I've never used variegated thread, so I'm looking for some recommendations. I know King Tut is supposed to be good, but I'm sure there are other brands -- just don't know what they are. King Tut changes color every inch; is this too quick for some people? Also, I'm unsure about what type of thread to use in the bobbin. Is this what So Fine and Bottom Line are for?

I'm not planning on small stippling, if that makes a difference. The quilting shapes will be an inch or two apart.

I do, all the time. I use Red Star. I love it.

I think about every brand has it....so what ever is your favorite. :D

I love, love, love King Tut. I use it BECAUSE it changes so often. I have a quilt done long before I started longarming. She used a variegated that changed about every 6". The design is too easily lost when the thread changes that far apart.

King Tut. GET IT!!!!

Yes, I have used it, am currently using sandstone for my outline quilting by hand a scrap quilt. Love the varigated!

Sorry - it's "Star" brand - not "Red Star"

I also love love LOVE King Tut!!!!

I use variegated threads all the time in my quilting. The brand on my machine at the moment is Coats and Clark, I have used Star, Gutermann, Valdani, Connecting Threads's Essential, though I have one spool of blue and white that my machine did not like at all, which is why I have the Coats and Clark in the machine, I needed another blue and white and that's the closest to the previous color. I have used plenty of other Essential Threads with no problem so I don't know what happened. I have only used one King Tut, it is good thread but hard to find in my area. The think I have mostly YLI's in my thread collection in the variegated.

I got my variegated thread from Connecting Threads and I love it.

I like Sulky Blendables; it is 30 wt, and I find it a bit more forgiving (very nice, since I'm still getting the hang of free motion!) The colors change about every 2 1/2 - 5 inches. I use So Fine in the bobbin, and adjust my tension to 1.6 on my Designer 1.

Here's a pic of the throw I'm currently working on with it. I've put it on hold for the moment, since DH is promising to get my table finished today. Otherwise, I'm fighting a 3 1/2" drop between the machine bed and the table top (double yuck!)

I love the varigated! I use it in the bobbin a lot...I also use the mono on the top..a lot. Go for it! I just did a quilt with Tut and it was fabulous!

Hi,

I use YLI or Sulky Blendables varigated thread, love them both!

Try using a varigated thread for a satin stitch when you applique....it really gives a neat look. Used it on several different appliqued projects, people think you change thread real often...LOL. It's rather fun.

I use varigated in the bobbin, too.

Bev

I love using variegated threads. They make the quilt come to life.

I use it quite a bit. I love the way it looks on quilts. I use it when I want the quilting to "pop". I usually use Sulky.

I use all the brands mentioned above and I use Maxi-Lock Swirls in my longarm.

As far as your bobbin thread, use whatever you want too. If I'm using a plain backing I will use a varigade thread in the bobbin to give some interest to the backing.

There is no steadfast rule, use whatever works for you and looks best.

I use YLI and Guterman.

I've like the color changes to be noticeable so if I use variegated thread I use the bright colors. I'm not going to buy expensive thread for machine quilting to have the colors blend and not be noticeable. :D

Thanks, everyone, for so much great information! I had never thought of using variegated in the bobbin too, or that I might want the thread to be brighter to show it off. I need to research some of these other brands of variegated thread too.

I am wondering about shininess in the thread now. King Tut is all cotton, which I normally like, but I am wondering if the polyester variegated threads have more shine and sparkle.

I am sticking by my King Tut. Just finished an 'It's a Girl" wall hanging and it turned out beautifully. hapytlk

this was a very good article to read, thanks!

In my DM machine I used YLI and in my HQ I use King Tut most of the time, I am using up the small spools of YLI on baby quilts. I have a couple of YLI cones; these are all variagated, which I use 99% of the time. :D

I just used Mettler silk finish variegated for 2 baby quilts, and was very happy with the results.

I love variegated thread and use it all the time. My preference is Poly as it is stronger. Our quilts have many colors so why not the thread! YLI makes some great colors and they make one for Linda Taylor, Thread by Design which is my favorite.
I use the Towa Bobbin Tension Gauge, which is worth every penny I paid for it!

Poly is just so much stronger. I don't really notice much of a sheen. But if you want sheen, it's out there. I had a gal at a class who had an issue with the variegated on top not matching with the bobbin. That blew me away as it is not possible to do! But you can do top and bottom or just bottom or just top!

I also love to use the veriegated threads. I have used all of the above, but I prefer the Robinson-Anton cotton or poly.

I just finished a customer's quilt using King Tut variegated on the top and Coats and Clark variegated on the bottom. It's true, you can mix and match.