Gal

Has anyone used varied cotton thread (two tone) with success for hand quilting?
My quilt is scrappy, plain light blocks with patterned 4 patch, I have found the perfect thread in black and purple on special which is great for me as I am on a budget, the thread is 100% cotton and I did the tough test, so no problems with the thread, just wondering if it is better used for machine quilting, it just says quilting on the label does not mention hand quilting. I want dark against light for my iris flowers to stand out on the plain blocks I am more interested in the end result, what kind of effect will result, has anyone any pics of their work using the varied thread they would like to share?
Many thanks
Gal

bsktkeeper

It's your Quilt . I have used varigated thread on most of mine . I think it adds to the overall beauty of the hand stitching or machine .

coloradosky

I also use variegated thread when handquilting. Sorry none of my quilt pictures show stitches up close and I have given them all to the DGC. However, may I suggest making a small sandwich of the extra material you have used and handstitch thru the sandwich. Be sure to use the same backing as you used on your quilt. It will give you an idea of what your finished quilt will look like on both top and bottom.

Borntohandquilt

Gal, give it a try! You will see if the thread you have chosen works for hand quilting, if it breaks easily or tangles too much. You can use wax or Thread Heaven to avoid tangling or knotting. I used King Tut of Superior Threads for hand quilting, normally it is made for machine quilting but it works fine for hand quilting also. It's a varigated thread but almost tone in tone so you don't see it clearly on the pictures I have.
As already said, it's your quilt and you can do what you like.

newquilter10

I have used the varigated thread and like the look. I also like to use a thread that is one of the main colors in the quilt.

feline fanatic

I have used a 100% cotton varigated thread for hand quilting but it was definitely marketed for hand quilting and is a 35 wt. It is also a high contrast to my quilt going from lemon yellow to white. I have posted pics of this WIP before but I will post one again in case you missed them. Be careful using a high contrast dark thread against a light backing though. For whatever reason the dark against light is much less forgiving than light against dark. Some one posted once that light thread on a dark back looks classic but sometimes dark thread against a light can end up looiking "spidery".

ptquilts

to feline fanatic -- wow.... can we see a pic of the whole quilt??

feline fanatic

Posted here:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-127559-1.htm

SparkMonkey

Shoot, before I knew better I used plain old general-purpose cotton for hand quilting, and it worked ok. I've since discovered Gutermann's treated hand-quilting thread and love it, but if I wanted to use variegated thread I'd do it. As Borntohandquilt says, wax will help the thread behave.

Make sure you show us pics when you're done. ;)

thimblebug6000

I have only used the variegated thread once when hand quilting. The background fabric was dark blue & the thread ran from pale to dark blue. After I had completed alot of echo quilting, I decided I did NOT like the look of the lighter thread areas. Rather than take out the quilting, I went over the very pale stitches with a darker permanent fabric marker.