I used 50 and 60 weight cotton threads in heirloom embroidery (baptism gowns for my grandchildren). I used designs from Martha Pullen, and they were no trouble. I did use a 65/9 needle because I was embroidering on extremely fine batiste, starched so stiff to would stand up on its own. I also used a water soluble stabilizer. The embroideries were beautiful and I had no machine problems at all. High quality cotton thread won't lint much (I used Madeira thread designed for heirloom sewing). However there are cotton threads that are a lint disaster! Make sure you use long staple cotton.