How do you know if you have enough thread to quilt your project?
 

The baby quilt is 36.5" . The thread spool has 164 yards. I plan to quilt an all over meander design with the curves about the -size of a quarter. The batting is low loft allows 8" apart quilting. I don't wish to quilt densely so the baby quilt will be soft. I am quilting on my domestic sewing machine.

There are so many variables to consider, but is there a way to make an educated guess as to how much thread you need for a project? Thank you!

I'd pick up a second spool. When I made my niece's quilt with a 3/4" meander for the center section (42x51), I used around 500m of thread with some un-sewing. So, if you plan to use the same thread top & bottom, I'd probably allow at least 225-250yd of thread. It might be less since I went around appliqué (not outlining because I didn't know better, but it was more thread breaks), but unless you have a different bobbin thread, I don't think 164yd will be enough for that density.

i guess that's how we end up with huge supplies of thread :)

Thank you Bree123! I forgot to mention that I am using a different thread in my bobbin. Bobbin thread is 50wt and Top thread is 40 wt. Color is white. I thought the 164 yards for top thread may work if I used another thread for the bobbin. Thanks for your help.

Won't you soon be using more white thread of either wt for other projects? I'd always get the extra unless it was a"puce" color that I'd not use again! (nothing against puce,just don't need a drawer full!)

Are you buying the the thread from a place where you could easily return the unused spools?
If so, I would buy what I think would be "too much" rather than run out.

I am "one of those" that would rather have a spool left over than run out half way through the project.

I don't know how to guesstimate yardage.

Bearisgray - that is the funniest question I've seen in a long time. Return the unused spool? One can never have too much fabric or too much thread. Just my opinion. hehe.

I have been known to switch to a different brand thread as long as it was the same color and thickness. That is a good way to use up my thread stash.

I never thought about returning a spool of thread. I just add any leftovers to my thread collection and use it when I can.

Since yours is white and the shelf life for thread is pretty long, I'd pick up another spool and if you don't use it, you can keep it on hand for another project.

i would add the thread to my "collection", too.

i was just thinking the original poster might have been on a tight budget or only kept "actually needed" supplies and materials on hand.

Nearly all my projects are quilted with the same color, so have extra in the house all the time.