Variegated thread tips

[LizinLR]

I saw somewhere a how to for quilting with variegated thread. Any tips?

[Jean Sewing Machine]

I love quilting with variegated thread. If your quilt has lots of colors in it, you don't have to match to one specific color, just pick the thread color that has the same tone as the majority of the quilt. If you are quilting with cream, a variegated cream gives dimension to your quilting. I use it in a lot of quilting projects!

[Sylvia H]

I like to see variegated threads on solids or solid like fabrics. I think the changes of color shows up the best in those fabrics. Many of the variegated threads that I have seen are the thicker threads, 40 wt, 30 wt and lower. When using these, remember to use the right size needle, and consider using a thinner thread in the bobbin.

I know when I use Sulky 30 wt, I have to use BottomLine 60 wt in my bobbin. This Sulky thread is the only one with which I have had problems. When I use Isacord 40 wt, I can use the same weight in the bobbin. If I am using a 40 wt cotton, I usually try to use the BottomLine bobbin thread. I have not quilted with anything thicker than 30 weight (except for bobbin quilting, and that is another topic), so I don't have any experience to share about those threads.

As with most quilting, it is good to have a practice piece to check out everything before starting on the quilt.

[K. McEuen]

I use variegated thread to quilt almost exclusively. Sometimes I will use matching, others contrasting. It all depends on what look I am going for.

[Bubby]

There are some small spools of Aurifil variegated thread for sale here at M*. They are quite affordable and would be a great way to get started.

[Iris Girl]

I love using variegated threads for quilting. It adds a certain pop.

[bhaggerty]

I also really love quilting with variegated thread! Love it!!!

[Heather]

The only thing I might suggest is to pay attention to the repeat / length of the color change with regard to the quilting you plan to do. I like variegated thread too, but sometimes you can lose the color change in the quilting.

[SisterDi]

I'm not sure if it was a video or a blog I saw recently, but I saw a tip where someone tried pulling her bobbin thread up to match the same place in the color change as the top thread. She said it worked for her, as she was worried about darker bits of color poking through to the front where the lighter was and vice versa. I don't know if I'd worry about that so much if my tension seemed okay, but one never knows when quilting with fabrics other than 100% cotton, like a T-shirt or memory quilt.

I haven't tried this out myself. I bought some variegated thread, but haven't had a project to use it on yet.

[Judy Kay]

Variegated thread is beautiful when using decorative stitches and machine applique. I Am a hand quilter and love u sing the variegated thread especially on baby quilts.