anglgrl

Paper towel holder didnt work good I guess I have to go to Joannes for the other thing for 7.00.

Ms Grace

I agree. I LOVE their thread! :D

quiltingnonie

My very favorite thread is SULKY..but it is expensive, so mostly use it for machine applique or machine quilting.
Coats & Clark cotton works fine for piecing.

quiltmom04

Don't use the heavier weight quilting thread for piecing. It will take up too much room in your seam, and throw off the size of the pieces. I like to use Aurifil or John Flynn's "So FIne" from Superior threads. Both seem expensive right of, but have a lot of thread on the spool. I generally order them both online from Superior Threads and Red Rock threads.

ktbb

The responses you've already received are good. In case, like me, you want to know WHY an answer is good, you might enjoy checking out the thread tutorials at: http://www.superiorthreads.com/
They, of course, want you to purchase their threads, but the information Dr. Bob, the thread doctor, gives you, is wonderful.

Of all the ideas given so far, I have to repeat the following: -- don't use hand quilting thread in a machine (it's processed differently at the factory, for one thing, and can mess up your machine, -- don't waste time or money matching colors when piecing - neutral colors will work fine for this part...light neutral for light colored fabric, etc, -- cheaper thread may break more often and leaves a lot of lint in your machine which requires cleaning and could effect your tension the wrong way, why spend all that time and money making a quilt with cheap thread that can wear out when a few cents more can help ensure the quilt lasts a long time? -- "long staple" thread reduces lint and is stronger than short staple (Dr. Bob can explain.

And remember that even when you get the right thread, you need to make sure you use the right needle to go with it...but that's another thread! :lol:

schwanton

MadQuilter

I find it is important to keep the same weight of thread in the top and the bobbin. My favorite is Star thread which is a Coats and Clark off-shoot. I have used it for sewing, topstitching and quilting. Sometimes, I just use up what I have.

Some people say to use only 100% cotton thread with 100 cotton fabric. I think that is a little overkill. My goodness, how much strain will be put on a quilt that the oly-wrapped thread will tear the fabric?

ktbb

Someone mentioned that they use Maxi Lock thread on their machine. If that is for sergers like I think it is, it's a poor quality for piecing or regular sewing. Serger threads on the big cones can, and usually are, made a little more cheaply than regular sewing threads. Since you usually use three or four threads (if not more) for serging, each thread doesn't need to be made as strong as regular sewing thread.

Also, for those using old threads - test to make sure it's still good. Generally, if you can break it easily with your two hands, it's old and should be thrown away...note I said easily!

beginnerquilter

My Sewing Machine does not have room enough to take the threads that are on the Cones so I have to use the smaller size spools of threads. My Sewing Machine is a Singer.

lclang

I use pretty much whatever thread is handy and is a regular weight. Before I got one of those thread holders I used a large mouth Mason jar to hold my large spool of thread as my thread holders are horizontal and the thread kept catching on a rough spot on the spool. Just toss it in the jar and thread your machine as usual. Worked like a charm. My embroidery machine doesn't always like threads on a horizontal thread pin but worked fine on the spool holder or in a jar. Seemed to unwind more evenly. If you are having problems it's a cheap fix to try.