have great luck with your machine may hate & the one you love my machine may refuse to work with...

I buy mine here: http://www.bobbincentral.com/glide.html

I personally love Superior Threads - I usually use either So Fine or Omni threads with So Fine or Bottom Line in the bobbin. If I want the thread to be seen, I use the Glide thread that was mentioned previously (both top and bobbin thread); it has a really nice sheen to it. Superior has just come out with a thread called Magnifico that is supposed to be in direct competition with Glide thread - I haven't used it yet, so I can't give a opinion of one over the other.

I have consistent great results with Isacord. It is thin, strong and lots of colors. I FMQ on a Singer 301 very densely and no other thread behaves so well as this. Have tried the Superior threads for quilting and I battle tension issues all the time with them. I buy Isacord online and bought a color chart which is nice.
linda

Prism99;like Aurifil 50wt 2-ply when quilting with my domestic machine, Glide thread top and bobbin for my midarm on the frame. Glide is 40wt poly and creates very little lint. Love it!

I normally use aurifil to piece, and have tried, with good results the Glide for quilting, but have just started embroidery and was wondering if you or anyone else tried Glide 40wt poly in embroidery machine. It's a Brother Quattro 2- 6700D and has quite a good speed. I was thinking if it it's good on a longarm speed, why wouldn't it work in embroidery. It is a beautiful thread and the colors are gorgeous.

Can't help you since I hand quilt.

I used Glide in my embroidery machine and decided it is just OK. Didnt give a great fill. Decided to not buy anymore for embroidery, but my friends that are professional long armers love it.

I too, love the aurifill thread. I use it on my domestic machine, top and bobbin. I also use it to quilt on my mid arm machine. I have never had any trouble with it.

Thank you...I went to the website and was very impressed! I did order one of their kits. Can't wait to try it!

I just returned from new owners classes (not new to longarming..just new to Innova!(and now I like EVERY. thread! I have lost my fear to adjust the tension to fit the thread. I tried Glide for the 1st time and just loved it. Now i know why my quilting friends on Machine Quilting Resource rave about it all the time!

I got a dvd from them called Thread Therapy with Dr.Bob. it says that you should put your top tension at 2 and leave it . I think superiorthread.com sells the dvd.

The dvd is free during July. Pay $3.95 shipping or purchase products for no additional shipping. $3.95 cover the entire order. Good deal!