Printable View
Okay, need info here....I was standing infront of a HUGE selection of threads at JoAnn's and I was just in awwww thinking to myself "What threads do I need for my quilting compaired to sewing? What is better? What holds up? AHHHHH....I am going crazy. If you all would, be specific on which for quilting and sewing patterns PLEASE!
Thanks for all the support,
Marsha
Marsha, I always use 100% cotton thread when I piece and when I quilt. I love Mettler thread for piecing. Others will be along to recommend some other really good thread.
I'd like to know that also. Years ago when I had my Singer 2010 machine...It'd get all jammed up and I had a repair guy come our every couple months to fix it. He then told me my problem was that I was using cheap cotton thread. THe fluff from the thread was jamming the bobbin cage. He showed me how to clean it out and then said "use nothing but cotton covered polyester"...no more fluff but strong thread. So that is what I have been using Coats and Clark brand.
However, I have heard hear that isn't so great anymore. I also have started quilting and want the best thread for that too. I have a new SInger 9960 and have noticed (and can't figure out why) the cotton covered poly tends to fray and make fluff near the needle end of the thread. Never happened before and doesnt' happen all the time, but just last week, I opened the plated that covers the bobbin cage and the fluff and "lint" was just caked in there! Granted, I did do two twin size quilts on this machine that had fleece backings so I know that was some, but I am sure the there was some threads in there too.
So, let's hear it for the best quilting type and brand thread and also if anyone has suggestions for the best for other sewing..I have 3 little grand daughters and with spring and summer coming up..they will be needing dresses!
I use the Coats and Clark Dual Duty for sewing my quilt tops together. I have also used the Gueterman's 100% cotton thread as well. It doesn't go as far as the Coats and Clark and is more expensive than the Coats and Clark. I have been using the Coats and Clark as long as I have been sewing (40 years) and I haven't had any problems. I guess it's your preference and what you can afford. Don't use super cheap thread but a good quality. Just be careful at Joann's and pay attention to the price. Some of there Guettermans and Sulkey Threads are up there in price. Good Luck.
I've been wondering the same thing I have a brother embroidery/sewing machine and haven't had any problems with it. I just got a new Singer and have had to take my bobbin casing out a few times and clean it. I'm thinking the Singer doesn't like the thread I use. I guess I'll just start picking up some various brands until I find one that is useable.
I use the 100% cotton thread from Connecting Threads.com for all my machine piecing. There are 1200 yards on a spool and it comes in every color of the rainbow. It also costs about $2.50 a spool, sometimes less when on sale. I prefer 100% cotton for hand and machine quilting. I use the cotton thread from Connecting Threads when I machine quilt small projects....I don't machine quilt large projects, but send them out to my LAQer, who uses polyester thread because it works well with her machine.
Barb
I'd never call myself an experienced quilter, but I'd be happy to pass along the information I got when I bought my machine.
It was suggested to use Aurifil (sp) 50 weight for piecing, and I've never had any trouble with it at all. It's fairly expensive, but the spool is really large. The brand comes in several weights and really doesn't leave any fuzz or lint behind.
I'm sure there'll be lots of recommendations that'll be most helpful. Happy Sewing.
I also use thread I purchase from Connecting Threads! The spools are generous and if you buy in bulk, it is even better! I tend to buy mostly white and black, but have recently purchased several colors...I am not at all happy with the threads I have purchased at local stores...the quality seems to have gone down...I have found knots, weak spots, dirt marks on the thread that you can't see when you purchase, and lots of fraying...
I would not want my hard work to go down the drain for a few extra pennies the better threads cost!
I discovered it all depends on what your machine likes. I have used all kinds of expensive brands and would get broken threads, or it would knot up. So experiment with them. I have found that Aurifil and Gutermen work best for my machine. I haven't tried the Connecting Threads as yet. Some Coats&Clark work, and some don't.
I too use the Egyptian cotton thread from Connecting Threads.
