Threads, threads, threads....

[mwill]

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

[stitching woman]

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.

[coffeebreak]

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!

[LynneLeavell]

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.

[buckeyequilter]

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.

[Bubby]

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

[happygram]

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.

[alwaysinmyroom]

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!

[zenkitty]

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.

[K. McEuen]

I too use the Egyptian cotton thread from Connecting Threads.