I think a lot of it can be chalked up to some people being taught certain things and never questioning why, or not trying products out for themselves. Another thought is having a bad experience with a certain product and then completely dismissing all similar products, without room for brand differences or advances in technology. Point made in this very thread - just read the comments about monofilament being the same as fishing line.

We all have our own biases by how we were raised so this is one of those very gray area. I was told that polyester thread being strong would eventually literally cut thru with being against cotton fabric. You see antique quilts and they were most likely made with cotton thread. I was taught over 20 years ago to use cotton thread and I prefer to use Mettler Silk wrapped cotton thread. I also try to avoid using any invisible thread. I am from the old school that hand stitching the binding to the back of my quilt. I just think it has a more professional look to my quilts. But my best friend quilts a lot of charity quilts doing the machine binding stitching and I don't judge her for doing it a different way. Some quilters prefer W&N and other prefer Hobbs. Some quilters prefer a Bernina sewing machine while others prefer Janome. So if you ask a gray question, expect a wide diverse opinions on the subject. We ALL have something in common and that is the Love and Joy we put into the quilts we make. :)

Superior Threads makes a matte finish invisible thread that is great.

It's like the never ending Ford or Chevy question. Some people will adamantly vote for one or the other for any number of reasons. In the end, both will generally get you to the quilt store!

When a habit or belief becomes so imbedded.. .from years or decades....it often take the same amount of time to reverse or change direction.

I like cotton for piecing, but for quilting, I am starting to find that the polyester has a nicer look to it and also doesn't shred like the cottons do. Even with a large needle I was still getting a lot of breakage on sulky and aurifil cotton thread, YLI ha less breakage but was super linty like crazy, polyester is less linty, had no breakage while quilting. I do find for piecing though, I really like how cotton thread lays, but thats just me. I say use whatever one likes

I really think it's a matter of personal preference these days.

I have tested my polyester bobbin thread under my hot Rowenta iron and it does not melt or change at all. The Superior website says that polyester threads tolerate less heat than cotton threads but, for me, heat is not an issue for me with this particular thread. For anyone contemplating using polyester thread for piecing, I do recommend testing it with a hot iron before using. There may be polyester threads that do melt under a hot iron.

Regarding invisible nylon thread, the "fishing line" pokies from commercial comforters should not be compared to the YLI nylon monofilament thread that Harriet Hargrave has always recommended. I have used the YLI for years, and a strand is as fine as a baby's hair. I personally don't like it for quilting as I preferring my thread to show; also, for the close quilting I like to do, polyester or cotton thread is softer.

I use all types of thread. But I know the difference of each type for the sewing I'm doing. I don't put much stock in anyone's opinion when they are being sponsored by a brand to promote.

I like cotton thread best. I used invisible thread once for a wall quilt I don't think I would use it for a bed or lap quilt.

I have a couple of thoughts on this one (for what they're worth). First, i don't get why the opinions of the folks at Superior Threads are so often cited as authoritative (or superior). Second, Harriet's daughter is doing a master's thesis on the physical qualities of thread, which should be at least as scholarly, or perhaps even more credible, since her main business isn't selling thread. It will be interesting to see the outcome of her work, i think.

Hugs,
Charlotte