I've use cotton, rayon, polyester, polyester wrapped cotton and monofilament threads in my quilting, depending on what I'm doing at the time, and if the threads match the project. If I don't want my top stitching to show in quilting, I may use a monofilament thread, which is nothing like the monofilament thread that was around when I first started quilting, which was a little like fish line. In the last several years I have done my quilting with rayon thread, mainly because I like the look, as well as the little extra zing it gives my quilts. It is your quilt, you can do whatever you want. The one rule I honor in quilting is that there are no rules.

This raises the question of the chemicals used in the production of fabric and the dyeing processes (many of the latter are now banned in western countries). Another thing to consider then is the sweatshop factories in third world countries where so much fabric comes from now despite fancy brand and designer names.

I also wonder if the so-called polyester thread wearing out the cotton piecing could be put down to the poor quality of a lot the fabric available today for quilting. Although I'm new to quilting I've been quite surprised at just how thin so-called quality brands like Moda are.

;-) Since I am self taught. I use whatever I have on hand,

I don't use petroleum based products in my quilts simply because I prefer to use only natural fibers in anything I create...wool, cotton, bamboo, silk, linen, rayon, etc. It's just how I've chosen to live my life since I hung up my paisley miniskirt in the late 60's, nothing the least bit 'global impact' about it. :)

Monofilament thread has changed a lot in recent years because people were trying to find a use for it in quilting-mainly to STID around blocks before adding decorative quilting. It was a utility thread. Cotton thread works with the cotton fabric and simply blends into the project. Any of the threads that are not natural fibers will float on your project and lend a decorative look-they do not blend into the fabric as well and that is their intended function. Polyester thread has probably undergone the most change in recent years. However, it is still a petroleum product and will have the same characteristic as it has always had-low heat tolerance. If it does not melt away it will become brittle and break. I would never use rayon thread in anything I wanted to last a long time because it is wood fiber and will deteriorate quite quickly over a period of time-but it is shiny and supple when applied to a quilt. Having a textiles background I would say that the information you get from Superior Threads (Dr. Bob) is very well done and informative. You can rely on it.I realize that he is selling product but I also know that extensive research goes into the products presented. As quilters you choose the quality of fabric and thread you like to use and you get known characteristics from those choices. I personally prefer natural fabrics and threads and I prefer good quality so I won't be disappointed with the result. I like to vary the weights of the threads I use for different looks.

I use whatever I have on hand. And for piecing, I do a lot of shopping at estate sales. You can't beat a grocery bag filled with thread for $5. If it doesn't break and is sound, it's good by me. My quilts hold up just fine and none of them are headed for a show -- just off to people who like to cuddle under them.

I agree with the comments about cotton being easy to work with and able to take heat. I am surprised that no one mentioned that polyester can cut through cotton threads in a sawing effect...over time. All of my quilts are not intended as heirlooms so I use what I feel is best suited for my project.

Very interesting thread (pun intended) I always enjoy these discussions about what and why we choose certain supplies or tools. Thanks for sharing your views.

same here cotton for piecing but Glide and only Glide for quilting for the same reasons you have stated.

yes,same here no art show quilts-quilts to be used and loved.