Holice

Egyptian Cotton doesn't mean it is cotton grown in Egypt but rather long staple cotton which makes stronger threads.

Quilter7x

Wow, that has a lot of great information on thread! :thumbup:

spinnergs

The cheaper threads do leave alot more lint behind. You need to keep this in mind and clean your machine after every couple projects, just like you need to get a new needle!

sharon b

I have always used Coats and Clark and never had any problems. Lots here swear by the connecting thread threads and someday I hope to try it :wink:

BKrenning

It definitely depends on what you are using the thread for and linty thread does require more cleaning. I had to take mine to the doctor because it had managed to pull a fuzz ball up into the tension disks and I couldn't get it out.

My only advice would be use what you've got (unless you got it at a Dollar Store--throw that away now!) but if your machine starts acting up and the thread looks ok and doesn't easily break when you pull on it, try a size larger needle and then try a different thread. You'll know quickly if your machine doesn't like a certain brand.

My Singer hates the thin poly threads. It will throw an absolute hissy fit and it likes to eat the pretty rayons which are only good for embroidery anyway. Not strong enough for seams or quilting.

AnnieF

My absolutely favorite machine quilting thread is Valdani. It's manufactured in Canada and their variegated 35wt - 2000m cones are the best. The thicker 35wt stands out so well on a quilt.

Go to www.valdani.com to take a look. They also have some good deals on the large cones. I just ordered 2 of my favorite 2000m cones for $5.80 each.

I use the Coats 50wt machine quilting mercerized cotton thread for piecing and some of my machine quilting.

littlehud

Nearly all my thread is from Connecting Threads. Check them out.

Gal

I was taught to use polyester threads with polyester fabrics and cotton thread with cotton fabrics, only because polyester thread can cut through softer cotton fabrics over a period of time. The test for a good thread is to tug it, if it breaks too easily then keep it for basting only. The same applies if it stretches when you tug on it (do a measure check before and after) some threads sold eg in the 'Two dollar shop' which have miles of thread have most likely been designed for over/locking and are best used on machines for that purpose, to use these threads in your sewing machine may affect the tention.

Gal

Jean Judson

Go to Superiorthreads.com----they sell lots of "superior" thread and they have great videos on thread and needles and tension and stuff like that. It's very helpful.

Holice

One of the best threads for hand quilting is from the Big Box store in a bin for .99 a spool. Made by A&E and comes in several colors.
Otherwise I use whatever I have. If it really doesn't work then I toss it. I have used older threads that work well. I like the Coats and Clark older thread and buy it anywhere it is still available. It is cotton wrapped poly and machine and hand works well. I've bought boxes of older threads from Good will that work fine on my charity quilts. Test it and if it breaks easily, then there is a problem but if strong then will work.
Also,. when you buy thread, some of the more expensive larger spools may be the best value. Check the quantity on the spool and calculate like the grocery store calculates items per once or serving