I think I will order some from Connecting Threads and try those, they have some gorgeous colors, but I'm going to start with white and black. Thanks for the help http://im-smiley.com/imgs/girly/girly004.gif
I use Superior Threads So Fine....available at my local Sew and Save store...expensive but my machines like it....I have had several problems with the Coats and Clark thread....doesn't work well in my machines and is linty, linty, linty.....when I wound 10 bobbins for a quilt I had to dust off the top of my machine...it was covered in lint just from winding the bobbins and I know this because I had just cleaned the entire machine as I was between quilts and that's when I clean out the bobbin case and dust everything off! I also like Gutterman and Aurfil as well
You'll have to see what YOUR MACHINE likes best.. then buy in bulk!! I have a Singer over 20 yrs old and it can take about anything except the cheepies. Then my newer Singer only likes 50 wt all cotton--but needs cleaning often. I love the Connecting Threads and so does both my machines..
I use 100 percent cotton thread as well. Gutterman, mettler, aurifil ( I may have that last one spelled wrong) There are a lot of good threads out there. I think you will find you will use whatever your machine likes. My repair man did tell me never to use coats and clark. It is what keeps him in business he said
I'm with the ladies that get thread from Connecting Threads, great prices and the 100% Egyptian cotton thread works well in my machine. I tend to use black, white, and lots of off-white (cream) threads. I have a variety of colors, but tend to fall back on the three basics.
Lin
Both my Singer and Brother love the Connecting 100% 50 weight Egyptian cotton thread. They both hate anything C&C, too much fuzz and uneven in thread width, so it constantly breaks.
I would say spend a few dollars more for the 1000 yard per spool of better thread, think of how much you spend on fabric and your time. Really if you divide that 1000 yard/spool of thread even if you spend $7 by 3000 feet that's .002 per foot of thread. lol Really nothing in the big scheme of your quilt cost. The 50 weight tends to blend better into the fabric and is a better component of giving you a scant 1/4" seam. In my humble opinion, your milage may vary. :)
I must say that I never knew there was such a choice out there...WOW!! Is there any good web sites that offer good prices on some of these threads????
Well from looking at the messages....I'll think I'll clean out my thread drawer and start restocking.
I understand your feelings Shirley. If this had a like button it like facebook does, I would have been pounding on it for your message :)Quote:
Originally Posted by ShirleyPickett
All I had in my sewing room when I started quilting 1.5 years ago was Coats and Clark thread and some spools of serger thread. I never knew about the different types of thread available or the situations for using them. I have since become a believer in finding the right thread for the right machine and specific job at hand.
I agree that C&C thread tends to create a lot more lint and breaks easily. I still have so much I will continue to use it for regular sewing, purses and simple projects, but I have been building up a new supply of different threads for quilting. I REALLY like the Bottomline 60 WT bobbin thread for both top piecing and bobbin thread. It is available at Superior Threads and other online sites.
I also like Isacord 40 WT and several of the Sulky Brand variegated cottons or rayon/polys for decorative topstitch work. I just purchased some of the Connecting Threads 100% Egyptian Cotton also based on the reviews here and will try it out soon.
In addition to finding thread your machine likes, pay attention to the type and size needles you are using. For fine threads such as the 60 WT Bottomline I use in piecing, I use a 70/10 MicroTex Sharp Schmetz brand needle to keep the holes small and to help maintain 1/4" seams. When doing any kind of topstitching, thread painting or heavier weight threads I like using a 90/14 Topstitch needle which helps eliminate thread breakage and can handle bulkier threads. I sometimes run 2 different colored 40 WT or thinner threads through a topstitch needle at the same time and it works fine! :)
Here is a good article explaining all the different types of needles and when to use them:
http://quiltbug.com/articles/choosing-needle.htm
I just got rid of all of my low quality thread that I bought before realizing the difference between thread brands and types.
