Which thread should I buy?

[laf512]

I'm a little overwhelmed by thread choices. Can someone tell me which thread I should buy? I have a Janome 4612TM if that makes a difference in recommendations. I have Joann's, Hobby Lobby, and Michaels near me as well as a very small local quilt shop...I have no idea what brands of thread she sells in her shop though.

And do I use the same brand/type of thread for both piecing and quilting?

[cyndiofthevortex]

My favorite brand hands-down is Aurifil. Other brands fill up my bobbin area with lint so quickly but not this. My machine and I both love it. I also use Guttermann's because it's on sale so often at Joann's and it comes in so many beautiful colors, but I have to clean out my bobbin case after every used bobbin and I collect a lot of lint, which is bad, bad, bad for your machine. I'd also ask at your LQS to see what they sell there - they are usually a great source of information.

[Gayle8675309]

All I use is Connecting Threads thread. I've heard a lot of other quilters say that they love it too. Here is a link:
http://www.connectingthreads.com/thr...Thread--600902

If you don't want to buy online, then I would suggest Gutermann 60 weight thread. Here's a link to Joanns...they should have it in store also.
http://www.joann.com/gutermann-natur...d/xprd1130586/

For regular piecing and sewing, I always use the 60 weight thread. For quilting, you can use the same thread, but if you want your quilting to show up more defined use a larger thread...like a 30 weight thread. (they get thicker as the numbers go down...a 12 weight thread is quite thick, and a 60 weight thread is thinner.)

I stick with 100% cotton thread, but I've heard other quilters say they like polyester. So really, it's up to you to experiment and see what your machine and you like.

Gayle

[Auntpiggylpn]

I am a die hard Coats & Clark Dual Duty XP user. I have a Janome also. The dual duty XP is a poly covered poly. Some quilters feel the Coats & Clark thread is too linty. I have only found that to be true with the cotton threads though. I buy it at Joanns or Hancock Fabrics.

[laf512]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

[Tanya D]

I'm not an expert on thread...I simply use Gutterman for everything I've ever made and never had any trouble with it. Their color selection is vast and I usually buy it on sale.

[Jess1377]

I have tried Gutterman, Coats Dual Duty, and the Connecting Threads brand thread and have found that the Gutterman and Coats brand worked best in my machine. I wonder if it has anything to do with the automatic tension feature in my machine, but really those just work best for me. Though I love the connecting threads colors, their prices and just how it feels however I think I like the final look of the Gutterman and Coats brand produce. I have a Singer Confidence btw and no experience with Janome yet either.

[MartinaG]

I would recommend that you buy a few different brands and types and see what your machine likes. I use the same thread for piecing and for quilting - right now a 50 wt 3ply cotton from Connecting Threads. It is a bit linty but I still like it. For piecing I stock up on neutrals and then I have assorted colors for quilting.

My favorite variegated thread is Star thread from Coats and Clark.

When I bought my quilting machine, I got a smoking deal of free polyester thread in assorted colors. Plan to use it up when the color fits.

Regardless of what I buy, I always get it on sale. Guterman, Madeira, Superior.....I'd say start with a basic assortment and work from there. Thread can be a siren call just like fabric and soon you'll drown in spools. lol

[HdWench]

Agree -- I was told when I first was learning to quilt (gee only in November!), to use 100% cotton -- well I bought 3 neutral colors and tried it. My Pfaff just about had a heart attack!! Nope, that machine LOVES poly thread. My newest machine Viking quilter, hates the all cotton too, it is loving the coats and clark Poly covered cotton -- YOUR machine will let you know :-)

Good luck

;-Debbie

[laf512]

If I get all these threads to try, is it a big deal if I use various brands to piece my quilt top together or should I use the same one throughout?