Quilting Thread
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2024
Posts: 215
I'm looking for a new thread to use. Right now I use 100% cotton thread. I also use a high speed machine. I'm thinking of going with a poly core wrapped in cotton for a thread. Does anyone use a poly core cotton thread. Any thoughts appreciated.
I'm just wondering how it would be once there is shrinkage from washing the quilt. Would the thread shrink as well because it is wrapped in cotton? Or, would I end up with loose stitches?
I'm just wondering how it would be once there is shrinkage from washing the quilt. Would the thread shrink as well because it is wrapped in cotton? Or, would I end up with loose stitches?
Last edited by quiltingcotton; 09-02-2025 at 05:55 AM.
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Peoria, IL -- Midwest Transplant
Posts: 7,260
I used original Dual Duty for decades, it was a cotton wrapped poly. Way back when the quilt police were concerned that the poly would cut through the cotton, but I don't seem to have that happen and times have changed. Poly threads have significantly changed since the 70s! Never noticed any thread shrinkage issues, but I tend to only lightly quilt and not do the heavy quilted currently favored.
About 10 years ago now, I started using my friend's long arm which could not wind a decent bobbin to save our quilting lives and sanity. Started buying prewound M bobbins from Superior Threads, could find L locally but not so much M... Started using So Fine! and now pretty much use it all the time, top thread, bottom thread, both piecing and quilting. But then I won an auction and got a huge lot (basically if I don't care about color I have a lifetime supply) for next to nothing. It worked well in my ex-machine "Cranky Bernie" the Bernina, it works in my vintage machines. Edit: Forgot to say using it right now in my semi-industrial (fast) straight stitch Juki.
BTW, Superior Threads has a Labor Day sale going on! (best sales link on home page, not so fine page)
https://www.superiorthreads.com/thre...-fine-50/c/116
About 10 years ago now, I started using my friend's long arm which could not wind a decent bobbin to save our quilting lives and sanity. Started buying prewound M bobbins from Superior Threads, could find L locally but not so much M... Started using So Fine! and now pretty much use it all the time, top thread, bottom thread, both piecing and quilting. But then I won an auction and got a huge lot (basically if I don't care about color I have a lifetime supply) for next to nothing. It worked well in my ex-machine "Cranky Bernie" the Bernina, it works in my vintage machines. Edit: Forgot to say using it right now in my semi-industrial (fast) straight stitch Juki.
BTW, Superior Threads has a Labor Day sale going on! (best sales link on home page, not so fine page)
https://www.superiorthreads.com/thre...-fine-50/c/116
Last edited by Iceblossom; 09-02-2025 at 06:28 AM.
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,682
I have used all kinds of threads for quilting and haven't noticed any difference in the wear and tear of the final product. I've used coats and Clark and serger thread and a lot of the polyesters. If I like it and it works with a project I use it. My machine isn't fussy.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 17,810
I used Glide for piecing and quilting. It's easier to buy one brand and not have to change needles and adjust tension with different thread. I use the Glide magna prefilled bobbins. I rarely have thread issues. I'd say choose a thread you like your machine likes and only buy that brand. For decorative or embroidery, now that is a whole other world of threads.
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Virginia
Posts: 295
Yes, I've used Omni thread and I love it. My first choice for FMQ on my Bernina was King Tut, but she refused to work and play well with ir. So I tried her on Omni and she does just great! Superior Threads also has Omni-V which is a variegated thread. I've not tried it yet but it looks beautiful.
#9
For piecing I use Bottom Line, or similar 60 weight thread. For quilting I use mostly tri-lobal poly threads, though I also use Bottom Line or MicroQuilter if I want a thinner thread. I don't use cotton threads because of the lint, but for some reason I still prefer to do my hand stitching of the binding with cotton.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 2,167
I Like to use Gutermann or Metler Silk-finish (both 100% cotton) for piecing 100% cotton fabric. But I find that polyester threads behave better on my longarm and sit-down machines for free-motion quilting. Superior's So Fine is a 50 wt, so blends in better than Omni, which is 40 wt (a little thicker).

