Will it make a difference?
 

I ordered some Aurifil thread to try and when my backing fabric came in it didn't match at all. That's just the joy of not having a LQS and having to order from pictures on the internet. What I need to know is will it make a difference if I use a different brand in my bobbin than the top thread brand? I really don't want to wait a week to get more thread and I have something that will do for the quilting. :sew::wave:

it shouldn't matter if you mix brands.
the bobbin thread should be either the same weight as the top, or lighter.

so ... if 50wt on top, then 50wt or 60wt in bobbin.
most thread sold as quilting thread is 50wt.
most thread sold as "bobbin thread" is 60wt - usually for machine embroidery.

I've mixed brands with no problem. Aurifil is 50wt 2-ply cotton, so it would likely be easiest to use something like Mettler 60wt cotton thread with it.

Thread does affect seam allowance so, if you are using this for piecing, you may want to use it for all of the piecing in a quilt so all of the seams end up consistent after ironing.

Edit: Oops! I just saw that you mentioned quilting, not piecing. Ignore all of the above in my post as I clearly need more coffee before posting. :eek:

I spoke to Superior Threads recently about this. I wanted to use Masterpiece 50/2ply or Bottom Line 60 wt to SID for the top as I didn't want to take away from the piecing. I wanted to use King Tut 40 wt for the backing since I wanted the Hunter star design from the SID to show. They said I could do that.

I honestly never knew there was a rule about that LOL. I use whatever matches the best. I always adjust my tension for each project so I just play with my tension on a practice piece for a bit till I like how it looks then off I go ! I figure Brother put that tension adjustment knob there to be used not for decoration , so I use it ! I could not even tell you what settings I used from project to project because I pay no attention to them, I just turn tighter or looser till I like the results.