Now I piece exclusively with Aurifil 50 wt mako thread and I quilt with either Sulky or Aurifil thread. For machine embroidery I use Gutterman or Sulky threads.
Aurifil is expensive but my machine never has issues with it, it never breaks and I can get A LOT on a bobbin. It is wonderful for hand piecing too.
If you're free motion quilting and you notice lint flying up in the air I suggest getting rid of whatever thread that is. Your sewing machine will thank you for it!
Just used my first Aurifil thread for piecing from a recommendation from someone on this thread. It is indeed well worth it!! what a difference. When using regular thread (Coats & Clark) to make the pinwheel (ala Jenny) the middle where it always meets was always a little iffy. Now with Aurifil I just zip right through that joint. Thank you for the recommedation.
I would Luv to get some Aurifil thread....It's just so hard to Choose :).
I'd hate getting rid of all my not so good thread...It'll still be good for regular sewing too.
Maybe I can use it up on the Corded Fabric Bowls! :)
~Linda~ Thank-You for that Link.
Already Copied & Pasted :)
I was using Coats & Clark polyester and polyester/cotton thread. But yesterday I picked up some Gutermann's cotton - what a difference! That is what I will be using for all my quilting projects from now on. The Gutermann's was pricey so I think I will order some from Connecting Threads and try it.
I'm for sure looking at Connecting Threads to try out some nice thread. I didn't have much time to browse CT but I didn't notice anything besides the cotton thread. Does the same stuff work for machine quilting? Hand quilting? Is there a difference?
I just placed my first order with connecting threads! I got some cotton and some polyester (I'm machine quilting right now)
I never noticed how bad coats and clark was until I read this post and then I really started noticing all the lint - yuck! I think the machine quilting thread I bought at my local craft store is also Coates and Clark although it's called Star or some such.
I am so excited to try out new thread.
For piecing, I've been pretty faithful to Aurifil for several years, even though my sewing machine (Viking Designer SE) isn't picky at all. For quilting, on a frame with the HQ16, I tend to use 30-40wt poly core on top and everything from that to So Fine! and Bottom Line in the bobbin. Like the Viking, the HQ16 isn't picky, so I've had good luck with lots of threads, including trilobal variegated poly, King Tut and Sulky cottons, and So Fine! and Bottom Line on top.
For finishing the binding by machine I'm crazy about Invisafil 100#. It's just about invisible even when colors aren't matched.
I'm curious about those of you who said they usually buy black and white. I haven't bought black or white in years and can't remember the last time I used either on anything other than lingerie. If the quilt colors are warm, I use tan Aurifil. If cool, medium gray. Ivory is as close as I get to white, and then, only for the very lighhtest and white fabrics.
Just remembered a tip from another forum. Black threads tend to be the least consistent and most fragile because of the greater dependence on dye.
Has anyone tried the Guetterman (sp?) threads? How to they compare to the Aurifil and Coats and Clark?
I've used Mettler and Aurefil and didn't like it. Never tried Sulky but I would like to. I use Gutermann here and I really like it and then when I go to the States, I stock up on Coats and Clark Dual Duty. I always seem to go back to that.
Oh I am sooooooooooooooooo confused! LOL... I have never had any real problems with Coats and Clark but I will have to give some of the other brands a try.
I've just started using Gutermann's and I really like it. I'm going to be trying some other cotton threads too.Quote:
Originally Posted by aggiequilter
I had been using Coats and Clark to practice my free motion quilting. I finally got my batting in, so I got ready to finish my first quilt...I couldn't figure out why my fabric wouldn't feed. After digging through to find my manual, I found out it means there was too much lint with my feed dogs. So, after maybe 2 weeks of occasionally quilting, I already had to clean out the lint!!! No more Coats and Clark for me...I did use Aurefil to piece and quilt. It worked very well, but I don't know if I can sustain the cost for all the colors I have in mind. Ordered some Gutermann and some from Connecting Thread...will see what works best.