what thread to use for FMQ

[happy2travel]

Please advise as to what thread to use for Free Motion Quilting. I like an ecru color and want a spool which will fit on my Emerald from Husqvarna Viking sewing machine.

Do you use the Little Genie Magic Bobbin Washers for free motion quilting?

Thanks
Catherine

[Claire Hallman]

I don't use the little genie, I bought some and used them once but have not bothered since then.
I frequently use embroidery thread on my FMQ but have also used YLI cotton and anything else that looks nice with my top. I also have a Viking but a Sapphire, like that machine a lot.

[janbee]

I do use the bobbin washers and in fact, just leave them in my bobbin all the time for all kinds of sewing. I LOVE Superior Thread for FMQ and I ALWAYS use the Superior Bottom Line Bobbin thread when FMQ. You will love this very fine bobbin thread for other uses as well such as applique and machine embroidery.

[JCY]

lol ~ I don't even know what bobbin washers are! I have an H Viking Opal 670. I used to have the Emerald 183. My favorite thread is King Tut. But... I bought some Signature 40 wt. thread last yr. at the quilt festival for a trial--much cheaper. The LAQer said they were using it a lot now. I'm pleased with it. I've also used YLI, but it's heavier. Even though it says 40 wt., my quilt shop owner said it's almost 30 wt. I was having tension problems, so went in to see my dealer/repairman. He gave me another bobbin on which he adjusted the bobbin tension to the quilting thread. I use the bobbin which came with my machine, for reg. stitching & with the walking foot & the other one for FMQ. Usually the upper tension needs to be adjusted to a lower number. Sew several sample stitches to see if it looks ok. It seems to take some trial & error till it looks right. I always make a sample block/sandwich of the same fabrics in the quilt (both top & bottom) for trial FMQ. I also use the same brand/weight thread (not necessarily the same color) in both the top & bobbin when FMQ. If your machine is computerized, it makes a difference as to which setting you use when selecting fabrics (woven light, med., or heavy). Good luck. JCY

[Sylvia H]

I have had the most consistent success with using Isacord 40 weight thread for my FMQ, particularly when I am doing any curvy type stitches. This is a poly thread. I either put Isacord in the bobbin as well, or use a 60 weight bobbin thread. If I am doing straight quilting with a walking foot, I sometimes use a 30 or 40 weight cotton thread, usually with bobbin thread. I just don't have success with cotton thread and curvy quilting.

[bubba]

I always use Aurifil on the top and Superior Bottomline in the bobbin.....always.

[happy2travel]

Thank you all for your replies. I will make notes and look into my thread choices.

[Lightwriter]

I like the Isacord a lot for FMQ. My machine is fairly picky about thread and loves Isacord. I tried to Bobbin Genie, just didn't seem to do much for my machine. Good luck finding the best thread for you and your machine.

[Annav]

I have that connecting threads cotton works really well for Fmq. I always use the same thread in top and bobbin, and I prefer to match my color thread to the colors in my quilt, depending on the effect I am looking for.