mkc

Unless it's a small item like a table runner, I typically use Glide 40 for quilting. I've used Aurifil 50 a couple of times quilting with my domestic, but am more likely to grab a cone of Isacord 40 for that machine.

quiltedsunshine

I find that polyester behaves better for machine quilting. My son's 8 year old quilt was quilted with cotton, and the threads are broken all over it. Superior Thread's So Fine is my favorite thread for machine quilting because it's 50 weight and blends into the fabric better than a 40 weight, like Omni.

petthefabric

For very dense quilting, I'd use 50 or 60 weight. My LA needed Tex 40. My thinking is leaning toward poly due to the strength over cotton. For very obvious quilting that's not dense, I like 30 or higher weight. Does any of that help? And then, sometimes, I use whatever. It's a hobby for fun. Life has enough stress.

Then there's competition quilting..... that's totally different.

Quiltah Mama

[QUOTE=Three Dog Night;8683148]I use Glide 40wt thread. Started using it for just quilting and now use it for both piecing and quilting.

I am a big fan of Glide. I find it to be less lint, strong hold, looks good as a top stitch, and my Janome loves it. I've been using it for 10+ years without any problems.

aashley333

Frankly, I'm overwhelmed by thread choices. I usually used Coats and Clark. I bought some thread on sale at HL that was super linty, and then I understood what people were talking about when describing their thread as linty! I did not want to get my new sit down long arm all dirty with lint! I like Gutterman thread. I was given 4 white cones that have lasted forever. I enjoy using the cones of thread, but I don't want to purchase one that is linty. I definitely don't know enough about thread to use different threads for different jobs.

Onebyone

One tip about Hobby Lobby thread. There is a Pima cotton 50 wt 2 ply thread sold there but not on the thread rack. it comes in a separate package of one spool per package. it use to be sold for $9.99 a spool Now the price is lower as the color choices have become basic colors only.

cashs_mom

I also use Glide 40 wt for quilting. I'd like to use a finer thread, but my Juki doesn't seem to like finer threads. The next time I take it in to have it serviced, I'm going to talk to my OSMG about using finer threads on it. I'm hoping he can adjust it for that.

dpendleton

I took several quilting classes with Donelle McAdams and she swears by 60wt Quilters Select cotton/poly thread.

Apparently she tested sewing 50 patchwork squares with this thread and 50 using 50wt thread.

She says when she stacked them up and compared the stacks the 60 wt stack was 2/3rd the height of the 50 wt.

She says if you do your patchwork with the thinner 60 wt thread your HSTs come out sharper, your seams are flatter and your points crisper.

And she says you'll hear top designers recommending the color "Nimbus" as the best for blending in with any color patchwork and also for quilting and topstitching.

aashley333

good to know! thanks!

CanoePam

If you know how to adjust tension for your machine, the answer to “which thread?” is “all of them.” I have used everything from invisible to 60 weight to 50 to 40 to 30, 2 ply, 3 ply, metallic, poly, cotton, and poly/cotton. They all work; it is just a matter of what look you want. Always adjust your bobbin tension first, then adjust the top tension.